To hull and back

A yard contracted naval architects to provide designs for four identical hulls in the summer of 2021. The hulls were to be the basis of a passenger vessel, and three different owners were destined to take delivery of these.

During the sea trials, excessive vibrations were noted that risked causing damage to the hull’s structure. With the architects’ consent, initial modifications were made to the vessels but the problem persisted.

An expert was asked to provide an analysis to assist in identifying the root cause. This showed the problems clearly emanated from negligent design. On the basis of this report, the naval architect revised their design and further modifications were made to the first vessel. This resolved the issue and the first vessel was delivered.

Owners and the yard then looked to the naval architect to pay for the rectification costs of EUR 41,000. These were paid by ITIC.