Advanced Structural Design of Ships

This course focuses on the principles and advanced concepts of ship structural design. The course begins with the philosophy of hull structure design and different types of ships, followed by an introduction to structural design loads and the load transfer mechanism with the strength of plates used in ship structures. It then explains the design of beams and structural members, along with lessons from structural damage and how they improve future ship designs. The course also covers longitudinal strength of ships, which is important for resisting bending forces at sea. In the final sessions, students learn about materials used in ship structures, fatigue and fracture behaviour, and advanced topics such as buckling and vibration, which affect the safety and durability of ships.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The course is suitable for Engineers, scientists and professionals involved in ship design, construction, and marine engineering. It is particularly beneficial for naval architects, marine engineers, structural engineers, shipyard designers, and offshore engineers who work with ship structures. In addition, professionals working in classification societies, shipbuilding companies, and maritime research organizations can attend this course to enhance their understanding of modern ship structural design principles.

COST

The registration fee of the workshop is £400 plus VAT (VAT UK only) which includes course notes.

PAYMENT

We will send you an invoice for the course fee after you have registered on the course. The payment can be made via bank transfer or online credit/debit card payment. If you need any further information, please contact us by email: info@mam.engineer 

PROGRAMME (All times listed refer to local London time)

LECTURER BIO

Tetsuo Okada is Professor of Department of Systems Design for Ocean-Space at Yokohama National University, Japan. He also serves as a vice president for the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers. He started his professional career at IHI as a naval architect in 1986 and worked in the shipbuilding industry for approximately 30 years until 2014. During this period, he engaged in many ship and offshore projects, including large post-Panamax container ships, LNG carriers, FSO/FPSO’s and FLNG’s.

His current research focuses on rational structural design methodologies, hull condition monitoring and digital twin technology for hull structures. He served as a member of several committees for the International Ship and Offshore Structures Congress and held the chairmanship of the Committee “Materials and Fabrication Technology” for the term of 2009. He also chaired the 14^th International Symposium on Practical Design of Ships and Other Floating Structures (PRADS) in 2019. He has authored several books, including “Design of Ship Hull Structures – A Practical Guide for Engineers”, the second edition of which was published in 2026 by Springer.