Business Details
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Trusted Marine Engineering Since 1875
For over 150 years, Martin & Ottaway has been a leader in marine consulting, engineering, and surveying. Founded in 1875, our firm combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to ethical standards and client-focused solutions. Our team of seasoned professionals delivers services ranging from vessel appraisals to forensic engineering, serving maritime and non-maritime clients globally. We maintain a computerized appraisal database and extensive engineering library, ensuring data-driven insights for complex challenges.Recognized for our role in salvage operations, regulatory compliance, and expert testimony, we prioritize innovation while adhering to the Professional Engineers Code of Ethics and environmental responsibility principles. Our global reach spans over 30 countries, supporting clients in insurance claims, litigation, and technical consulting. With a legacy of excellence, we continue to provide rapid, cost-effective solutions for maritime issues, backed by a century-and-a-half of accumulated expertise.
Services
Marine Engineering
Vessel Appraisals
Expert Testimony
Dry-Dock Consulting
Insurance Claims
Highlights and features
- We offer 150+ years of maritime engineering expertise.
- Our team provides global services in over 30 countries.
- We maintain a proprietary computerized appraisal database.
- Our staff includes forensic engineering experts with legal testimony experience.
- We adhere to strict ethical and environmental standards.
Associations and certifications
- Professional Engineers Code of Ethics
- Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Code of Ethics
Services
Marine Engineering Consulting
Our marine engineering services address structural, stability, and operational challenges for vessels and offshore structures. We provide forensic analysis, design optimization, and regulatory compliance solutions. Clients benefit from our expertise in salvage operations, damage assessments, and environmental compliance, supported by a century of technical data.
Vessel Appraisals
We conduct comprehensive vessel appraisals for financing, insurance, and legal purposes. Our appraisers utilize a proprietary database of global ship sales and repair costs. Services include economic analyses of shipping corporations and regulatory impact assessments for maritime ventures.
Expert Testimony
Our experts provide forensic engineering testimony in maritime litigation and arbitration. With Fellows of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers on staff, we offer technical analysis for hull damage, liability claims, and regulatory disputes in U.S. and international courts.
Dry-Dock Consulting
We advise on dry-dock acquisitions, valuations, and construction projects. Our services include market analysis, repair cost estimation, and certification assistance. Clients receive strategic guidance for dry-dock operations and maintenance planning.
Insurance Claims
We prepare and present maritime insurance claims for hull, machinery, and liability losses. Our team includes former average adjusters and insurance executives who streamline claim processes. We assist with general average declarations and post-incident recovery strategies.
People
Rik F. van Hemmen
Senior Consultant
With decades of maritime engineering experience, Rik leads technical projects and contributes to industry publications. He specializes in salvage operations and regulatory compliance, holding leadership roles in international maritime organizations.
James L. Dolan
Principal Engineer
A licensed professional engineer, James oversees forensic investigations and expert testimony services. He has testified in major maritime cases and contributes to U.S. Coast Guard salvage regulations development.
David J. Tantrum
Naval Architect
David specializes in vessel stability and structural analysis. He provides consulting for new builds and accident investigations, applying advanced computational modeling to complex maritime engineering problems.
Pierce N. Power
Senior Surveyor
Pierce leads inspection teams for vessel appraisals and damage assessments. With global field experience, he manages survey projects across diverse maritime environments and regulatory frameworks.
Niek C. F. van Sas
International Liaison
Based in Rotterdam, Niek coordinates European projects and regulatory affairs. He maintains industry partnerships and ensures compliance with EU maritime directives and international standards.
Questions
What maritime services does Martin & Ottaway offer?
We provide marine engineering, vessel appraisals, expert testimony, dry-dock consulting, and insurance claim services for global maritime clients.
How long has the company been in business?
Martin & Ottaway has operated continuously since 1875, providing maritime consulting for over 150 years.
Do you handle international maritime cases?
Yes, our consultants work in over 30 countries and maintain global regulatory expertise for international shipping clients.
Can you assist with emergency maritime incidents?
We offer emergency response through our 24/7 hotline for salvage operations, damage assessments, and regulatory compliance during maritime crises.
What makes your vessel appraisals unique?
Our appraisals combine a proprietary database of global ship sales with engineering analysis for accurate valuations and market assessments.
Do you provide expert testimony in court cases?
Yes, our staff includes forensic engineers qualified to testify in U.S. and international courts on maritime technical matters.
