NSK Ship Design
NSK Ship Design is a Norwegian naval architecture firm specializing in sustainable vessel design for aquaculture, fishing, and offshore wind clients, with offices across Norway and a 50-engineer team.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersHarstad, Norway
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What NSK Ship Design does
NSK Ship Design AS is a privately held Norwegian ship design and engineering firm founded in 1992 and headquartered in Harstad, with additional offices in Trondheim, Oslo, Tromsø, and Måløy. The company designs specialized vessels for the aquaculture, commercial fishing, and offshore energy sectors, with a focus on sustainable propulsion systems including LNG hybrid, methanol dual-fuel, and battery hybrid technologies. Its reference portfolio includes the Havfarm 1 offshore fish farm for Nordlaks (the world's largest), the world's first LNG-hybrid live fish carrier, and a 100-meter methanol dual-fuel cable lay support vessel (Cecon Vigor) for the Agalas joint venture serving the offshore wind market. Supporting divisions include NSK Aquaculture, NSK Fartøykontroll (vessel inspection and certification under Norwegian Maritime Directorate approval), and NSK Kransertifisering (crane certification).
NSK Ship Design firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NSK Ship Design
- Legal name
- NSK Ship Design AS
- Website
- https://nskshipdesign.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NSK Ship Design is a Norwegian naval architecture firm specializing in sustainable vessel design for aquaculture, fishing, and offshore wind clients, with offices across Norway and a 50-engineer team.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NSK Ship Design industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ship Design and Marine Engineering Services
- NAICS
- Ship and Boat Building (3366), Ship Building and Repairing (336611)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Production Design & Detailed Engineering (3D CAD, Drawings, BOM, Nesting) (IMAJAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Concept & Feasibility Naval Architecture (Requirements, Trade Studies) (IMAJAGAA), Safety, Risk & Compliance Engineering (SOLAS, Class Rules, HAZID/HAZOP, FMEA) (IMAJAGAJ), Project Management & Owner’s Engineering / Technical Consultancy (Spec Writing, Bid Support, Site Support) (IMAJAGAO)
Keywords
Where NSK Ship Design is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Harstad
- HQ country
- Norway
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
NSK Ship Design business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Ship Design and Engineering Services: NSK Ship Design generates revenue through the provision of comprehensive ship design and engineering services for newbuilding projects and conversions. Services cover concept design, structural analysis, 3D modelling, workshop documentation, and regulatory approval support. Revenue is project-based and typically tied to specific vessel newbuilds or conversion assignments.
- Fartøykontroll (Vessel Inspection and Certification): NSK Fartøykontroll, a division of NSK Ship Design, offers inspection and certification services for vessels under 15 meters and crane certification. This generates recurring service revenue from maritime operators.
- Kransertifisering (Crane Certification): NSK provides A and B certification services for cranes and lifting equipment on vessels of all sizes, including new installation inspections, annual inspections, and 5-year certifications.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
NSK Ship Design product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NSK Ship Design is an independent Norwegian ship design and engineering consultancy that delivers custom vessel designs and engineering services for newbuilds and conversions across aquaculture, commercial fishing, and offshore sectors. Its portfolio includes LNG hybrid live fish carriers, the Havfarm offshore fish farm, methanol dual-fuel cable lay support vessels, battery-hybrid wellboats, fishing vessels, and bulk carriers, supported by hull analysis, 3D modelling, and conversion engineering. NSK also operates the NSK Fartøykontroll and NSK Kransertifisering divisions providing vessel and crane inspection and certification services under Norwegian Maritime Directorate approvals.
Product overview
NSK Ship Design is an independent international ship design company offering a comprehensive portfolio of vessel designs and maritime services. The core product offering includes specialized vessel designs spanning offshore support vessels (Cable Lay Support Vessel, Hybrid Construction Support Vessel), aquaculture vessels (Live Fish Carriers with LNG Hybrid propulsion, Fish Feed Carriers, Battery-Hybrid Wellboats), fishing vessels, and bulk carriers. The company also designed the world's largest offshore fishfarm, Havfarm 1. Supporting the vessel design portfolio are engineering services (hull analysis, 3D modelling), conversion services, and ancillary divisions including NSK Aquaculture (aquaculture solutions), NSK Fartøykontroll (vessel inspection/certification), and NSK Kransertifisering (crane certification). The company is ISO9001 (2015) certified and operates from offices in Harstad and Trondheim, Norway.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NSK Aquaculture: Works with new and innovative solutions for both exposed and sheltered aquaculture operations.
- NSK Fartøykontroll
- NSK Kransertifisering
Products and services
- Cable Lay Support Vessel (CLSV) NSK6255 Specialized approximately 100-meter vessel design for cable laying, repair, and maintenance of power and fiber cables for offshore wind operators, with dual-fuel methanol/battery hybrid propulsion, 2,800-ton cable cargo capacity, 1,020 m² open deck, and 70-ton AHC crane. Functions as a hotel vessel accommodating 100 personnel during offshore wind farm construction.
