Testing and Trials after building and constructing a ship… Part (3)

Sorry that it took a few days between this part and part-2, as I’ve been wrestling with my computer which has been giving me quite some trouble for a few days. My apologies. As promised in the last post, in this part I’ll discuss about the activities conducted in the sea trial. These activities may not always be the same and may differ according to the type of ships but generally speaking they have the same concept. Below is the list of typical sea trial activities:

1. Depart Shipyard.
2. Ballast to Trial Draft.
3. Adjust Navigational Aids and Communication Equipments.
4. Standardization Runs
5. Starting Test of Main Engine
6. Minimum Revolution Test
7. Measurement of Torsional Vibration
8. Test of Exhaust Gas Economizer Evaporation
9. Test of Fresh Water Generation
10. Main Engine Remote Control Test
11. Blackout and Recovery Test of Main Generator
12. Unmanned Engine Room Operation Test
13. Fire Detecting Test
14. Other Items for Machinery Parts including
    (a) Start/Stop Test of Emergency Ventilation
    (b) Turbocharger Cleaning Tests
15. Main Engine Start/Stop Using H.F.O
16. Economy Run at Normal Power Ahead.
17. Water Rate Test
18. Boiler Overload Test
19. Speed Trial
20. Endurance Run at Maximum Power Ahead
21. Vibration Measurement (During Endurance Run)
22. Noise Measurement (During Endurance Run)
23. Turning Test (Maneuvering Test)
    (a) Perform Turning Circles.
    (b) Perform Z maneuver (Zig Zag Maneuvering Test)
    (c) Ahead Steering Gear Test (Rudder Hard Over to Hard Over)
    (d) Low Speed Rudder Effectiveness Test
    (e) Emergency Steering Test
    (f) Astern Steering Gear Test (Rudder Hard Over to Hard Over)
24. Ahead Crash Stop Test (Crash Stop to Full Power Astern; Measure Reach).
25. Endurance Run at Maximum Power Astern
26. Astern Crash Stop Test (Crash Stop to Full Power Ahead; Measure Reach)
27. Inertia/Momentum Test
28. Anchoring Test
29. Measurement of Crankshaft Deflection when Hot
30. Main Engine Viscosity Control Test
31. Run at Desired Lower Power Ahead
32. Seakeeping Test
33. Deballast
34. Return to Shipyard.

Sea trials are also referred to as “shakedown cruise”. It is usually last phase of construction and performed in open water, which can lasts from a few hours to a few days. Sea trials are conducted to measure a vessel’s performance and general seaworthiness.Sea trials can also refer to a short test trip undertaken by a prospective buyer of a new or used vessel as one determining factor in whether to purchase the vessel.

Ok. That’s all for now. And thanks again for your time.

Htike Aung Kyaw

References:

–          Ship Production, Second Edition, by Richard Lee Storch, Colin P. Hammon, Howard M. Bunch and Richard C. Moore

–          The GlobMaritime Network

–         Sea Trial – Wikipedia