Operational Support
Operational challenges often need quick decisions backed by sound engineering.
DEKC supports vessel owners, operators and contractors with practical engineering for mobilisations, transport operations, modifications, structural issues, stability questions and other vessel-specific challenges. We respond quickly, involve the right expertise and develop solutions that work in practice.
Refits and modifications
DEKC Maritime provides engineering and production solutions for vessel refits and modifications, supporting compliance, efficiency improvements and energy transition projects.
Our expertise includes engine renewals, scrubber refits and the implementation of LNG or dual-fuel solutions. We can support any individual step in the process, through to the complete refit of your vessel.
Our extensive expertise in 3D engineering and laser scanning enables us to deliver detailed engineering packages, including piping, outfitting and installation procedures. A modular approach allows for prefabrication and efficient installation, significantly reducing retrofit time on board.
Seafastening and grillage
We combine our hands-on experience with high-end analysis tools to design grillages that are very lightweight, as well as safe and practical in use.
This means there is more deadweight left for payload, there are fewer costs involved in construction, and turnaround times are short.
To achieve this, we design grillages to make use of the existing strength in the ship, with direct input from our in-house motion analyses. We can also calculate fatigue and perform stiffness checks on the grillage and ship together, to avoid problems with vortex-induced vibrations.
Seakeeping and workability
Seakeeping analyses are performed to calculate and optimise the workability of offshore operations such as lifting and grouting.
These analyses can also provide input for the design of sea fastenings, resulting in a lighter and more balanced structure.
At DEKC, motion analyses can be performed based on both 2D and 3D methods, and in the frequency and time domain, depending on client and surveyor requirements.
Regulatory support
DEKC has experience dealing with all major classification societies and many flag states.
This means we can be of assistance with all regulatory questions, such as reflagging or reclassifying vessels.
We can also contribute to discussions with governing bodies regarding the interpretation of, or exemptions from, specific rules.
Tools and mobilisations
We offer design and engineering support for mobilisations, including stability and ship motion analyses, structural and mechanical modification drawings, and management of class approval.
In collaboration with our trusted partners, we deliver the steel building package and can manage the mobilisation itself.
Besides the modifications to the vessel itself, we also provide design and engineering services for the custom tools necessary to do the job, such as fall pipes, support frames, and equipment bays.
Proof on real vessels
Aeolus
Aeolus is Van Oord’s premier jack-up offshore installation vessel, and is the cornerstone of many of its offshore wind farm construction projects. The vessel underwent a major upgrade to remain competitive in the offshore wind market. The primary modification involved replacing the original 900-ton capacity crane with a 1600-ton crane, the largest available in its class.
Supporting structural enhancements included adding sponsons and reinforced decking to the hull, which improved both vessel strength and cargo capacity. The jack-up legs’ spudcans were enlarged to accommodate elevated loads. Additional improvements comprised a new helideck and extra accommodation unit to enhance accessibility.
DEKC Maritime provided comprehensive support throughout the conversion, beginning with initial feasibility assessments and progressing through detailed structural, stability, and capacity analyses using FEM and CFD methodologies. Services extended through class approval and encompassed complete detail engineering and production fairing.
Main particulars: LOA 139.4 m · Beam 44.5 m · Draft 6.6 m · DWT 12,000 t · Status built.
