All about Marine Systems Engineering
Advancing marine systems for environmental efficiency
Last updated nearly 2 months agoConcept of marine systems engineering
Marine systems engineering refers to the design of machinery and related vessel systems on board ships. Engineers in this field are involved in designing all technical systems within a vessel, ranging from electrical systems and piping networks to mission-related equipment. At Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam, our team’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of marine systems, each tailored to specific operational needs. We meticulously configure machinery arrangements within the hull and on deck, in close cooperation with the team of naval architects working on the general ship design topics. The design integrates important aspects such as ventilation and safety systems, firefighting equipment and various other ship systems.
Developing a design of an engine room, especially for work vessels, is a complex process. According to Lennart Treur, Marine Systems Engineer at Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam, it’s important that the designed systems meet technical specifications and integrate seamlessly with other functional requirements of the design: “every detail counts, from pipe routing to the layout of technical spaces. We combine practical technical expertise with a deep theoretical understanding of complex vessel design. This experience enables us to create functional, efficient and reliable systems that can be deployed under all operational conditions.”
A comprehensive design process
Marine systems engineering is a comprehensive process that starts with recording client's specifications and operational requirements for the vessel. During the process the machinery systems are integrated with the general ship design topics and the design is validated to comply with all safety regulations and standards.
“We see that sustainability becomes more and more important in vessel designs” continues Lennart. “The integration of new fuel types requires a specific design approach, which is embedded in the vessel design process from the early concept. We experience that our experts in machinery and system design get a more dominant role in the design team, already from the early phase of our projects.”
Finding solutions to create safe and future proof vessels, which are still competitive in the current market, is a big challenge in our work
Shift towards sustainable marine systems
The transition from traditional fossil fuels towards more sustainable options has a major impact on vessel designs. Especially the energy density and storage requirements of green alternatives create a challenge for our designers. Most new fuels have a lower energy density compared to traditional fuels, meaning that more fuel and space is required for a similar endurance. Besides that, these new fuels require special treatment and handling equipment in the vessel, all leading to more space occupation of these systems and fuels. “Finding solutions to create safe and future-proof vessels, which are still competitive in the current market, is a big challenge in our work”, states Lennart.
Another subject leading towards more sustainable shipping is reaching maximum efficiency while operating the vessel systems. A common example can be found in cooling and ventilation systems, which are designed for extreme conditions. During normal daily operation, the systems are oversized for the required cooling capacity. By simulating such conditions, the components and drives can be optimized to work efficiently in daily operation, by adjusting flows for required capacity, while still being able to handle the maximum conditions occasionally. "Optimizing systems for off-design conditions can lead to significant energy savings,” notes Willem Kes, system designer at Vuyk. “Variable controlled drive systems for fans and pumps are particularly effective in reducing daily energy consumption.”
Marine Systems Engineering is essential for enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of maritime operations. At Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam, we combine deep technical expertise with innovative approaches to meet customer needs. Our commitment to quality and forward-thinking solutions has established us as a trusted partner in the marine engineering industry. How can our sustainable and cutting-edge solutions help you navigate the technical challenges of ship design and realize your maritime ambitions? Contact us to explore how we can collaborate on your next project.
Job: Engineer Marine Systems and Machinery
Do you want to work on the most complex vessels around and be part of the sustainable development within the maritime industry? And do you have an engineering background or have worked on board of vessels as marine engineer but want to work onshore as design engineer? We would like to get to know you. View the full job description Engineer Marine Systems and Machinery here and apply today.
