Some of the naval architecture services we provide include but are not limited to structural analysis, finite element analysis, deadweight surveys, hydrodynamic analyses utilizing computational fluid dynamics, and hydrostatic analysis. TSGI also offers a wide range of marine engineering services. Our engineers focus on the design of new vessels, re-powerings, and mechanical and electrical upgrades to existing vessels, as well as crane specification and integration, piping design, fuel system design, main engine specification, and electrical load analysis. TSGI’s marine engineers have many years of hands-on experience, both aboard vessels and in shipyards. This practical experience allows our marine engineers to better understand both operational and technical issues. 

This provides TSGI with a comprehensive picture of a client’s operation, and allows us to deliver on their specific needs and desires. These services can be in support of new construction projects, modifications, regularly scheduled dry dockings or more comprehensive maintenance periods. Satisfied TSGI clients understand the value of having one cohesive team that includes naval architects, marine engineers and marine surveyors, to accomplish all of these phases of vessel creation and optimization.

This can provide us with a comprehensive picture of a client’s operation and allows us to deliver on their specific needs and desires. We have found that adding value throughout the entire vessel acquisition, operation, maintenance and decommissioning processes is the most effective way to build long term relationships with our clients. We specialize in “total contract management”. Our designers and engineers create the design, contract plans and specifications for a vessel to the client’s satisfaction, assist in selection of a capable builder, participate in negotiating the construction contract and providing on-site construction observation by utilizing our experienced and qualified personnel.

Hull models are generated by TSGI's engineers and are run at various conditions to predict the performance of the vessel. TSGI uses CFD analysis to estimate ship hull performance in calm waters. This is especially useful when looking to optimize the vessel’s hull form to improve fuel economy. We have used our CFD capabilities to conduct comparative studies of barges, tugs, towboats, and ATB units. From these studies, hull form was able to be optimized to provide vessels with improved flow and resistance characteristics. CFD results include running waterline, resistance, wave train, pressure plots, and a variety of other analyses. TSGI uses these results to determine the best hull for its client’s needs. 

Using the latest FEA software and techniques, we can analyze existing projects as well as our own original designs. An analysis is possible for the entire vessel or for only certain areas of interest, such as a foundation that is expected to experience high loads. The fidelity of the analysis is determined and agreed upon ahead of time, and the analysis is carried out in an efficient and professional manner. Our FEA skills have allowed us to answer questions about many designs quickly and with a high degree of confidence. We regularly perform linear static, nonlinear static, buckling, contact, and transient dynamic analyses. Our experience also includes fluid-vessel interactions in various situations, both in still water and in a range of sea states. 

TSGI has been tasked with providing design, engineering and construction oversight services to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for a new 500 passenger, 70 car diesel-electric hybrid ferry providing service from Galveston Island to Bolivar Peninsula. The ferry is a diesel electric hybrid ferry with Voith-Schneider cycloidal propulsors. Delivery is expected in the last quarter of 2022. Additionally, TSGI was recently awarded a contract to assist with the design and procurement process for a new ferry for the Crosby-Lynchburg crossing in Houston (HCTRA). We are not only providing cost estimating services, but also determining ideal quantities and sizes of new ferries for HCTRA to procure. 

TSGI has designed various types of liquid cargo barges to transport liquid products such as regular oils, gasoline, acids, and pressurized products such as butane and propane. TSGI designed open and covered hopper barges for many clients and thousands of barges have been built to our designs. These designs are the “standard” for the inland industry, but vary enough as to require new analyses of the structure, cargo-carrying capabilities and deck fitting arrangement and outfitting. TSGI has designed many deck barges that can be used with mobile cranes, as well as dedicated crane barges, or floating cranes

In the last year, TSGI was contracted by Orion Marine Group to provide design support services for their current fleet of dredges. TSGI also developed the design of a 200' dredge barge, including a Liebherr HS-8300 Pedestal mounted crane, configured for clamshell duty cycle lifting. TSGI has also developed the design of a 200' x 42' split-hull dump scow with the capacity for 2,000 cubic yards of dredging spoil and was designed to load line through ABS. 

TSGI naval architects are intimately familiar with the current American Bureau of Shipping Rules and U. S. Coast Guard regulations for barges and towboats, including Subchapter M. TSGI was involved with the Working Group on developing the Subchapter M regulations and we were pleased to see the final Publication. TSGI is working on training and certification of in-house Auditors and Surveyors to work with our clients on attaining Subchapter M compliance. Involvement with the implementation of Subchapter M positions TSGI well for incorporating the requirements of the regulations into our towboat designs and for consulting with existing owners and operators regarding modifications that they may want to make to their vessels to bring them into compliance.