Top 5 Essential Elevator Considerations for Shipowners: Maintenance, Safety, and ROI

October 30, 2024

Elevators on ships play an essential role in enhancing crew mobility, improving operational efficiency, and supporting essential maintenance tasks. For shipowners, however, the unique challenges of maritime environments—saltwater exposure, constant movement, and regulatory requirements—make elevators both an asset and a responsibility. This guide explores the top five considerations for shipowners when it comes to elevators, covering critical areas like maintenance, safety, and return on investment. With an understanding of these issues, shipowners can better manage elevator systems to ensure longevity, reliability, and compliance.

#1 Maintenance and Reliability in Marine Environments

One of the primary concerns for shipowners is keeping elevators operational and minimizing downtime. Elevators on ships are exposed to tough marine conditions, including high humidity, saltwater, and constant vibrations, which can lead to premature wear and mechanical issues. Regular, thorough maintenance is critical for ensuring that these elevators stay functional and safe, providing the necessary support to crew members and overall ship operations.

ShipUniverse: Key Maintenance Practices for Elevator Reliability on Ships
Maintenance Area	Suggested Actions	Key Tip	Frequency
Corrosion Control	Regularly inspect and apply anti-corrosive coatings on all metal components, including cables, rails, and elevator shafts.	Focus on areas exposed to saltwater or high humidity; reapply coating more frequently if the ship operates in extreme saltwater environments.	Every 3-6 months
Hydraulic and Lubrication System	Check hydraulic fluid levels and lubrication of moving parts. Replace or refill fluids as needed to prevent friction damage.	Use marine-grade lubricants designed to withstand high humidity and salt exposure for optimal results.	Monthly, with fluid replacement every 6 months
Electrical Components	Inspect wiring, control panels, and connections for corrosion or moisture damage. Replace worn or damaged parts promptly.	Seal all electrical enclosures and use corrosion-resistant connectors where possible.	Every 6 months
Shock Absorption System	Check shock absorbers and springs to ensure they can withstand constant ship movement. Replace parts that show wear.	Use high-resilience materials rated for marine use to enhance durability.	Annually
Door Mechanisms and Seals	Inspect elevator doors and seals to ensure they close properly and are resistant to moisture ingress.	Replace rubber seals with marine-grade versions if frequent moisture is detected inside the elevator.	Every 3 months
Regular Operational Testing	Conduct monthly tests of the elevator’s operation, checking for smoothness, reliability, and emergency stop functions.	Keep a log of each operational test and report any irregularities immediately.	Monthly
Inspection of Cables and Hoists	Check cables and hoists for wear, fraying, and signs of rust. Replace immediately if any damage is found.	Store extra cables onboard to reduce downtime in case of emergency replacement needs.	Every 6 months

#2 Safety Features and Emergency Protocols

Elevators on ships must be equipped with robust safety features to handle the unique challenges of the marine environment. From unpredictable ship movement to potential power outages, the risks are different from those faced by land-based elevators. For shipowners, ensuring that elevators are equipped with the right safety systems and emergency protocols is essential for protecting the crew and minimizing operational disruptions. This section covers the key safety features that should be present in ship elevators and outlines the emergency protocols that help ensure quick, effective responses in case of failure.

