Release for Shipment: What Must Be Closed Before Tower Internals Leave the Factory?
Finishing manufacturing does not automatically mean goods are ready to ship.
A tower-internals package may be physically complete while important:
- inspection;
- documentation;
- deviation;
- packaging
issues remain open.
Shipment release should therefore be a defined project milestone.
Manufacturing Completion
First confirm that all ordered items have actually been produced.
This sounds simple, but package orders may include:
- main internals;
- support hardware;
- spares;
- bolts;
- gaskets;
- loose accessories.
Missing small components can stop installation.
Inspection Completion
Required inspections should be complete.
Examples include:
- dimensional inspection;
- material verification;
- PMI;
- NDT;
- water testing;
- trial assembly.
Any incomplete hold point should be resolved before shipment.
NCR Closure
Open NCRs should be reviewed.
An item under unresolved nonconformance control should not be shipped simply because the vessel is about to sail.
If shipment with an open NCR is exceptionally approved, that decision should be explicit.
Concessions Approved
Where a nonconforming condition has been accepted by concession, the approval should be documented.
The final equipment configuration should be clear.
Final Drawings
The supplier should confirm that shipment corresponds to the latest approved manufacturing revision.
If as-built drawings are required before shipment, they should be available.
Material and QA Records
The project may require certain records before release, such as:
- MTC;
- COA;
- PMI report;
- dimensional report;
- test report.
Other MDR documents may follow later if the contract permits.
The release requirement should state which are mandatory before dispatch.
Quantity Reconciliation
Confirm:
- PO quantity;
- actual quantity;
- spare quantity;
- package count.
For random packing, reconcile the agreed commercial unit.
For sectional internals, reconcile piece marks.
Packaging
Verify packaging is suitable for:
- freight mode;
- lifting;
- storage;
- product protection.
Critical pieces should be correctly marked.
Packing List
The packing list should match the actual loaded goods.
It should not be created from an old preliminary BOM without physical reconciliation.
Shipping Marks
Check:
- equipment tag;
- package number;
- project name;
- gross/net weight;
- dimensions;
- handling marks.
TPI or Purchaser Release
If the ITP requires:
purchaser or TPI release,
obtain the required sign-off before dispatch.
Engineering Takeaway
Shipment release is the point where the supplier demonstrates that manufacturing, inspection, nonconformance disposition, quantity, documentation, and packaging are sufficiently complete for the goods to leave the factory.