We support clients at every stage of the project lifecycle with a wide range of high-quality products and services, all backed by our expertise across sectors, geographies and disciplines.
With our extensive experience in the field of naval architecture Lateral is a leader in the field. A portfolio of in-service designs covering all hull form types, speed regimes, propulsion systems and construction materials demonstrates our expertise.
The scope of our naval architecture services include:
The breadth and scope of our naval architecture enables us to deliver insightful naval architecture / engineering at any stage of a project: from early concept and feasibility studies, contract and Class-level design to detailed production engineering, commissioning and refit. Working across all stages of design, production, commissioning and refitting, we can advise the correct level of scope and project structure to deliver maximum added value, minimizing technical risk and engineering costs.
We have an established reputation as a leader in the field of hull form development and we have our own private yacht, commercial and naval markets to deliver designs tailored for good sea-keeping abilities, low resistance, high propulsive efficiency and exceptional range.
Our team's portfolio extends far beyond conventional monohulls and covers the development of specialist hull forms such as catamarans, SWATHs, hydrofoils and air-cushioned vessels.
In addition, with our background in configuring conventional, unusual and high-tech propulsion systems with the integration of stabilization and dynamic positioning systems, we can provide high level capability for even the most demanding yacht owners.
We thrive on challenges with leading industry designers, stylists and shipyards. Our goal is to help deliver their visionary design intent through application of our insight, knowledge and expertise combined with a collaborative and flexible approach.
Lateral specializations in the design of structures in steel, aluminum and composite. Through our teams 60 years' experience in developing structural designs for yachts and specialized vessels we utilize an extensive knowledge base to deliver practical and pragmatic designs that are fit for purpose.
Lateral structural design services include:
Our structural design experience ranges from small composite production designs to large steel and aluminum sail and motor yachts that are dominated by complex global loads. Married with our heritage in the design or high-speed commercial and naval craft we are leaders in the field of lightweight and robust aluminum structures.
Having worked with all the major Classification societies, Lateral brings significant depth of knowledge and ability to gain full class approvals in the most efficient and effective manner. With each Class society having its own nuances Lateral has the insight required to engage Class in educated debate at the appropriate design is not encumbered with redundant, heavy and expensive features.
With many naval architecture offices and smaller shipyards we opt for subcontract structural design services, we often find ourselves providing specialist structural engineering to a wide ranging client base, often including our competitors in other disciplines.
Whether engaged as a single source structural designer or acting to reinforce a client's existing team Lateral provides a skilled, flexible and scalable service enabling our clients to confidently bid, execute and deliver the most challenging and complex projects.
Lateral delivers comprehensive breadth and depth of capability in the field of mechanical and systems engineering. We undertake whole vessel engineering from concept to detailed production design:
Simplicity - We believe that complex technology need not be arranged in a complex manner and we strive for simplicity of design where possible.
Integration - We integrate engineering across all disciplines assuring the most efficient use of space. We develop systems holistically to ensure spatial and energy efficiency.
Installation – We bring our extensive experience in production engineering to bear from inception, ensuring our designs are developed with a focus on efficient production and installation.
Operation - We bring practical knowledge of in-service operation to ensure that our designs are easy to operate and service throughout their life.
Lateral has particular expertise in the design of propulsion systems, where we keep apace with the rapidly expanding spectrum of new technologies and range of possible alternatives. Our portfolio includes;
We can guide the selection and configuration of the optimum propulsion system to achieve any range of required system performance criteria, be it efficiency, flexibility, noise and vibration or any combination of parameters. Having worked with the industry’s leading and most innovative suppliers we develop our designs with input from multiple stakeholders to deliver the most effective, best value and lowest risk design possible.
In addition to the development of main propulsion systems and associated machinery space arrangements, we plan and layout all auxiliary machinery spaces: from providing support and guidance to designers and stylists in early stage space planning to preparation of final spatial arrangements for production.
Lateral's capability covers development of the full suite of auxiliary system schematics utilising either accepted standard system arrangement philosophy, or challenging the status quo through novel arrangements tailored for energy conservation, zero discharge, integration of new technology or to increase operational effectiveness, ease of maintenance and redundancy.
