Business Details
Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Experts
Bristol Harbor Group has been a leader in naval architecture and marine engineering for over three decades. Our team of degreed professionals combines advanced computational tools with traditional design methodologies to deliver innovative vessel solutions. We specialize in commercial vessel design, structural analysis, and marine engineering consulting, serving clients globally. Our core values of technical excellence and client-centric service drive every project from concept to completion. With expertise in LNG vessels, ATB units, and passenger ships, we provide regulatory compliance and construction oversight. Our engineers' hands-on experience ensures practical designs that balance innovation with operational efficiency.We maintain rigorous quality control through multi-tier document reviews and collaborative design meetings. Our commitment to continuous improvement and client communication has established long-term partnerships across maritime industries. Recognized for our work on North America's first LNG bunker barge, we remain dedicated to pushing engineering boundaries while maintaining practicality. This combination of experience, technology, and client focus makes us a trusted partner in marine design and engineering.
Services
Vessel Design
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Finite Element Analysis
Marine Engineering
Consulting Services
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized experience in commercial vessel design
- Our team includes licensed Professional Engineers with maritime construction expertise
- We utilize advanced software including AutoCAD, Rhino, and Simerics CFD
- Our quality control process ensures dual-review of all engineering documents
- We maintain active memberships in SNAME and other marine engineering societies
What people say
Unparalleled expertise
Detail oriented
Extremely responsive
Proven track record
Invaluable partner
Services
Vessel Design
Our vessel design services combine advanced computational tools with traditional naval architecture principles to create efficient hull forms and structural configurations. We specialize in commercial vessels including LNG barges, tugs, and passenger ships, ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations. Our designs balance innovation with practicality, incorporating feedback from shipyards and operators throughout the development process.
Computational Fluid Dynamics
We use Orca Marine's Simerics CFD software to optimize vessel hydrodynamics, reducing resistance and improving fuel efficiency. Our analyses include resistance studies, wake visualization, and seakeeping performance predictions. This technology enables hull form optimization before model testing, saving time and costs while ensuring optimal performance characteristics for various vessel types.
Finite Element Analysis
Our FEA capabilities assess structural integrity for complete vessels or specific high-load areas using advanced software tools. We perform linear and nonlinear static analyses, buckling studies, and transient dynamic simulations. This approach ensures structural reliability under various operational conditions while maintaining compliance with classification society requirements for commercial marine structures.
Marine Engineering
We design and integrate marine machinery systems including propulsion, electrical, and cargo handling equipment. Our engineers combine shipyard experience with technical expertise to specify main engines, develop piping systems, and optimize HVAC configurations. All systems are designed for reliability and maintainability while meeting regulatory standards for commercial vessel operations.
Consulting Services
Our consulting services cover vessel acquisition through decommissioning, including regulatory compliance and lifecycle management. We provide technical due diligence, construction oversight, and regulatory liaison services for new builds and conversions. Our team supports clients with performance specifications, cost estimating, and shipyard selection to ensure successful project execution across diverse maritime operations.
People
Gregory W. Beers
President
Licensed Professional Engineer with 30+ years of experience in naval architecture. Holds MS and BS in Naval Architecture from University of Michigan. Active SNAME member and industry lecturer. Oversees all technical operations and project oversight.
Cory C. Wood
Vice President
BS in Naval Architecture from University of Michigan with 25+ years of design experience. Former shipyard engineer and vessel operator. Manages project execution and technical quality control. Serves on Landing School advisory committee.
William A. Jordan
Senior Naval Architect
Webb Institute graduate with 20+ years in commercial vessel design. Expert in structural analysis and regulatory compliance. Manages US Navy and Army Corps of Engineers projects. Holds MS in Ocean Technology from Webb Institute.
Daniel P. Eling
Engineering Manager
Virginia Tech alumnus and licensed PE with 15 years of naval project experience. Former US Coast Guard officer. Manages new construction projects including USCG FRC and LCS 2. Past SNAME section chair.
Teresa L. LaForest
Senior Naval Architect
University of Michigan graduate with expertise in structural engineering and FEA. Registered PE in Rhode Island. Manages complex structural analyses and coordinates with regulatory bodies for commercial vessel certifications.
Questions
What types of vessels do you specialize in designing?
We design LNG vessels, ATB units, tugs, barges, passenger ships, and specialized work vessels. Our experience includes both commercial and government projects.
How do you ensure design quality and regulatory compliance?
We use dual-review quality control and have licensed engineers for regulatory compliance. Our team maintains active classification society certifications.
What engineering software tools do you use?
We employ AutoCAD, Rhino, Simerics CFD, Autodesk Nastran, and GHS. Our tools combine modern computational analysis with traditional design methods.
Can you support international maritime regulations?
Our engineers are experienced with ABS, USCG, and international maritime regulations. We maintain current certifications for global compliance.
What construction oversight services do you provide?
We offer weld inspections, quality assurance, regulatory liaison, and progress monitoring. Our team provides on-site and remote construction support services.
How do you handle complex structural analyses?
We use finite element analysis for structural integrity assessments. Our engineers perform linear/nonlinear static analyses and transient dynamic simulations for marine structures.
