Ships, Shipyards & Naval Architecture

Who can deny the beauty and majesty of a ship?

Yes, I have fallen in love. Twice, in the last 2 years. Ships were one of them.

One would imagine, a skeptic like me, would look at the downside of my industry. Think like some of my colleagues that we have no opportunity out there. That Naval Architects are not paid as much as they deserve in India. That working in India is the worst kind of punishment for an IITian.

I say to them, are you f***ing kidding me?

No other engineering branch can say with as much confidence as Naval Architecture that they are the most wanted, most lucrative, most satisfying engineering branch there ever was. Naval Architects are in huge demand throughout the world. There would not be a week without which an advertisement for a Naval Architect comes up from some random corner of the world. Demand causes the lucrative nature of Naval Architecture. With just 2 years experience, your paycheck is reading at least $40K abroad.

And which designer cannot appreciate his own work after it's been made a reality. When I can experience joy by just creating a ship on Maxsurf, imagine the heights of self-pride and joy one would reach when you see it in steel. Basic Ship Theory describes shipbuilding as a cross between art and science, and I cannot agree more. In fact, it's a known fact that shipbuilding started as an art, then transformed slowly into part-science when many characteristics started making sense to the scientific mind. Even today, shipbuilding is at least 30% art. New and innovative ideas are still needed to make shipping energy efficient. Cruise ships need to be aesthetically appealing while at the same time, profiteering for the owners and affordable for customers.  Conferences are being held to discuss making warships affordable.

While trial and error were the tools of the past, we have computers to simulate every aspect of the ship. Wood has given way to Steel and Alumunium, Rivets to Welds, Steam to Diesel & Nuclear, Single hull to Catamarans & Trimarans. New additions that make shipping less costly on the environment, like bulbous bows & Zero Transom immersion, have only been possible due to science. And science has a huge role in making shipping a zero carbon-footprint industry.

If any of you are considering Naval Architecture as a career option out there, you can always ask me about it. Just comment below!