The breadth and depth of experience within our team extends beyond desk- based design and engineering to providing build support during installation, commissioning assistance and in service consultancy.
The exterior outfit engineering of a modern yacht is a specialist domain demanding a high degree of multi-discipline experience, understanding of the yacht’s overall aesthetic and style, as well as unfaltering attention to detail.
The overall design vision created by the designer/stylist will incorporate a multitude of fine details, many of which must be embodied within the visual appearance and integration of the exterior outfit necessary for the safe and practical operation of the yacht. To achieve this, items of equipment must either be hidden, customised / restyled, or be of a completely bespoke design.
At Lateral we work closely with the designer to understand the overall visual design intent and interface with the shipyard’s nominated and preferred suppliers to assure integration with other disciplines, develop customised or bespoke equipment and ultimately achieve the aesthetic goals. This is done whilst ensuring practicality is maintained for production, operation and maintenance.
The scope of our work in this field is diverse and typically ranges from feasibility studies for novel and complex features, detailed development of anchoring and mooring systems, concealment systems for lifeboats, life rafts, deck cranes and other ancillary equipment through to the fine production detailing for hand rails, window bonding systems and machinery ventilation louvers.
All such features can involve the co-ordination of information from multiple subcontractors, influence other engineering facets as well as have regulatory consequences. Our multi-disciplinary team brings its breadth of knowledge, communication and design management skills together to ensure that a practical and integrated design is delivered.
Concept Design - the embryonic stages of a yacht project - that is crucial when designers, naval architects, builders, and engineers come together to lay the foundation for the owner's vision.
Lateral's contribution during this phase is conceivable and what is achievable, to provide innovative, yet practical and feasible engineering solutions without compromising intent.
We ask new questions, not only because we are inquisitive, but also because we realize that it is often the question that drives the answer.
By asking new questions and inquiries, Lateral gets to the core of daring design. Embracing challenges from designers, we apply insight and knowledge to a concept in reality.
Lateral undertakes complete vessel engineering from the early concept phase through to detailed production design. With our understanding of spatial, layout and arrangement requirements or all technical spaces, we direct our insight into the stylistic elements.
With our expertise of modern regulatory frameworks we provide minimal design restraint while maintaining compliancy.
Lateral fosters innovation. When designs are based on new or novel technology, engineering and naval architecture, we bring our extensive experience from other marine markets to bear, allowing us to cross-fertilize ideas and technology.
Having worked with all the major classification societies, Lateral brings significant depth of knowledge in achieving full class approvals in the most efficient and effective manner.
With each society having its own particular nuances, we have the insight required to engage class in educated debates, and are not encumbered with redundant, heavy and expensive features.
When we do not need to change within an existing regulatory framework, we ask new questions and derive new answers to achieve compliance based on equivalent levels of safety.
When appropriate, we integrate a high level or production-ready detailing into our class level designs, enabling rapid progression into production engineering and saving valuable time and cost.
Our team devotes substantial resources to monitoring and proactively involving ourselves in the on-going development of the regulatory codes and conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, POLAR, REG LYC and more. Each has implications for design and build, each is complex, and in some instances regulations are brought into force.
As part of our monitoring process we maintain close links with the major. We undertake carefully planned research into the impact of new regulations. Lateral makes this knowledge base available to its clients. Additionally, we openly share the results of our research with the wider industry.
The result of this focus is that Lateral has exceptional depth of expertise in the demands and demands of the wide spectrum or continuous evolving and often confusing regulation. When coupled with our production-focused engineering, our continually updated body of knowledge enables us to offer single-source engineering for the development of innovative naval architecture, structural and mechanical design to meet the most exacting regulatory standards.
Lateral offers a comprehensive suite of production engineering services. We believe in developing intelligent production designs that are practical and production friendly. We incorporate a high degree of detail, ensuring greater efficiency through the full integration of engineering.
Large yachts are complex vessels with highly integrated systems. To achieve our aims we use a structured yet flexible approach that is tailored to the specific needs of each project, shipyard and anticipated build schedule. We believe that preparation is the key to success, or a design from our own office. The result is a series of key phases that underpin the detail design process:
Technical Review- Having an intimate understanding of the technical status or all aspects of design before commencing production engineering is vital. When detailing third party designs, we undertake a full technical review of the plans provided; identifying areas of potential risk, design performance, non-compliance, best practice and clarity. Working with the project team and the shipyard we focus on achieving a solid underpinning on which to start the actual production work.
