Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Marine Engineering Partner
Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) was founded in 1988 through the acquisition of Nickum and Spaulding Associates, Inc., a Seattle-based naval architecture firm with a 60-year legacy. As an employee-owned company, we combine nearly a century of collective marine design expertise with a collaborative culture that empowers every team member to contribute to our shared vision. Our engineers and naval architects specialize in solving complex maritime challenges through innovative solutions, including decarbonization strategies, alternative fuel integration, and advanced 3D modeling techniques. We maintain a client-centric approach, working closely with vessel owners, operators, and shipyards to deliver customized designs that balance operational efficiency with environmental stewardship.Our team's hands-on experience spans from small craft to large commercial vessels, supported by technical capabilities in structural analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and regulatory compliance. As industry leaders in ro-pax ferry design and sustainable marine engineering, we prioritize long-term relationships with clients and communities while maintaining rigorous adherence to quality assurance protocols. Our employee ownership model ensures every project benefits from the direct involvement of stakeholders who are deeply invested in our company's reputation and future.
Services
Naval Architecture
Marine Engineering
Vessel Design
Structural Analysis
CFD Modeling
Regulatory Compliance
Shipyard Support
Sustainability Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We are an employee-owned firm with direct stakeholder involvement in every project
- Our team combines 1988-founded expertise with modern engineering innovation
- Specialized in decarbonization and alternative fuel integration for maritime applications
- Maintain rigorous quality assurance through AWS-certified welding inspection programs
- Offer comprehensive 3D modeling and computational fluid dynamics analysis capabilities
Services
Naval Architecture
Our naval architecture services encompass concept development through detailed design for commercial vessels. We specialize in creating efficient hull forms using advanced computational fluid dynamics analysis while ensuring regulatory compliance. Our team delivers optimized general arrangements and structural designs that balance operational requirements with safety standards. With expertise in both steel and aluminum construction, we provide comprehensive support for new builds and vessel conversions.
Marine Engineering
We offer complete marine engineering solutions covering mechanical, electrical, and piping systems. Our capabilities include propulsion system integration, HVAC design, and power system analysis. The team specializes in modernizing legacy systems with energy-efficient alternatives while maintaining operational reliability. Our engineers provide detailed specifications and construction support for complex marine installations across diverse vessel types.
Structural Analysis
Our structural analysis services utilize finite element modeling to ensure vessel integrity throughout their lifecycle. We perform detailed stress calculations for hull structures, decks, and critical components while optimizing material usage. The team conducts dry docking analyses and stability assessments to meet classification society requirements. Our approach combines traditional engineering principles with modern simulation tools for accurate performance predictions.
CFD Modeling
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling services optimize vessel hydrodynamics and aerodynamics. We analyze hull resistance, wake patterns, and ventilation systems to improve efficiency and passenger comfort. Our simulations support design validation for propulsion systems and seakeeping performance. This technology enables data-driven decisions that reduce operational costs while enhancing environmental performance through fuel consumption optimization.
Regulatory Compliance
We provide comprehensive regulatory compliance services for domestic and international maritime standards. Our team ensures designs meet USCG, ABS, and SOLAS requirements through detailed calculations and documentation. We assist with stability booklets, tonnage certification, and regulatory submissions. Our experts maintain current knowledge of evolving environmental regulations to help clients achieve and maintain compliance throughout vessel operations.
People
Robert Ekse
President
With extensive maritime industry leadership experience, Robert guides the company's strategic direction while maintaining focus on technical excellence and client satisfaction. He actively promotes sustainable design practices and industry innovation.
John Petersen
Project Manager
As a licensed professional engineer, John oversees complex vessel design projects. He brings deep technical expertise in structural systems and regulatory compliance, ensuring projects meet performance requirements while maintaining schedule and budget efficiency.
Taylor Herinckx
Technical Manager
A dual-qualified naval architect and electrical engineer, Taylor leads technical teams in developing innovative marine systems. She specializes in integrating modern electrical systems with traditional vessel operations while mentoring junior engineers in best practices.
Matthew Wichgers
Technical Manager
As a licensed professional engineer, Matthew oversees technical operations and quality control. He specializes in applying advanced engineering principles to complex vessel conversions and new builds while maintaining focus on practical constructability considerations.
Lydia Benger
Technical Director
Lydia provides technical leadership for structural engineering projects. With extensive experience in marine structural systems, she ensures designs balance safety requirements with operational efficiency while fostering professional development within the engineering team.
Questions
What marine vessel types do you specialize in designing?
We design commercial vessels including ferries, tugs, cargo ships, workboats, fishing vessels, and specialty marine infrastructure. Our expertise spans both steel and aluminum construction for passenger and cargo applications.
Do you provide engineering support for vessel conversions?
Yes, we offer comprehensive conversion engineering services including structural modifications, systems upgrades, and regulatory compliance updates for existing vessels across multiple operational sectors.
How do you incorporate sustainability into marine design?
We integrate decarbonization strategies, alternative fuel systems, and energy-efficient technologies while optimizing hull forms and propulsion systems to reduce environmental impact throughout vessel lifecycles.
Can you assist with regulatory compliance requirements?
Our team ensures designs meet USCG, ABS, SOLAS, and other international maritime standards through detailed calculations, stability analysis, and complete regulatory documentation packages.
What engineering analysis tools do you use?
We employ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and 3D scanning technologies to validate designs and optimize performance before construction begins.
Are you an employee-owned company?
Yes, we transitioned to an employee-owned structure that aligns our team's interests with long-term client success, fostering greater accountability and commitment to project excellence.
