Naval engineering or naval architecture is about building new ships or creating ship conversions. Naval engineering not only encompasses any ship type sailing under their own power or floating in one location, but also cargo vessels, offshore vessels, FPSOs, submersibles and supply vessels.
Obviously, a naval engineering company works with the IMO rules and regulations, class societies, rules set out by various flag states or local authorities. This complete set of rules and regulations is constantly changing and moving towards zero-emission levels due to the climate crisis and current economic situation. This forces ship owners and operators to take action and have their ship of fleet adjusted accordingly.
Recent developments in the energy markets, rising prices and changing climatic situations specifically force ship owners to reconsider the purpose of their ship or fleet. Naval engineering companies are increasingly contracted for projects involving the repurposing of ships. By repurposing a ship, conversions are made and the ship’s life is extended.
Ship conversions are a lengthy and complex process that calls for the expertise of a naval engineer from the start. It is therefore recommended to partner-up with a naval engineering company. Based on the new purpose, a naval engineer will recalculate the ship’s stability, ship movements, resistance, and propulsion. The (re)implementation of fuel systems, ballast water and its treatment, fresh water and lubricants are typical naval engineering territory as well.
Saltwater specialises in custom engineering solutions. By acting as your partner, you receive our full attention. In close cooperation with you, we come up with the ultimate solution for your specific situation. Saltwater has expertise in various markets, such as the offshore decommissioning and renewable energy market, heavy lift shipping, yacht building, maritime transport and offshore oil and gas markets. We take pride in our name and take custom naval engineering literally.
Saltwater are a dynamic team of naval engineers. We keep abreast of the latest developments and future technologies. We are not set in our ways, but act as agile partner in your project, coming up with creative solutions. By taking ownership of your project and keeping the lines of communication short we create quality solutions.
The maritime industry has much to consider right now. We live in a time of challenging economic circumstances, frequently changing regulations, and all the complexities of a climate crisis. Collectively, these factors are stimulating action and driving innovation, so that the sector is becoming increasingly dynamic.
Amongst the many transformations taking place, is an interesting new trend which, according to Saltwater CEO Sander Broekmeulen, offers an answer to many of the current industrial challenges. Conversions have long offered opportunity for diversifying a vessel’s scope of work. Typically, this has involved the removal and addition of certain components and equipment. This modular approach to conversion provides flexibility for the future. Once a contract is ended, the vessel can be repurposed for the next one. Recently, however, the maritime and offshore engineering specialist has witnessed an increase in orders for the long-term conversion of existing vessels, in place of newbuild projects.
The expertise of Saltwater in practice
Saltwater performed a feasibility check on a proposal to convert the PSV Skandi Sotra to a cable laying vessel.
Are you facing a challenge?
Our team of professional, multi-disciplined marine engineers is very talented. Every member is equally important and that makes us a tight-knit group. Every week brings new challenges, and every week we work together to meet them.