ShipUniverse: Essential Safety Features and Emergency Protocols for Ship Elevators
Safety Feature / Protocol	Description	Key Tip	Implementation Frequency
Emergency Power Backup	Equip the elevator with an emergency battery system or generator connection to maintain operation during power outages.	Test the backup system regularly to ensure reliability in case of main power loss.	Every 6 months
Anti-Sway Braking System	Install an anti-sway braking system to stabilize the elevator during rough seas, reducing movement and improving crew safety.	Consider additional stabilization for routes in rough weather zones.	Annually
Emergency Communication System	Provide an emergency communication system (e.g., two-way radio or intercom) inside the elevator for contact with crew in case of entrapment.	Ensure the system is part of crew emergency training, and check functionality during routine tests.	Monthly
Emergency Stop and Manual Override	Install an emergency stop button and manual override system to allow quick, safe halting of the elevator in emergencies.	Instruct crew on proper use of emergency stops during training sessions.	Annually, with crew training
Automatic Leveling System	An automatic leveling system aligns the elevator with deck floors, accounting for ship movement to prevent tripping hazards during entry and exit.	Calibrate the system regularly, especially before departure on long routes.	Every 3 months
Fire-Resistant Materials	Ensure that elevator interiors are constructed with fire-resistant materials to minimize fire risks and slow the spread if one occurs.	Inspect and maintain fireproof coatings or materials as needed.	Every 6 months
Entrapment Rescue Protocol	Establish a protocol for safely rescuing individuals trapped in the elevator. This includes training crew on access points and safe extrication techniques.	Conduct mock rescue drills to ensure crew readiness for elevator-related emergencies.	Annually
Alarm Systems	Install alarms that activate if the elevator door fails to close or if there is an unexpected stop. Alarms help alert the crew to malfunctions immediately.	Include alarm checks in regular elevator tests to ensure effectiveness.	Monthly

#3 Cost and Feasibility of Retrofitting Elevators on Ships

For older ships, adding an elevator can significantly improve crew efficiency and comfort, particularly for larger vessels with multiple decks. However, retrofitting an elevator into an existing ship requires careful evaluation of both costs and structural feasibility. From assessing available space to considering the ship’s stability and balance, shipowners must weigh the potential benefits of a retrofit against the investment required. Below we go over the key factors involved in retrofitting an elevator on a maritime vessel.

ShipUniverse: Key Considerations for Retrofitting Elevators on Ships
Consideration	Details	Key Tip	Estimated Cost Range (USD)
Space Availability	Assess available vertical and horizontal space to install an elevator shaft without compromising other operational areas.	Look for areas with minimal interference to existing structures to reduce the need for extensive modifications.	$50,000 – $150,000 for structural adjustments
Structural Reinforcement	Evaluate if additional reinforcements are required to support the elevator’s weight and maintain vessel stability.	Consider consulting a marine engineer to assess and design any necessary reinforcements.	$100,000 – $250,000 depending on reinforcement needs
Power Supply Integration	Determine if the existing power system can support an elevator or if an upgrade is needed to handle increased load.	Install a dedicated backup power system for uninterrupted elevator operation during outages.	$30,000 – $70,000 for power upgrades
Cost of the Elevator System	Choose between hydraulic or electric elevators, with marine-grade options preferred to withstand harsh conditions.	Hydraulic systems may be preferable for larger weight capacities, though electric elevators tend to be faster.	$100,000 – $300,000 depending on type and capacity
Installation Labor and Shipyard Time	Factor in labor costs for installation, which may require docking the ship for several weeks.	Plan installation during routine maintenance to reduce additional shipyard time costs.	$150,000 – $300,000 depending on duration and shipyard rates
Regulatory Compliance	Ensure that the retrofit meets international maritime regulations for safety and accessibility.	Work with regulatory consultants to avoid compliance issues or fines post-installation.	$10,000 – $20,000 for compliance consultation
Long-Term Maintenance Costs	Budget for ongoing maintenance specific to marine elevators, including corrosion protection and regular testing.	Use marine-grade lubricants and coatings to minimize corrosion and extend the elevator’s lifespan.	$5,000 – $10,000 annually

#4 Compliance with International Safety Standards

Compliance with international maritime safety standards is essential when installing or retrofitting elevators on ships. Ship elevators must adhere to rigorous guidelines to ensure they meet safety, operational, and environmental requirements, protecting both crew and the shipowner’s investment. Standards from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other regulatory bodies dictate specifications for elevator design, materials, and emergency preparedness.

