Overview

This chapter is really an introduction to the next four chapters that deal with measuring ship performance. They are:

• Speed performance on the measured mile.

• Endurance and fuel consumption tests.

• Manoeuvring tests and stopping characteristics.

• Residual tests.

In this Diary of Events, consideration has been given to covering the pro-forma sheet, to the completion of the vessel construction at the shipyard, to the dry-docking of the ship prior to the actual trials, to the final tests, to the supplies to the ship and to the 3-day actual Trial Trip programme itself.

For the shipbuilder Ship Trials are financially very important. When successfully completed, it means that an agreed percentage (15 20%) of the first cost of the new ship can be handed over by the shipowner.

During the building of a ship, the work is constantly monitored by ship surveyors. In the UK, Lloyds Surveyors generally examine the strength of the ship. This entails scantling plans inspection, types of material, types of welded joints, water-tightness tests, freeboard markings, electrical systems, fire prevention detection and extinction requirements, pumping and piping systems, boilers and other pressure vessels, refrigerated cargo installations, annual and special surveys, carriage of engineering spares, machinery and propulsion units, etc.

The Department of Transport (DfT) Surveyors generally look after the safety aspects. This entails examining all life-saving appliances, lifeboats, life-rafts, accommodation, heating, lighting and ventilation arrangements, gross and net tonnage values, carriage of grain arrangements, fire prevention detection and extinguishing arrangements, navigation lights, cargo ventilation systems, sound signals...