Blair McKeil Cargo Vessel

BYD-Naval Architects was engaged by McKeil Marine to conduct longitudinal bending checks and stability assessments for MV Blair McKeil. The objective was to evaluate the vessel’s structural cargo carrying capabilities while being within the allowable safe limits as per the rules and regulations. It was also a requirement to assess the stability and ensure compliance with rule criteria and determine the ability to load specialized cargo shipments safely and efficiently. This project highlighted BYD-Naval Architects’ expertise in stability and structures, and their ability to complete tasks at a high engineering standard while adhering to a critical timeline for the operation. This allows for a critical service to be provided by shipowners and operators in the shipping industry.

Challenges and Objectives:

• Assessing the vessel’s longitudinal strength under varying cargo load conditions.
• Ensuring compliance with stability regulations while optimizing cargo arrangements.
• Providing practical loading guidelines to maintain structural integrity and operational safety.

BYD-Naval Architects aimed to:

• Perform detailed longitudinal bending and shear force analysis to verify structural capability.
• Conduct stability checks to ensure the vessel remained compliant with rule criteria under different loading scenarios.
• Coordinated with ships captain to deliver a tailored cargo loading plan for safe and efficient operations.

Approach and Execution

Using advanced engineering tools and software, BYD-Naval Architects simulated multiple cargo configurations to determine the bending and shear stress in the vessel. the loading sequence for each scenario was individually simulated and BYD created the optimal layout of cargo and sequence in order to reduce the stresses on the structure while maintaining the practicality for the loading crew. From here once the loading sequence was established BYD was able to carry out the stability calculations and determine if the vessel was remaining in compliance with the rule criteria established by the class of the vessel. The findings were compiled into a comprehensive loading manual, providing Mckeil marine with insight into the loading software on board and the specialised cargo sequence.

Outcome and Impact

The project provided McKeil Marine with a validated framework for safely transporting specialized cargo aboard MV Blair McKeil. This work reinforces BYD-Naval Architects’ ability to offer tailored structural and stability assessments for shipowners and operators, ensuring safe and efficient cargo operations across the industry.