With decades of experience and a vast portfolio of successful vessels, our designs stand the test of time.
Our success is based on the decades of combined experience our team of naval architects and marine engineers have in vessel operations, construction, and design. We pair our expert knowledge in vessel design with a straightforward, honest approach to business. The result is unparalleled quality, value, and client satisfaction.
The design process begins when you contact us for a consultation. At Gilbert Associates, we prioritize consistent communication with our clients at every stage of the project.
We value getting the right people involved in concept and design conversations, from procurement managers and vessel owners to end users like engineers and operators, ensuring our designs meet the needs of all stakeholders.
We note your requirements, explore your ideas, and take into account any special considerations to help establish a feasible concept for your project.
We look at many factors in addition to vessel type and purpose to determine the best solutions for your needs. These may include:
Once we’ve established key parameters such as the vessel’s size, capacity, range, and speed, our expert naval architects create concept drawings in AutoCAD to visualize the general layout and functionality of the vessel design.
Concept designs incorporate initial weight and stability calculations and estimates regarding the vessel’s power and propulsion needs. We then present the concept to you for approval, moving forward on structural calculations and making any necessary design modifications based on your feedback.
After the concept is approved, we finalize the design and vessel construction plans.
Throughout this phase, we conduct intermittent reviews with the vessel operators to ensure our plans meet their needs. Our team provides detailed construction documentation to ensure smooth vessel construction and prevent unexpected change orders and costs.
Our attention to detail also allows for quick regulatory approval at each phase of the process.
We ensure every project aligns with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, 46-CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), and specific client requirements, ensuring safety and compliance without delays.
In 2023, MaineDOT contracted Gilbert Associates to design a replacement for the M/V Margaret Chase Smith for service between Lincolnville and the island community of Islesboro.
The M/V George J. Mitchell is designed to run exclusively on battery-electric power during her normal operating profile. Two CAT C18 diesel generators are also installed to provide contingency. Her double-ended configuration will reduce loading and maneuvering times at the beginning and end of each voyage.
More than two decades after the delivery of the M/V P.T. Barnum and M/V Grand Republic II, the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company returned to Gilbert Associates for another 300’ passenger/vehicle ferry based on the proven sister-vessel design.
Delivered in 2024, the M/V Long Island carries that design forward with an EPA Tier IV-compliant power plant capable of pushing the vessel to speeds of up to 20 knots. Today, all three Gilbert Associates-designed ferries work together to carry passengers and vehicles across Long Island Sound.
Designed by Gilbert Associates for MaineDOT, the 154’ M/V Capt. Richard G. Spear carries up to 250 passengers and 23 vehicles between Rockland, Maine, and the island community of Vinalhaven.
Built by Washburn & Doughty Shipyard in East Boothbay, Maine, the Spear entered service in 2021. Her design has since served as the basis for a sister ship, the hybrid diesel/electric M/V Capt. Almer Dinsmore.
The 120’ M/V Jared Phillips is a river towboat designed by Gilbert Associates for Parker Towing Co. Her steering system incorporates two steering rudders and four flanking rudders for exceptional maneuverability. By splitting the throttles and steering levers, the vessel can even “crab-walk” sideways.
Her open propellers are positioned within hyperbolic-paraboloid-shaped tunnels designed to reduce propeller vibration under varying loads. Today, the Jared Phillips can be found pushing barges throughout the Mississippi River system.
The 16,500 horsepower class towboat, M/V Harvey War Horse II, is the fourth Gilbert Associates-designed ocean tug for Guidry Brothers Towing. She is 145’ x 45’ x 22’-6” and ABS-classed, Maltese Cross A1 for ocean service. Harvey War Horse II currently serves the oil exploration and recovery industry in the Gulf of America.
M/V Sugar Island III is a double-ended passenger/vehicle ferry designed for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority in 2017. If built, the Sugar Island III could carry up to 26 cars per trip between Marie, MI, and Sugar Island.
This 186’ LOA vessel for gaming and entertainment carries 500 passengers. Gilbert Associates produced all calculations, plans, and specifications for construction and USCG approval, including detailed drawings for the structure, machinery, mechanical and electrical systems, and life safety features.
Designed by Gilbert Associates in 1980, we also oversaw a mid-life retrofit for the Eagle, including the installation of a new bow thruster diesel engine, replacement of the bow and stern freight deck doors and lift decks, and an overhaul of the main passenger cabin.
The work also included widening the cabin to the hull sides, installing new HVAC and seating, and modernizing the galley and concession area.
The M/V Rapture was designed by Gilbert Associates in 1997 for passenger service. In 2007, Gilbert Associates was approached by Dan Blanchard’s team with the idea of refitting the vessel to become a luxury expedition yacht. Gilbert Associates reworked the vessel’s arrangement to accommodate 36 guests in luxury staterooms and common spaces. Today, Safari Explorer delivers adventurous patrons to explore remote destinations in Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands.
Bring your vessel vision to us, and we will work to find cost-effective design solutions that meet your project requirements, on time and within budget.
Our focused, careful approach to vessel design ensures speedy regulatory compliance and helps avoid change orders at the shipyard. If you’re looking for a proven naval architecture and marine engineering firm that will strive to exceed your expectations, reach out to Gilbert Associates today.
