Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert Naval Architecture Services in Scotland
Macduff Ship Design has established itself as a global leader in naval architecture and marine survey services, operating for over three decades from its base in Macduff, Scotland. Our team of specialists, with a combined 180 years of marine sector experience, delivers bespoke design solutions and technical consultancy to commercial marine and fishing industries worldwide. We specialise in full design packages, stability work, and marine surveys, having designed over 200 operational vessels ranging from 6m to 50m. Our ISO 9001:2015 accreditation underscores our commitment to quality management, while our in-house CAD capabilities enable precision in every project. We pride ourselves on tackling challenges of all scales, from minor modifications to comprehensive new builds, supported by advanced software for optimised design processes.Our expertise extends to stability analysis, vessel lengthening, and conversions, addressing complex issues in sea-keeping and directional stability. With a proven track record in project management and client-focused service delivery, we maintain strong relationships with classification societies and shipyards globally. Our dedication to innovation is demonstrated through continuous investment in staff development and cutting-edge technologies. Recognised with industry awards for vessel designs, we combine technical excellence with practical understanding of operational requirements. This combination of experience, technical capability, and client focus positions us as trusted partners in marine design and surveying solutions.
Services
Naval Architecture
Marine Survey
Full Design Packages
CAD Drafting
Stability Work
Vessel Lengthening
Project Management
Conversions
Profiling & Kit Making
Specification Writing
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years' experience in marine design and surveying
- Team with 180+ years combined marine sector expertise
- ISO 9001:2015 quality management certified
- Designed over 200 operational commercial vessels
- Specialists in stability analysis and vessel conversions
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
Services
Naval Architecture
Our naval architecture services encompass comprehensive design solutions from concept to delivery. We specialise in creating customised commercial marine vessels including fishing boats, workboats, tugs, and pilot vessels. Our team utilises advanced CAD software to produce detailed construction drawings and 3D models that optimise vessel performance and efficiency. With over 200 successful designs in operation worldwide, we combine technical expertise with practical understanding of marine operational requirements.
Marine Survey
We provide specialist marine survey services covering stability assessments, workboat code compliance, insurance valuations, and fitness-for-purpose evaluations. Our surveyors conduct inclining experiments, lightship checks, and damage investigations to international standards. With expertise in stability analysis for fishing vessels, workboats, and passenger ships, we deliver comprehensive reports for regulatory compliance and vessel optimisation.
Stability Work
Stability analysis forms a core part of our service portfolio. We conduct intact and damage stability assessments for new builds and existing vessels, ensuring compliance with SOLAS and national regulations. Our team has successfully completed stability projects for offshore supply vessels, fishing boats, and commercial craft, providing detailed recommendations for stability improvements and regulatory compliance.
Vessel Lengthening
We specialise in vessel lengthening projects to enhance carrying capacity and operational efficiency. Our expertise includes structural modifications for fishing vessels, ferries, and offshore craft, with detailed engineering assessments to ensure structural integrity and stability. We provide full technical drawings and project management support for successful implementation of lengthening projects.
Project Management
Our project management services cover new build supervision, tender evaluation, and conversion projects. We support clients through all stages from initial concept to vessel handover, ensuring compliance with design specifications and regulatory requirements. With ISO 9001-certified processes, we provide quality control and documentation management throughout the project lifecycle.
People
Ian Ellis
Managing Director
With over 30 years' experience, Ian leads our naval architecture team. He has designed award-winning vessels and holds Fellowships with RINA and CMS. Graduated with an MSc in Naval Architecture from Newcastle University in 1994.
Alexander Reid
Senior Naval Architect
Specialising in ship design since 1996, Sandy brings extensive experience from shipyard apprenticeship to complex vessel projects. His expertise covers diverse vessel types including workboats and offshore craft.
Matthew Stainsby
Project Naval Architect
Matt leads workboat projects with expertise in stability calculations and practical design. He joined us after completing his MEng in Ship Science at Southampton University in 2012.
Duncan Boag
Project Naval Architect
Specialist in fishing vessel design and stability analysis, Duncan joined us after graduating from Strathclyde University in 2012. He also serves as our ISO quality management representative.
Rebecca Barnard
Project Naval Architect
Rebecca combines ship design expertise with marine surveying qualifications. She joined us after completing her BEng at Strathclyde University and a surveying diploma from Lloyd's Maritime Academy.
Questions
What naval architecture services do you offer?
We provide full design packages, CAD drafting, stability analysis, vessel lengthening, and conversion projects for commercial marine vessels from concept to delivery.
Do you specialise in specific vessel types?
We focus on fishing vessels, workboats, tugs, pilot boats, patrol vessels, and multipurpose commercial craft ranging from 6m to 50m in length.
Are you ISO accredited?
Yes, we maintain ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for quality management systems across all our design and surveying operations.
How experienced is your team?
Our team has 180+ combined years' experience with specialist naval architects holding professional qualifications from RINA and CMS.
Can you manage international projects?
We handle global projects with experience in regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions and classification society requirements.
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