Sjøsatt

Sjøsatt is a Norwegian term referring to the launch of a vessel into the sea after construction. It is used for boats, ships and other floating structures, and marks a key milestone in shipbuilding and maritime operations. The word is a compound of sjø (sea) and satt (placed), and it is often used interchangeably with sjøsetting in everyday language, though sjøsetting can emphasize the broader process including the ceremonial aspects.

Typically the launch takes place from a dry dock, slipway, or building yard via rails or hydraulic systems. Support structures are removed or lowered, and the vessel enters the water either under its own power or with equipment help. After launch, sea trials examine stability, propulsion, steering, and seaworthiness before entering commercial service or ongoing testing.

In many shipyards, sjøsatt is accompanied by a naming or christening ceremony, in which a bottle is broken against the hull. The act is both practical and symbolic, signifying the vessel's first contact with the sea and its readiness for testing.

Historically and in modern times, launches are planned events aligned with production schedules and safety regulations. Documentation of the launch date is common, and environmental considerations are addressed, such as minimizing pollution during water entry.

Terminology: In Norwegian maritime language, 'sjøsatt' can describe the vessel after launch as well, e.g., 'den sjøsatte båten'.