Workboat woes

A naval architect was engaged to prepare the design and technical specifications for a small workboat intended for use by a municipal authority in sheltered coastal waters.

Several months after delivery, the authority reported a number of operational issues, including excessive vibration, premature wear to propulsion components and concerns regarding the ship’s performance under load. It was alleged that the problems stemmed from deficiencies in the original design, and a substantial claim was brought against the naval architect.

With ITIC’s support, independent legal and technical experts were appointed to investigate the allegations. While some of the complaints were found to have merit, others were successfully challenged. In addition, several elements of the claim were shown to be time-barred. Following negotiations, the claim was settled for €175,000, compared to an original claim of approximately €520,000.

When faced with complex technical allegations, engaging the right legal and expert support early can make a significant difference. ITIC can assist members by appointing appropriate specialists to investigate the issues, assess liability and help reduce exposure to claims.