- Hybrid Light Construction Support Vessel (CSV) NSK6480 Multi-purpose construction support vessel design for offshore operations in exposed conditions, integrating hybrid propulsion technology for lower-emission subsea and offshore wind construction support.
- Havfarm – Jostein Albert (Offshore Fish Farm) Design of Havfarm 1, the world's largest offshore fish farm and described as the world's largest steel structure at sea, setting the standard for exposed offshore fish farming. Delivered to Nordlaks in 2020.
- Live Fish Carriers with LNG Hybrid Propulsion World's first live fish carrier design with LNG hybrid propulsion, eliminating diesel entirely during fish transport by combining liquefied natural gas with battery packs and shore power connectivity for zero-emission operation. Delivered to Nordlaks with up to 30% CO2 and 90% NOx reduction and approximately 30% fuel cost reduction vs. conventional wellboats.
- Fish Feed Carriers (LNG Powered) World's first LNG-powered fish feed carrier design, integrating sustainable energy sources into the aquaculture logistics chain for emission-reduced feed transportation.
- Battery-Hybrid Wellboat (Brønnbåt) Battery-hybrid wellboat design with 2,800 m³ well volume, dynamic positioning, and shore power connection, reducing carbon footprint while ensuring gentle fish handling during live salmon transport. Delivered to Brønnbåt Nord in Q2 2023.
- Bulk Carriers BC2600 Bulk carrier vessel design for cargo transportation, part of NSK's broader vessel design portfolio beyond aquaculture and offshore segments.
- Fishing Vessels (DMSnurrevad Purse/Danish Seiner) Fishing vessel design for demersal seine and purse seine operations, including RSW tanks, live fish capability, and modern processing/factory deck integration, as exemplified by MS Vikanøy (44.2m × 11.5m, 500 m³ RSW) launched November 2020.
- Ship Design Services (Newbuilds and Conversions) Comprehensive ship design services covering concept design, structural analysis, 3D modelling, and regulatory approval support for newbuild projects, plus conversions of existing vessels across the maritime market worldwide.
- Engineering Services (Hull, 3D Modelling, Workshop Documentation) Engineering services spanning hull structure analysis, 3D modelling, and workshop documentation, sold as a distinct service line to maritime clients in support of newbuild and conversion projects.
- NSK Fartøykontroll (Vessel Inspection and Certification) Division of NSK Ship Design offering inspection and certification services for vessels under 15 meters (oil recovery, fishing, cargo) under Norwegian Maritime Directorate approval, generating recurring service revenue from Norwegian maritime operators.
- NSK Kransertifisering (Crane Certification) Crane certification services offering A and B approved-controller inspections of cranes and lifting equipment on vessels of any size across Norway, including new installation inspections, annual inspections, and 5-year certifications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 75% emission reduction with methanol dual-fuel hybrid propulsion compared to existing fleet.
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use NSK Ship Design
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
NSK Ship Design technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
NSK Ship Design partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Sefine ShipyardcoreSefine Shipyard in Turkey is the primary shipbuilding partner for NSK's cable lay support vessel (Cecon Vigor/CLSV) and battery hybrid wellboat projects. The yard has built multiple NSK-designed vessels including the CLSV delivered in 2026 and the Brønnbåt Nord wellboat delivered in 2023.
- Tersan ShipyardcoreTersan Shipyard in Turkey built NSK's LNG/battery hybrid live fish carriers for Nordlaks (NB1088, NB1089) and additional well-boats. The partnership has produced multiple green vessels with sustainable propulsion.
- Cecon Contracting AScoreCecon Contracting is both a co-owner of Agalas and the secured charterer of the NSK-designed cable lay support vessel. The company operates in the energy and telecommunications markets, specializing in cable installation. NSK collaborated with Cecon in developing the vessel concept.
- Agalas AScoreAgalas is a newly established Norwegian shipping company co-owned by NSK Ship Design, Ytterstad Fiskeriselskap, Kransvik Kystfiske, and Cecon Contracting. NSK acts as both designer and co-owner of the company, which is focused on offshore wind and cable operations.
- Ytterstad FiskeriselskapminorTraditional fisheries company that is co-owner of Agalas AS, participating in the offshore wind vessel investment alongside NSK Ship Design.
- Kransvik KystfiskeminorTraditional fisheries company that is co-owner of Agalas AS, participating in the offshore wind vessel investment alongside NSK Ship Design.
- Zamakona Yards BilbaominorSpanish shipyard that built NSK-designed wellboat for Intership with a 2,200 m3 capacity for Mowi's Eastern Canada operations.
