Ship Design

Vard Marine’s experienced, innovative naval architects and engineers specialize in bespoke ship designs with the flexibility to adapt to any client's requirements and shipyard’s capabilities.

We’ve achieved that perfect balance time and again with our extensive, diversified portfolio of proven designs. The evidence is truly our outstanding track record in shipbuilding around the world.

You want the best – and you’ll find us here at Vard Marine.

HMNZS Wellington P55 OPV ship design by Vard Marine at launching ceremony starboard view
Harry DeWolf Offshore Patrol Vessel under construction at shipyard

Our ship design philosophy

Our clients become our design partners, working together to identify the solution each challenge demands. 

Notably, one of our foremost design skills is listening – to learn as much as we can about each mission. What is its purpose? What conditions will the vessel be operating in? We bring these insights and our extensive vessel database to the design, focusing on the ship’s operation and the comfort and effectiveness of the people on board.

We know that each mission is unique, and we answer the challenge with uniquely designed solutions.

Vard Marine’s design process

Our teams have the experience and skills to shepherd each engagement from first feasibility studies right through to the ship’s Classification Society approval and production drawings.

We work with you to envision your vessel and identify your requirements. Next we draw from our extensive portfolio of existing ships, and research our parent company’s incomparable database of design features. In addition, we add in our up-to-date knowledge of ship-building construction costs.

The result: a vessel design with the right combination of features, operational effectiveness and price to achieve your mission.

Offshore Patrol Vessel under construction at shipyard designed by Vard Marine
Shipyard for maintenance, repair, refit, dry docking

The client advantage

We never lose sight of the end game, knowing that design is only the first step of the journey to a successful launch. Not only do we tailor our designs to each client’s requirements, we build in the flexibility to match each shipyard’s production capabilities.

Our contract design packages give a builder everything they need to provide a firm fixed price for delivery. So you can be sure your vessel will truly meet your needs – and your budget.

We don’t stop there

While many design firms reach the limits of their expertise at the end of the design phase, Vard Marine can continue to assist with construction support including:

  • a qualified bidders list and evaluation of shipyard bids
  • production drawings to support construction and outfit of the vessel
  • purchase specification and vendor selection
  • trials procedures and supervision
  • crew instruction and vessel operations manuals
  • vessel construction and onsite supervision through to commissioning and delivery.

Our continued presence through the build phase eliminates many of the direction changes that can slow progress and increase costs.

Bravante V Offshore Supply Vessel delivery ship designed by Vard Marine

Ready to talk?

Contact the Vard team and make your next project your most successful one.