Commercial Vessel Consultancy

Specifications click to expand...

A comprehensive, detailed and carefully prepared specification is essential for ensuring that a vessel can be built, repaired or modified to meet the requirements of the Client. All too often, lack of professional advice at this stage leads to omissions or errors in the specification, resulting in costly variations during build.

David M. Cannell & Associates can draw on our long experience of the design and operation of commercial vessels to ensure that a specification document is complete and accurate, helping to minimise the possibility of delays or increased costs during build.

Tenders and Contracts click to expand...

The preparation of tender and contract documents and analysis of tenders received requires the technical and legal expertise that David M. Cannell & Associates can provide. Poor documentation or inadequate analysis can result in an excessively time consuming and expensive tender process, and in escalation of costs and missed deadlines during build. Professional advice at this stage is crucial in ensuring that the client receives the value, efficiency and capability required to successfully complete their project.

MCA Codes of Practice click to expand...

David M. Cannell & Associates can undertake certification of vessels to the MCA Small Craft Code and advise on code-related matters. Documents required such as stability books or structural assessments can be prepared. We are also employed to advise on vessels greater than 24m load line length, to meet the various MCA requirements.

Modifications click to expand...

In many cases, the useful service life of a vessel can be extended by updating and upgrading, or by modifying for a new role. Upgrading and modifying can be very successful if well executed, but a poorly planned modification can leave a vessel with little purpose and little value. David M. Cannell & Associates can advise on modifications and provide design work, specifications and consultancy to ensure that the modified vessel is fit for purpose, that work is completed to budget and that the value of the vessel is not compromised.

Regulatory Advice click to expand...

The maritime regulatory and legislative environment can be a minefield! David M. Cannell & Associates can help you navigate this complex issue, helping to ensure that vessels, crews and operating protocols comply with the relevant legislation. We can advise on the classification and coding of large and small commercial vessels, certification and training of crews, ISM and ISPS, MLC2006 and most regulatory issues.

Stability Assessments click to expand...

On completion of a new build, or after major refit/modification work, it is essential for all commercial vessels to undergo an inclining experiment to allow the production of a stability book. David M. Cannell & Associates can undertake this work for vessels of all sizes and types.

In addition, we can analyse particular stability problems including dynamic stability issues on fast vessels, can design solutions to overcome stability issues and can undertake on site analysis when circumstances require, such as during salvage operations.

We can provide technical advice and design work for the retro-fitting of active stabilisation options, and of lifting gear.

We can provide predictive stability assessments prior to undertaking refit or modification work, ensuring that any changes do not compromise the stability characteristics of the vessel.

Structural Assessments click to expand...

David M. Cannell & Associates has long been involved in assessing and designing vessel structures and is able to analyse and report on a structure whether steel, aluminium alloy, GRP/FRP or wood. We can analyse the likely performance of a vessel structure, check compliance with class or other regulatory standards, and identify any potential issues with strength, longevity or ease of manufacture.

Performance Assessments click to expand...

If a vessel does not perform as desired either in speed, seakeeping characteristics, or other areas, David M. Cannell & Associates can analyse the problem and make recommendations on rectifications or improvements. The most frequently requested analysis is to specify an improved propeller design on vessels not achieving the desired speed. We frequently attend trials of new vessels and to advise on performance. From time to time disputes arise on vessel performance and an independent assessment of this or attendance to record the performance of the vessel for future information for the Master or Owners is vital.

Suitability Assessments click to expand...

Prior to purchasing a vessel, a client may require advice on the type of vessel suitable for their requirements. An analysis of the clients' particular requirements can be undertaken by David M. Cannell & Associates together with research of the market, resulting in suggestions of the types of vessels which might be contemplated to meet the particular requirements.

Operations Planning click to expand...

Whether planning a new operation or reassessing/restructuring an existing service, David M. Cannell & Associates can assist in making the most advantageous decisions by assessing significant factors such as safety and risks, efficiency, maintainability, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Salvage click to expand...

David M. Cannell & Associates have experience of consulting on salvage operations in a variety of situations, ensuring that owners and insurers achieve recovery of the vessel in the most cost effective manner.

Expert Services and Dispute Resolution click here for more information...

Commercial Vessels

Commercial Vessel Design

Original Concepts

Commercial Vessel Survey