Commissioning

Commissioning works — tasks for service companies and specialists

Commissioning works are a set of measures for preparation, adjustment, testing and putting into operation of ship equipment, machinery and systems after installation, repair or modernisation. Commissioning ensures correct operation of equipment in specified modes, compliance with design parameters, manufacturer requirements and classification society rules. Errors during commissioning lead to accidents, failures, loss of warranty and disruption of vessel commissioning deadlines. The Steel Water task board publishes tasks for all types of commissioning works — from main engine adjustment to complex commissioning of automation systems and power plants.

Tasks are posted by shipowners, shipping companies, technical managers, shipyards, ship repair enterprises, equipment suppliers and service companies. Contractors are service companies, authorised manufacturer centres, specialised teams, commissioning engineers and individual experts with experience in ship equipment commissioning.

Types of commissioning works on the task board

• Main engine commissioning — adjustment, tuning, load testing, bringing to operating mode
• Auxiliary engine and generator commissioning — synchronisation, protection settings, parameter checks
• Ship system commissioning — fuel, oil, cooling, ballast, bilge systems
• Pump, separator, heat exchanger commissioning — performance checks, adjustment, testing
• Electrical equipment commissioning — switchboards, generators, cable networks, frequency converters
• Automation and control system commissioning — controllers, sensors, monitoring systems, alarm systems
• Deck machinery commissioning — cranes, winches, windlasses, capstans, hatch covers
• Propeller and steering gear commissioning — steering gears, thrusters, control systems
• Safety system commissioning — fire, life-saving, navigation, emergency systems
• Cargo system commissioning — cargo pumps, pipelines, valves, inert gas systems
• Complex power plant commissioning — verification of interaction of all systems under load
• Commissioning after modernisation — verification of new equipment, integration with existing systems

What to specify in a commissioning task

• Vessel — name, type, IMO, flag, class, location
• Equipment — type, manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, serial number, installation status
• Type of works — commissioning, adjustment, testing, bringing to mode, post-repair check
• Scope of works — list of systems and mechanisms, what to adjust, check, test
• Documents — manufacturer instructions, design documentation, diagrams, installation protocols, defect lists
• Location — port, shipyard, anchorage, afloat or in dock, region
• Timeline — planned start and completion dates, tied to vessel commissioning
• Requirements for contractor — certificates, approvals, manufacturer authorisation, experience commissioning similar equipment
• Class and survey — whether classification society involvement is required, what documents are needed after commissioning
• Report format — work completion act, test protocols, commissioning certificates, warranty obligations

What matters for service companies and commissioning specialists

When responding to a task, specify: experience commissioning ship equipment of similar type and manufacturer, availability of manufacturer authorisations (Wärtsilä, MAN, Caterpillar, ABB, Siemens, Kongsberg, etc.), certified commissioning engineers in mechanics, electrical, automation and hydraulics, availability of calibrated measuring equipment and diagnostic complexes, valid certificates and approvals (classification societies, ISO, manufacturers), readiness to perform works within the specified timeline and location, ability to conduct load testing and produce protocols, experience with classification societies and surveyors, as well as readiness to provide a warranty on completed works. If commissioning is tied to vessel commissioning after repair or modernisation — specify experience participating in such projects.

Documents and safety

Commissioning works are performed in accordance with the requirements of classification societies, international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC), equipment manufacturer instructions and labour protection rules. When working in the engine room, with electrical equipment, pressurised hydraulics, rotating machinery and at height, safety requirements are observed: work permit, personal protective equipment, gas-air environment control, fencing of danger zones, equipment lockout, trial runs under supervision. Test protocols, commissioning certificates, work completion acts and entries in ship documents are mandatory elements of the report. If you have experience with such standards — mention it in your response.

Post commissioning works tasks for free — find a service company or commissioning engineer in the required region. Or respond if you have experience, specialists and readiness to perform the works. All active tasks — in the Commissioning Works section.

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