Concept design

Elomatic Marine provides concept design, naval architecture, FED, and visualization services for shipowners and shipyards. From first idea to a shipyard-ready concept.

A good concept design answers the right questions before the costly ones start. We help shipowners and shipyards develop vessel concepts from the first idea to a fully documented, feasibility-verified solution ready for tendering or detailed design.

Our concept design work covers naval architecture, hydrodynamics, stability, Front End Design (FED), and visualization. We work with both shipowners who need an independent technical partner and shipyards looking for concept development support.

Key Takeaways

  • Elomatic Marine provides concept design services for all vessel types, from cargo ships to complex special-purpose vessels.
  • Our work covers naval architecture, stability, hydrodynamics, Front End Design (FED), and photorealistic visualization in-house.
  • Front End Design (FED) is part of our concept design process, validating technical and economic feasibility before basic design begins.
  • We use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and a large in-house calculation cluster to validate concepts early.
  • Concept design services are available for both shipowners and shipyards.

Front End Design

Front End Design (FED) is the feasibility phase of concept design where key technical and economic parameters are defined and validated before committing to a full basic design program.

We use CFD simulations at the FED stage to assess hull performance, propulsion efficiency, and energy consumption. This gives shipowners and shipyards reliable data to make decisions before significant design investment is made.

For shipowners exploring alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, or LNG, FED is a practical way to assess the design implications and investment requirements of each option.

Visualizations

Visualizations translate a technical vessel concept into something that can be reviewed, discussed, and developed by all project stakeholders.

The starting point is always the technical 3D model. We add materials, lighting, and outfitting detail to produce high-quality renderings that show the vessel’s key features accurately. The same model can be used for video clips, walkthroughs, and stakeholder presentations.

We also develop Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications from the model. These are useful for evaluating alternative layouts, demonstrating maintenance procedures, or presenting the concept to clients and classification societies. Our visualization team works with a large in-house rendering cluster, which keeps turnaround times short even on complex projects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between concept design and basic design?

Concept design defines the overall solution: the vessel type, dimensions, performance targets, propulsion approach, and key features. It produces the technical basis for tendering and decision-making. Basic design takes that concept and develops it into the detailed technical documentation needed to begin construction planning.

What is Front End Design (FED)?

FED is the early feasibility phase of concept design where key technical and economic parameters are defined and validated. At Elomatic, FED is an integral part of our concept design work rather than a separate service. It ensures the concept is sound before committing to a full basic design program.

Can you help with tender preparation and shipyard selection?

Yes. We prepare RFQ documentation, run and administrate the tendering process, analyze incoming bids, and support contract negotiations with shipyards. This is a standard part of our concept design offering for shipowners.

Do you work on concept design for all vessel types?

We cover all seagoing vessel types. Our particular experience is with technically demanding programs including icebreakers, cruise and ferry vessels, special-purpose ships, and vessels designed for alternative fuels.

How do simulations support concept design?

We use CFD simulations to validate hull forms, assess propulsion performance, and evaluate fuel and energy consumption early in the design process. Running simulations at concept stage reduces the need for physical model tests and shortens the development timeline.

Discuss your concept with our team

Whether you have a clear brief or just an initial idea, we can help you develop it into a technically sound and commercially viable vessel concept.

Jukka Suvanto

Senior Sales Manager

+358 40 5669 431 jukka.suvanto@elomatic.com

Pietari Pelto-Piri

Sales Manager

+358 44 3222 426 pietari.pelto-piri@elomatic.com