- Özata ShipyardminorTurkish shipyard that launched NSK-designed MS Vikanøy purse seiner/danish seiner fishing vessel for Havbør AS.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
NSK Ship Design competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Skipsteknisk: Norwegian ship design consultancy founded in Ålesund, also specializing in advanced vessel designs including offshore, fishing, and aquaculture vessels. Closely comparable to NSK in size, geography, and customer segment, especially within the Norwegian fishing and offshore-wind support segments.
- Ulstein Design & Solutions: Norwegian ship design and shipbuilding group (Ulstein Verft), competing in offshore wind installation vessels, anchor-handling/construction support vessels, and specialized commercial vessels. Competes head-to-head with NSK on offshore wind and specialized offshore vessel design.
- Salt Ship Design: Norwegian ship design company focused on offshore, offshore-wind, and specialized commercial vessels. Headquartered on the Norwegian coast, it competes with NSK for design packages on offshore wind service vessels and similar project-driven engagements.
- Multi Maritime AS: Norwegian ship design and engineering house based in Bergen, with a similar project-based consultancy model serving offshore, fishing, and specialized vessel owners. Direct competitor for tenders on the same Norwegian vessel classes.
- Marin Design (Marcon / Marin Design group): Norwegian ship-design consultancy serving offshore, fishing, and aquaculture vessel owners. Closely comparable in scale and customer profile to NSK, bidding on similar Norwegian offshore and specialized vessel design tenders.
Broad incumbents
- ABB Marine & Ports: Supplies marine electrification, hybrid propulsion, and power systems used in NSK's LNG/battery/methanol designs. Adjacent rather than direct competitor but a relevant comparable for hybrid-marine design houses serving similar offshore and aquaculture end markets.
- Wärtsilä: Finnish marine technology and ship-design group with strong hybrid/methanol propulsion offerings overlapping the technology stack NSK specifies. Acts as both a competitor (in concept design) and supplier (of engines, hybrid systems) to NSK projects.
- Kongsberg Maritime: Large Norwegian maritime technology group providing integrated vessel systems, including hybrid propulsion controls, automation, and digital — many of which are integrated into NSK's LNG/methanol hybrid designs. Acts as an adjacent technology enabler rather than a like-for-like ship designer.
- DNV (engineering services): Norwegian classification society and maritime engineering consultancy providing ship design support, verification, and advisory across offshore wind, aquaculture, and emission-reduction projects. An adjacent but technically overlapping peer in green-marine design.
- Vard (Fincantieri group): Major Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer (part of Fincantieri) with design capability for offshore, offshore wind, fishing, and aquaculture vessels. Competes with NSK as a much larger integrated design-and-build incumbent for similar vessel classes.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
NSK Ship Design social profiles
Digital presenceNSK Ship Design compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
NSK Ship Design financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NSK Ship Design leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
NSK Ship Design subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
NSK Ship Design funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NSK Ship Design M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about NSK Ship Design
What does NSK Ship Design do?
NSK Ship Design is an independent Norwegian ship design and engineering consultancy that delivers custom vessel designs and engineering services for newbuilds and conversions across aquaculture, commercial fishing, and offshore sectors. Its portfolio includes LNG hybrid live fish carriers, the Havfarm offshore fish farm, methanol dual-fuel cable lay support vessels, battery-hybrid wellboats, fishing vessels, and bulk carriers, supported by hull analysis, 3D modelling, and conversion engineering. NSK also operates the NSK Fartøykontroll and NSK Kransertifisering divisions providing vessel and crane inspection and certification services under Norwegian Maritime Directorate approvals.
Is NSK Ship Design a public or private company?
NSK Ship Design is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was NSK Ship Design founded?
NSK Ship Design was founded in 1992. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is NSK Ship Design based?
NSK Ship Design is headquartered in Harstad, Norway, in the Europe region.
How does NSK Ship Design make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Ship Design and Engineering Services are the primary driver. The others are fartøykontroll (Vessel Inspection and Certification) and kransertifisering (Crane Certification).
Who are NSK Ship Design's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Skipsteknisk, Ulstein Design & Solutions, Salt Ship Design, Multi Maritime AS and Marin Design (Marcon / Marin Design group). Broad incumbents are ABB Marine & Ports, Wärtsilä, Kongsberg Maritime, DNV (engineering services) and Vard (Fincantieri group).
Does NSK Ship Design have an API?
No public API is recorded for NSK Ship Design.
What industry is NSK Ship Design in?
NSK Ship Design's product category is Ship Design and Marine Engineering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAGAK, Production Design & Detailed Engineering (3D CAD, Drawings, BOM, Nesting), with a secondary code of IMAJAGAA, Concept & Feasibility Naval Architecture (Requirements, Trade Studies). Its NAICS code is 3366 and its SIC code is 3730.