Facilities + Technology
Office Facilities of Robert Allan Ltd.
Robert Allan Ltd. occupies 1260 m2 (13,555 ft2) of modern office space in the downtown core of Vancouver, Canada, just across the water from the north shore shipyards. We are easily accessible by all manner of transportation, with a short 35 minute car/train ride from Vancouver International Airport. We are right next door to Vancouver’s premiere conference centres and there are a number of great hotels and restaurants in the immediate area as well.
Technology in Use
Robert Allan Ltd. has invested significantly in the high-performance computer hardware and software necessary to ensure that we provide the highest standards of design service and capability possible. On-Site IT professionals ensure that the system is always running at peak performance.
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is fast becoming the analytical tool of choice to assess the performance of any new hull form. It can be used to augment or even replace model testing. CFD gives accurate, fast, economical results and is excellent for comparing design alternatives such as different hull shapes or for evaluating the influence of various appendages.
Examples of CFD-based applications in regular use at Robert Allan Ltd. include:
- Alternative hull form performance comparisons
- Appendage drag analysis/form optimization
- Escort Force generations predictions
- Escort Tug Skeg design optimization
- Flowline optimization
- Hull Speed and Resistance predictions
- Push notch/tug form optimization for ATB systems
- Propeller cavitation
- Propeller and rudder optimization
- Resistance of barge flotillas (including the towboat)
- Seakeeping Predictions
- Self-propulsion simulations (free run and bollard pull)
- Squat effect in shallow water
- Stopping of barge flotillas
- Towed Directional Stability of Barges
- Wake wash predictions
A dedicated team of highly qualified and experienced engineers and analysts ensure that all our CFD work is performed to the very highest standards. CFD results are presented in professional engineering reports that are accepted by Classification Societies.
Robert Allan Ltd. recently acquired a High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster with 480 processor cores allowing us to quickly carry out these state-of-the-art simulations.

Finite Element Analyses
Finite Element Analyses (FEA) is employed to evaluate the strength and stiffness of a complete vessel and all the structural members that go into the construction, or to analyze any specific loaded component of a ship. The structure is modelled mathematically, the loads applied, and FEA provides the resulting stresses and deflections. Pieces that are overloaded are identified and strengthened, and parts that have little stress (overbuilt) can be safely reduced in size or even eliminated. In this way the use of steel is optimized and we can ensure that highly loaded components such as towing fittings are truly fit for purpose. The FEA method also makes it possible to quickly evaluate “what if” questions and thereby facilitates innovative design. FEA results are presented in professional engineering reports that are accepted by Classification Societies. In-house FEA capability enables Robert Allan Ltd. to produce the most efficient, cost effective vessel designs.
Decades of design experience, combined with cutting edge technology and research assures our clients of a successful and technically accurate design project every time. For more information on our facilities or technologies, please contact us.
Related Press Releases
2013.11.05 | Bureau Veritas approve Robert Allan Ltd. standardized CFD analysis methodology for escort notation certification |