Sea Trials

During the construction process the vessel and its appurtenances will be subjected to a series of ongoing tests, trials and inspections. After the construction and fitting out of the vessel have been completed, the shipbuilder will be required to test and commission the vessel and its appurtenances to demonstrate compliance with the specifications, prove the vessel’s proper functioning and fulfilment of performance requirements.

Dockside trials: This is to ensure correct performance of the specified equipment and the satisfactory operation of main propulsion alternators, main azimuthing propellers and electric motors, forward thruster units and prime movers, engine room auxiliary machinery, deck machinery, control systems etc. After satisfactory completion of the commissioning programme, inclining test and dock trials, the vessel will be required to undergo shipbuilder's trial and acceptance sea trials.

Shipbuilder's trial: During this technical trial, the following will be tested, namely: anchor tests, main propulsion tests, thruster tests, manoeuvring tests, speed test, testing of the electronic navigation equipment, magnetic compass correction, noise measurements, testing of electrical installation, rescue boat and davit system tests (if included), testing of arrc launch and recovery davit systems (if fitted), pump tests, testing of hatches, doors, ventilation systems, outfit equipment, cranes, davits and boom systems.

Sea trials: Such trials are carried out in suitable deep water area and on a measured distance. Examples of the tests that will be carried out on a regional supply vessel: Progressive speed tests (in accordance with relevant classification societies Code of Procedure for measured mile trials, or equivalent recognised trials procedural documents and methods), fuel consumption/ speed, torsional vibration test, manoeuvring test, emergency stop, bow thrusters test, stern thruster test, anchor test, steering gear test, bollard pull test, noise measurement, compass correction and adjustment, electronic equipment inclusive navigational and communication, electrical plant, pump test, testing of air-conditioning and ventilation systems, life boat/ rescue boat, watertight, cranes, dynamic positioning and fire fighting.

Risk Management: During sea trials, the risk of loss or damage to the vessel and personal injury, safe management and navigation of the vessel will be the responsibility of the shipbuilder. However, prudent shipbuilder will qualify this by providing exceptions if such loss, damage or injury is directly (or jointly) attributable to the negligence or tortious acts or omission of the buyer or its authorized representative on board the vessel during such trials.

Expenses and incidentals: Shipbuilder will also be required to provide and pay for the personnel, necessary stores, fuels, lubricants, pilotage, tugs and dues and all other costs associated with such trials. They will also be required to provide accommodation and messing arrangements for the buyer’s representatives and those on board the vessel for the duration of the trials. Should any fresh water or other consumable stores furnished by the shipbuilder for the trial run remain on board the vessel at the time of acceptance, it is normally agreed that buyer will buy them from the shipbuilder at the original purchase price, and payment effected upon delivery of the vessel

Notification: It is usually agreed that shipbuilder will have to provide adequate notice to enable the buyer's representatives and classification societies to attend the trials. However, if the buyer or its authorized representatives failed to attend such sea trials or inspections (despite prior notification), most contracts will provide that the trial report or certificate from shipbuilder, confirmed by the classification society will be conclusive. [Though in practice, this is unlikely to happen as buyer's representatives are always stationed on site]

Weather Condition: Some shipbuilding agreement or the contract specifications will indicate that trials will be conducted under ‘favorable weather conditions’ or “in weather deemed favorable’, failing which, shipbuilder will be entitled to postpone the trials. Whether this can be translated into an entitlement for an extension of the delivery schedule will depend wholly on the terms in the contract. Difficulties may arise in respect of speed trials, which attract liquidated damages in the event of deficiency. Such trials are usually required to be carried out under specific wind and sea conditions [i.e. wind speed shall not exceed Beaufort Wind Force 3 and vessel at 4.0 metres draft as specified in the specifications]. If the weather or draft conditions during sea trials differs from that of the contract specification, parties could agree that the speed trial be postponed or that adjustments be made by reference to the data obtained during model testing.

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