Sea Trials
Sea Trials are the final testing programme carried out at sea before a ship is delivered from a newbuilding yard, or returned to service after a major repair or conversion. They verify that the vessel performs to the contract specification and the approved design.
Typical trials include the speed and power (progressive speed) trial, endurance and fuel-consumption tests, manoeuvring trials (turning circles and zig-zag), the crash-stop astern test, anchor trials, steering-gear tests, and the commissioning of main and auxiliary machinery, navigation and safety systems — all witnessed by the owner, the yard and the classification surveyor.
Sea trials are the last chance to prove the ship meets the contract before delivery is accepted and the final payment released. A speed or fuel-consumption shortfall found here can trigger contract penalties; the same shortfall found after delivery becomes the problem of the owner for the life of the ship.
What is tested during sea trials?
Speed and power, fuel consumption, manoeuvring (turning circles, zig-zag), crash-stop, steering gear, anchoring, and the commissioning of main and auxiliary machinery and navigation systems — all against the contract specification.