ShipUniverse: Compliance Checklist for Ship Elevator Standards
Compliance Area	Requirement	Key Tip	Verification Frequency
Structural Safety Standards	Elevator shafts and support structures must meet the structural requirements outlined by IMO and classification societies, ensuring stability under ship movement.	Consult a marine structural engineer to verify compliance during installation and routine inspections.	Annually
Fire Safety Compliance	Elevators should be constructed with fire-resistant materials and equipped with fire suppression systems. Follow SOLAS regulations for fire safety on ships.	Ensure regular maintenance of fire suppression systems, and use fireproof materials in and around the elevator.	Every 6 months
Emergency Power and Backup Systems	IMO requires that elevators have backup power systems to allow safe evacuation in case of power loss, especially critical for crew safety at sea.	Test backup power systems regularly to ensure reliability in emergencies.	Every 6 months
Accessibility and Safety Signage	Install accessible entryways and safety signage in compliance with international standards. Signage should indicate safety protocols and emergency exits.	Conduct safety training to familiarize crew with elevator protocols and emergency exits.	Annually
Anti-Corrosion Standards	All elevator components exposed to the marine environment should be treated with anti-corrosive coatings, as specified by maritime standards.	Use marine-grade materials and inspect coatings regularly to prevent corrosion-related failures.	Every 3 months
Alarm and Emergency Communication Systems	Ensure that all elevators are equipped with alarms and communication systems that meet safety requirements for crew assistance in emergencies.	Test alarms monthly and provide regular training on using emergency communication devices.	Monthly
Inspection and Certification by Classification Societies	Elevators must undergo regular inspections by recognized classification societies, such as Lloyd’s Register or DNV, to verify safety and compliance.	Schedule inspections well in advance to avoid delays and ensure compliance with certification requirements.	Annually or per classification society requirements

#5 Operational Efficiency and Crew Productivity

Elevators on ships play a crucial role in enhancing crew productivity and overall operational efficiency, especially on larger vessels with multiple decks. When properly maintained and optimized, elevators help crew members transport tools, equipment, and themselves quickly and safely, saving time and reducing fatigue. Shipowners interested in boosting productivity recognize that an efficient, well-maintained elevator system contributes directly to smoother daily operations.

ShipUniverse: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Crew Productivity with Elevators
Efficiency Factor	Details	Key Tip	Impact on Productivity
Time Savings for Crew	Elevators reduce the time it takes for crew members to move between decks, especially when transporting tools or provisions.	Encourage using the elevator for equipment transport to save energy and improve efficiency during maintenance tasks.	High – Reduces non-productive time for critical tasks
Reduced Physical Strain on Crew	Elevators reduce fatigue by minimizing stair climbing, especially beneficial on large vessels or after long shifts.	Promote elevator use for routine tasks to conserve crew energy and reduce injury risk from carrying heavy loads.	High – Contributes to crew morale and safety
Improved Transport of Equipment and Supplies	Elevators make it easier to transport heavier equipment, reducing the number of crew needed for such tasks.	Coordinate elevator usage for shift changes to avoid congestion and improve task flow.	Moderate – Speeds up logistics and supply management
Enhanced Safety During Rough Seas	Using elevators instead of stairs reduces the risk of falls or injuries when the ship encounters rough seas.	Restrict stair access during rough conditions and prioritize elevator use for safe movement.	High – Minimizes injury risk, contributing to safer operations
Emergency Equipment Accessibility	Elevators allow quick transport of emergency equipment between decks, aiding response time in critical situations.	Train crew on emergency protocols using the elevator to speed up response time.	High – Increases readiness and response efficiency
Routine Maintenance Coordination	Elevators make it easier to schedule and perform regular maintenance checks across decks, improving efficiency for maintenance crews.	Plan maintenance tasks to reduce elevator downtime during high-use periods.	Moderate – Streamlines scheduling and accessibility

Incorporating elevators on maritime ships goes beyond simple convenience—it’s a strategic choice that enhances crew productivity, operational efficiency, and safety. By addressing key considerations such as maintenance, safety compliance, retrofit feasibility, and crew productivity, shipowners can maximize the value and longevity of onboard elevators. From meeting international safety standards to implementing effective maintenance protocols, investing in the right elevator solutions helps support smoother daily operations and improved crew well-being. With the right strategies in place, shipowners can ensure their elevators serve as valuable assets, contributing to a safer, more efficient vessel environment for years to come.