Abstract: A method for shortening the start-up process of a steam turbine is provided which has a turbine housing and turbine components which are provided inside the turbine housing. The turbine components during operation come into contact with hot steam which flows through the turbine housing and include a turbine shaft which passes axially through the turbine housing. Sealing regions, which during operation of the steam turbine are acted upon by seal steam, are formed between the turbine shaft and the turbine housing. Thermal energy is fed to the steam turbine during a shutdown of said steam turbine, wherein seal steam is fed to the interior of the turbine housing during the shutdown of the steam turbine in order to heat and/or to keep warm the turbine components which are provided in the interior of the turbine housing.