Build Strategy and Standards- Lateral works closely with each shipyard to develop a clear understanding of their production facilities, standards, processes and philosophies, ensuring that details in the design are appropriately aligned. Where a unitised construction process is to be used we plan in detail with the shipyard appropriate unit breaks and construction sequencing that are optimized both for the yard's facilities and the yacht's arrangement.
Design Evolution- Turning a Class-level design into one suitable to start production engineering can involve significant levels of expertise. At Lateral we add significant value in this area by integrating the build strategy and standards, together with practical and construction-friendly details, within the design. This work is at the core of our expertise and lays the foundations for executing the production engineering.
Planning - All of our preparation and the resulting engineering is encapsulated within a single cohesive plan, carefully managed in conjunction with the shipyard's master-build schedule, key milestones and resource constraints.
Concurrent to this preparation for the process of executing the engineering is initiated and coordinated within a three dimensional environment through industry leading software applications. With these tools we produce the final production deliveries, followed up on technical technical support to the shipyard.
Our production engineering capability linked with our experience in pre-contract design, class-level design and technical build support enables us to offer single-source engineering responsibility for all naval architecture, structural, mechanical and outfit aspects of design, from concept to execution.
In addition to new build design and engineering. Lateral provides a wide range of consultancy services.
Owner's Representative Utilising our multi-disciplinary experience we represent the client at every stage of a project helping to protect the interests of the owner. Plan Approval With experience of all major classification societies and flag authorities, we offer a complete plan approval service that ensures that projects are effectively scrutinized. Structural Analysis and Audits Our extensive skill in the design of marine structures enables us to offer a complete structural analysis, design and auditing service. From load prediction and structural analysis to fatigue assessments; we work in steel, aluminum and advanced composites.
Motion Predictions and Stabilization Studies
In the design of hull forms that offer good seakeeping ability, we have the tools and knowledge to make accurate motion predictions and assessments. Foils.
Machinery Retrofit Feasibility Studies
Lateral can act on behalf of our clients. Whether improving motions through the fitting of fin stabilizers or improving maneuverability through fitting or additional thrusters, we have selected and installed appropriately.
Weight Verification Studies and Monitoring
All our members have extensive background and experience in the design of lightweight high speed craft enabling us to lead the design of lightweight vessels, which coupled with our comprehensive database of as-built weights. .
Performance Predictions and Model Testing
Utilizing our comprehensive model test database we are able to conduct performance predictions using proven data. Results in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis is available for optimization studies. Additionally, we offer a full range or model test support services covering resistance and propulsion, wake surveys, seakeeping and maneuvering tests.
Proof of Concept Studies
Working from initial concept sketches, we have the ability to provide solid engineering foundations to any designer's concepts, allowing more accurate shipyard quotations and workable solutions from the early stage concept.
Energy Efficiency Studies
With volatile bunker prices, environmental legislation and social pressure, there is an increasing need for energy and strive for efficiency. Employing skills from all engineering disciplines Lateral® can evaluate every aspect of yacht design and use strategies for improvement.
Factory Acceptance Trials
Accepting ownership or complex items or equipment can be daunting task. Lateral can act on behalf of the yard, owners or suppliers to ensure that equipment meets its specification before leaving the factory.
Inclining Experiments and Stability Books
Lateral provides a comprehensive stability analysis service, in-preparation and finalization of insulation.
Maneuvering Simulations and Onboard Simulator
Lateral has been involved in developing the world's leading state-of-the-art PC based ship maneuvering simulator 'BMT PC Rembrandt' which is used to assess and optimize the maneuvering and DP characteristics of new and existing designs. Additionally, the tool is installed on board for real time maneuvering simulation training by the yacht's crew.
Wind Tunnel Testing
Lateral has direct access to three large wind tunnels with broad spectrum or aerodynamic studies.
Sea Trials
Conducting sea trials is a critical part of any project. Lateral can be carried out under the right conditions, representing the interests of the yard, owner or machinery suppliers.
