Commissioning
Commissioning is the structured process of bringing the systems of a ship to life and proving they work — individually, then together — after they are installed. Each system, from the main engine and generators to piping, electrical, control, navigation and safety systems, is flushed, energised, function-tested and set to work against its specification.
Commissioning runs through the later stages of outfitting and up to the harbour-acceptance and sea trials. It is where installation defects are found and corrected, and where the yard demonstrates to the owner and class that the systems perform before the ship goes to sea for final trials and delivery.
Commissioning is the bridge between building a ship and proving it works. Problems found and fixed at commissioning are cheap; the same problems found on sea trials, or in service after delivery, cost far more and delay the first earning voyage, so a disciplined commissioning programme protects the whole newbuilding schedule.
What is the difference between commissioning and sea trials?
Commissioning tests and proves each system at the yard, mostly alongside; sea trials then prove the complete ship performs at sea — speed, manoeuvring and endurance — before delivery.