Technical investigation
Many cases in which TMC provides technical assistance to clients are with a view to litigation in the UK or abroad. All our consultants are experienced expert witnesses and assist clients by giving detailed, yet clear, views on the technical aspects of a case.
TMC's expertise in mathematical computer modelling allows us to analyse even the most complex incidents, for example passenger ship stranding, bulkhead failure, container stow collapse, floating dock capsize and collisions. Our programs have been used both for pro-active work (e.g. salvage, cargo securing) as well for forensic investigation.
A comprehensive approach
Our in-house software allows us the option of having programs tailored to suit specific circumstances. This is particularly useful in salvage operations, such as re-floating of a vessel broken in two parts or where excessive hull girder deformation has occurred. Software programs produced by TMC have been approved by the major Classification Societies on a case by case basis.
Programs written by TMC are used for ship stability, longitudinal strength, container stowage and securing, project cargo, manoeuvring and mooring analysis. Some industry programs are also used by TMC, not only to deal with specific subjects (e.g. localised strength and seakeeping) but occasionally for back-up in unusual cases.
Areas of Investigation
- Structural failure (local / global)
- Ship stability (intact / damage)
- Hull damage
- Total loss, grounding, stranding
- Salvage
- Wreck removal
- Collision analysis (speed and angle of blow)
- Container lashing and securing
- Project cargo securing and analyses
- Fire and explosion
- Machinery damage
- Ship performance analysis
- Sale and purchase disputes
- New-building disputes
- Vessel modifications
- Plan approval / design
- Class and statutory compliance
- Unsafe port claims
- Oil and bulk cargo loss
- Deck cargo loss
- Hatch-cover design
- Lifting appliances
- Metallurgical investigation
