Owner/Operator’s Design Agent

Over the years, we’ve cultivated invaluable relationships with industry pioneers seeking innovative solutions for their shipping needs. These trusted partnerships have enabled us to spearhead design developments that empower our clients to maintain a competitive edge in the market.

    • Feasibility and Economic Analysis
    • Fleet Optimization Studies
    • Ship System Selection
    • Conceptual Design
    • Preliminary Design
    • Performance Specifications
    • Contract Drawings and Specifications
    • Support for Shipyard Negotiations
    • Plan Review and Approval
    • Site Inspection and Survey Teams

First of Its Kind LCO2 Barge Design Approved for U.S. Operation

Source: ABS

“Articulated tugs and barges (ATBs) are popular and effective in the U.S. for the carriage of petroleum products for several reasons, and those advantages hold true for LCO2 vessels as well. We look forward to the continued detailed development of the design, including designing the tug to utilize green methanol or other green fuels and technologies. We thank ABS for their valued partnership on this project, as well as other engineering contributors like Corban Energy Group and Herbert Engineering Corporation.” Source

Kent Merrill, Aptamus Vice President of Marine Projects
Aptamus Carbon Solutions

Low-carbon or Zero-carbon Fuel Solutions

Eugene Van Rynbach

Herbert Engineering has a history of innovation; the current challenge, the third great innovation in maritime propulsion, is to transition to low-carbon or zero-carbon fuels. HEC prides itself on being a leader in cost-effective solutions that are environmentally friendly and advance the progress of shipping in this country and around the world.

Eugene van Rynbach, Sr. Principal and Chairman
Herbert Engineering Corp.

Cutting-edge Technologies

We pride ourselves on being able to work with our clients to implement the most cutting-edge technologies on board their vessels, especially concerning environmental regulations.

Alex Hanford, Sr. Naval Architect
Herbert Engineering Corp.

Highly motivated

Hendrik Bruhns

People are highly motivated because they own the company, have a say in its direction, and benefit from its success. We are a multi-disciplined engineering company, from call form development to evaluating cargo containment systems, propulsion systems, reliquefaction systems, and everything an LNG carrier would include.

Hendrik Bruhns
Herbert Engineering Corp.

HEC consistently excels in:

  • Decarbonization & Regulations – Authoritative MEPC summaries and guidance on lifecycle emissions.

  • Fuel Strategy – In-depth comparative studies spanning multiple fuel types for diverse vessel platforms.

  • Commercial & Government Projects – NSMV design and retrofit expertise backed by technical papers.

  • Software Tools – Industry-grade stability/load and salvage engineering solutions.

  • Innovative Research – Engagement in groundbreaking studies involving nuclear propulsion for commercial shipping.

HEC’s instrumental role in both design review and on-site supervision for the U.S.’s largest domestically-built containerships.

Herbert Engineering Corp. has been engaged with Matson in an engineering support role since concept development… HEC also hosted the site supervision/inspection services through the entire construction process at Philly Shipyard Inc. “Proud to be part of this build from Philly Shipyard Inc.” – Joo “Matthew” Kim, Philly Shipyard

“Green ship technology”

HEC supported Matson from concept to delivery on the Daniel K. Inouye – the largest U.S.‑built containership with “green ship technology” at the time.

Learn about our marine consulting services:

Streamlining the ship design process

  • Comprehensive Feasibility Studies

    • Feasibility Analysis: Assessing the practicality and financial viability of LNG retrofits.
    • Engine Evaluation: Expert evaluation and selection of new engines if required.
    • Conceptual Design: Crafting innovative design concepts tailored to each vessel’s unique needs.

  • Detailed Specification Development

    • Fuel Gas System Specs: Developing precise RFQ specifications for advanced fuel gas supply systems.
    • Auxiliary Equipment Sizing: Accurate auxiliary equipment selection and sizing, backed by detailed RFQ specs.
    • Shipyard Specifications: Formulating comprehensive RFQ specifications for shipyard contracts.
HEC MAU BOW
HEC LNG Support

DESIGN & APPROVAL PROCESS

    • Contract-Level Drawings: Producing design drawings for all auxiliary systems.
    • Class and USCG Approvals: Manage class submittals and secure essential regulatory approvals.
    • Regulatory Coordination: Assisting with USCG submittals to streamline the approval process.

  • On-Site Supervision and Support

    • Shipyard Supervision: Providing expert on-site supervision during retrofitting to ensure quality and compliance.
    • Stability Testing: Conduct rigorous stability tests to confirm retrofit success.
    • Continuous Support: Offering end-to-end support from initial feasibility analysis to post-retrofit operations.
“Our team is highly motivated because they own the company, have a say in its direction, and benefit from its success. We are a multi-disciplined engineering company, from hull form development to evaluating cargo containment systems, propulsion systems, reliquefaction systems, and everything an LNG carrier would include.”
– Hendrik Bruhns