Engineering
Design & marine Engineering Analysis Services
At Rice Propulsion, we provide marine engineering services designed to support both new builds and retrofit projects. Our team of expert marine engineers delivers advanced and tailored solutions to enhance vessel performance, efficiency, and reliability. Whether you’re developing a new vessel or upgrading an existing one, our solutions ensure optimal results at every stage.
Marine Engineering Project Phases
1.- Preliminary Project
We begin with a comprehensive collection of technical data and onboard measurements to identify specific needs or resolve existing challenges. At this stage, we conduct key preliminary calculations to determine essential parameters such as diameter (D), gear ratio (i), blade count (Z), engine power (PB), and speed (V), all critical parameters in ship propeller performance and a solid foundation for further naval engineering work.
2. Design and Optimization
Our team of specialized marine engineers carries out detailed studies to ensure optimal vessel performance, including:
- 3D modeling of the hull.
- Analysis of drag resistance and wake flow.
- Hydrodynamic optimization using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics).
- Comprehensive mechanical design and cavitation verification.
- Design inputs tailored for high-efficiency propeller manufacturing.
- Final calculations for speed and thrust.
- Management and acquisition of approvals from classification societies.
3. Installation
We support the process through to completion, providing seamless execution backed by our marine engineering expertise:
- Sea trials.
- Installation and additional calculations based on trial results.
- Protocols for measuring power, speed, vibrations, and noise, ensuring compliance with the highest standards.
Technical Resources
Our marine engineering department is equipped with advanced tools to guarantee precision and exceptional results:
- 3D scanners for accurate technical data collection.
- Torque meters for power measurement.
- Specialized equipment for vibration and noise measurement.
- Advanced analysis through CFD and FEM (Finite Element Method).
Industry Applications
Our marine engineering services support a wide range of vessels and operational environments. Each project is tailored to the specific technical requirements and performance goals of the vessel type.
We work with:
- Commercial vessels: cargo ships, tankers, ferries and offshore support vessels.
- Industrial and workboats: tugboats, fishing vessels, dredgers and multipurpose craft.
- High-performance vessels: fast ferries, patrol boats, pilot boats and specialized craft.
- Naval and defense applications: propulsion analysis and engineering support for naval operations.
- Custom projects: unique or highly specialized vessels requiring advanced hydrodynamic and mechanical engineering input.
Our Team of Marine Engineers
Our team of specialized marine engineers combines expertise and technical knowledge to tackle the most complex projects. Each member is committed to excellence, ensuring that every solution is efficient, innovative, and tailored to meet client needs. With extensive experience across marine engineering services and naval engineering projects, our engineers apply advanced analysis tools (CFD, FEM, performance modeling) to deliver precise, reliable results for new builds and retrofits alike.
Why Choose Rice Propulsion?
At Rice Propulsion, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge marine engineering to deliver solutions that improve vessel performance. Our approach is based on precision, innovation and a deep understanding of hydrodynamics and marine propulsion.
Why marine operators choose us:
- End-to-end expertise: from preliminary calculations and CFD modeling to installation and sea-trial validation.
- Proven performance gains: measurable improvements in thrust, efficiency, cavitation reduction and overall propulsion behavior.
- Advanced engineering tools: including CFD, FEM, 3D scanning and instrumented sea-trial measurements.
- Custom-built solutions” tailored designs adapted to each vessel’s geometry, operating profile and propulsion needs.
- Reliable partnership: close collaboration with shipyards, naval architects and operators throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Ready to optimize your naval project?
Let’s talk! Contact us to find the best marine engineering solution for your vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our marine engineering services cover the full process of design, analysis and optimization to improve vessel performance. We handle hydrodynamic studies, propulsion design, CFD modeling, mechanical engineering and verification through sea trials.
We work with a wide range of vessels, supporting both new builds and retrofit projects. Our engineering approach adapts to the specific technical needs and operating conditions of each vessel.
Yes. We provide complete engineering support for new builds as well as retrofitting projects, ensuring optimized performance through precise design, calculations and installation assistance.
We use advanced tools such as 3D scanners, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), FEM (Finite Element Method), torque meters and vibration/noise measurement equipment to deliver accurate, data-driven engineering results.
We analyze hydrodynamics, propulsion efficiency, structural behavior and mechanical design to identify improvements that increase speed, reduce drag, optimize thrust and ensure safe, efficient operation.
Absolutely. We accompany the installation process, perform additional calculations based on trial results and measure power, speed, vibrations and noise to confirm full compliance with performance standards.
Timelines depend on the scope, but we always provide a clear schedule at the beginning. Preliminary analysis is completed quickly, while detailed design, optimization and installation support may require more time.