Ship New Build Advisory Services

Early Design development & Outline Specification Development

Early choices determine how well a vessel fits its intended deployment and how effectively it can meet commercial and regulatory requirements. We support the formation of outline specifications by reviewing key design drivers and assessing how shipyards will interpret and respond to requirements. This work provides a clear technical basis for shipyard evaluation and reduces the risk of later re-work.

Our support includes:

• Define the design basis by translating operational requirements and applicable regulatory, classification and environmental rules
• Assess key technical drivers including endurance, capacity, stability, cargo handling and energy-efficiency impacts on machinery and hull form
• Align early design decisions with international regulatory requirements and greenhouse gas reduction expectations
• Develop the outline specification for shipyards and review proposals for technical completeness and consistency
• Identify assumptions and gaps, and provide insight into shipyard capability and build experience.

Technical Evaluations & Specialist Reviews

Owners often need impartial assessments when comparing design or equipment options. LR New Build Advisory Services provides clear insights into how proposals differ and what those differences mean in practice helping owners select solutions that meet project goals and remain viable throughout the vessel’s life.

• Review yard specifications, bid documentation, suppliers’ lists and vendor submissions for technical compliance and suitability
• Evaluate and normalise shipyard offers, including machinery, equipment and system configurations
• Assess readiness for future conversion, alternative fuel integration and emerging technologies such as carbon capture or hybrid systems
• Support sale and purchase inspections for candidate vessels and review technical condition
• Align technical decisions with human factors considerations and financing frameworks such as the Poseidon Principles.

Fuel, Energy & Technology Studies

Fuel selection and energy strategy impact machinery layout, containment systems, safety and overall feasibility. LR’s New Build Advisory Services provide independent assessments to help owners understand the technical, operational and regulatory implications of alternative fuels and emerging technologies.

We support by evaluating:

• Evaluate the suitability of LNG, LPG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and hybrid options
• Assess containment, storage, handling, fuel-gas supply systems and bunkering configurations
• Review dual-fuel machinery integration, energy-efficiency technologies and compliance with regional and international standards
• Evaluate the readiness, risks and feasibility of emerging technologies and novel systems.

Owner’s Plan Review, Design Improvement & Site Representation

As projects progress into contracting and construction, owners need robust technical oversight to ensure design intent is preserved and technical specifications are fully met. LR’s New Build Advisory Services provides comprehensive support by acting as the owner’s technical representative and coordinating expert input across all disciplines.

Our scope includes:

• Review drawings, documents, change requests and conduct detailed plan appraisal to maintain compliance with technical specifications and regulatory requirements
• Perform design improvement reviews to optimise layout, operability and maintainability, coordinating specialist input across systems and equipment
• Advise on long-lead items, equipment selection and lifecycle considerations, and support technical clarification and negotiation with shipyards and suppliers
• Act as the owner’s technical representative throughout the build phase, identifying issues affecting construction sequencing and system integration
• Oversee construction activities, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) processes and sea trials, and support maintenance and reliability setup during the build phase.

Regulatory Support & Risk, Assurance

Alternative fuels, new technologies and modern operating expectations introduce compliance and safety challenges that must be addressed early. LR‘s New Build Advisory Services helps owners anticipate these implications so design choices meet both regulatory requirements and practical needs, providing confidence that decisions made at concept stage remain robust during operation.

Our support includes:

• Evaluate regulatory impact on proposed designs and configurations, including early-stage interpretation of applicable rules to guide design decisions
• Conduct regulatory gap analysis against shipyard proposals and deliver structured compliance impact assessments for alternative fuels and new technologies
• Host workshops on upcoming regulatory developments and emerging requirements
• Perform Hazard Identification (HAZID), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) / Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) studies
• Assess safety systems, failure response and risks associated with alternative fuels and related process systems.

Operational Readiness, Training & Early-Life Support

As delivery approaches, owners need to prepare crews and systems for safe and efficient early operation. LR’s New Build Advisory Services provides practical training, familiarisation and guidance tailored to the vessel’s design and deployment.

Our support includes:

• Technical and regulatory training for new systems and fuels
• Familiarisation workshops on equipment and operational arrangements
• Emergency response planning for alternative fuel systems
• Guidance on early-life defect management and warranty coordination.