Design & Engineering

Engineering support can cover all design stages, from the initial project idea to the final production drawing. Depending on the agreed scope, services may include:

• Vessel surveys, measurements and initial technical assessment
• 3D laser scanning and as-built data collection
• Technical feasibility assessment
• Concept development
• Basic design
• Preparation of class-approval documentation
• Detailed and production engineering
• Structural, mechanical, electrical and outfitting engineering
• Material and equipment specifications
• Fabrication and installation documentation
• Technical support during production
• On-site engineering supervision
• Engineering change control
• Final and as-built documentation where included in the agreed scope

This integrated approach helps identify technical challenges at an early stage, reduce uncertainty during fabrication and installation, and support effective cooperation between the shipowner, engineering team, shipyard, classification society and equipment suppliers.

A vessel conversion may involve a change of operational role, modified cargo capacity, new equipment, structural alterations or significant changes to the vessel’s machinery, electrical or auxiliary systems.

Our engineering teams can support conversion and modernisation projects involving:

• Change of operational role or service profile
• Vessel lengthening and major structural modifications
• Modification of machinery and propulsion systems
• Fuel-system alterations
• Installation of new deck machinery
• Installation or modification of cargo-handling equipment
• Accommodation and space-layout modifications
• Integration of new platforms, foundations and support structures
• Installation of additional technical systems
• Electrical and control-system integration
• Piping and ventilation modifications
• Reassessment of vessel weight and centre of gravity
• Stability and structural reassessment
• Preparation of documentation for class and statutory review
• Development of fabrication and installation drawings

Each conversion begins with an assessment of the existing vessel and the intended operational outcome. The proposed solution is developed with consideration for technical feasibility, vessel safety, applicable rules and production methods.

The result is a practical engineering basis that can be used by the shipyard, equipment suppliers and project team during execution.

When coordinated with BLRT Repair Yards, engineering can be connected directly with the shipyard’s project management and production capabilities for practical implementation on board.

Installing new equipment or systems on an existing vessel requires accurate information about the available space, existing arrangements and interfaces with the vessel’s structure and technical systems.

Engineering support is available for projects involving:

• Environmental compliance and emissions-reduction systems, including BWTS and exhaust gas cleaning systems
• Energy-efficiency upgrades
• Propulsion, fuel and hybrid-power system modifications
• Installation and integration of new machinery and auxiliary equipment
• Piping, ventilation and HVAC modifications
• Machinery foundations, equipment foundations and support structures
• Electrical distribution, automation and control-system integration

The required engineering scope is defined individually for each project, based on the vessel, equipment, available technical documentation and planned installation work.

3D laser scanning provides accurate dimensional information about existing vessel spaces, technical areas and structural arrangements. It is particularly useful for retrofit and conversion projects where new equipment must be integrated into limited or modified spaces.

The scanning scope is defined according to the planned modification and the engineering information required. Scanning can be performed at the shipyard, during a port stay or, subject to access, safety and operating conditions, on board a vessel in service.

Our interdisciplinary engineering structure covers the principal vessel design disciplines:

• Naval architecture
• Hull engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Outfitting engineering

Each project is supported by a dedicated engineering team and project leader, providing a clear structure for technical coordination and customer communication.

This multidisciplinary approach is particularly important for ship repair, conversion and retrofit projects, where structural, machinery, electrical and outfitting requirements often interact within limited vessel space.

Engineering services include tender documentation preparation, on-site technical supervision and project management.

Tender documentation helps define the technical scope before project execution and supports clear communication between the shipowner, engineering team, shipyard and equipment suppliers.

Project management and technical supervision help maintain coordination throughout the engineering and implementation stages.

On-site technical supervision is an engineering-support service and does not replace the responsibilities of the shipowner, classification society, statutory authorities or equipment manufacturers.

Our engineering teams use specialised vessel design, modelling and engineering software, including:

• AutoCAD
• AVEVA Marine
• ShipConstructor
• NUPAS CADMATIC
• MAXSURF
• Rhinoceros
• ANSYS
• SOLIDWORKS

The software used for each project depends on the vessel type, design stage, technical scope and required documentation.