Skipsteknologi

Skipsteknologi refers to ship technology, the interdisciplinary field combining naval architecture and marine engineering to design and optimize ships and their systems. It encompasses hull form, propulsion and energy efficiency, structural integrity, stability, safety, and the integration of onboard equipment and automation.

Applications include a range of vessels, notably fishing vessels, factory trawlers, pump and processing ships, offshore support craft, and passenger and research ships. In the fishing sector, skipsteknologi focuses on deck layout, fish handling and processing lines, refrigeration, waste management, and crew accommodations.

Methods and deliverables in skipsteknologi involve naval architects and marine engineers performing concept studies, 3D modeling, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and simulation of sea-keeping and stability. Designs are prepared for classification societies and for construction, including technical specifications, drawings, and integration of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems. Lifecycle aspects such as retrofits, maintenance, and conversion are considered.

Industry context: In Norway and other maritime nations, skipsteknologi is a core aspect of the design and engineering industry, with specialized firms such as Skipsteknologi AS offering services ranging from concept design to full technical packages for fishing and processing vessels.