Rockabill Marine Design

09/06/2026

Good vessel design starts long before the first plate is cut.

For our latest ferry project at Glensanda, Europe’s largest granite quarry, that meant getting out on the route, surveying the piers and spending time with the crew operating the existing service.

The new ferry is being developed around the realities of the operation rather than a generic passenger vessel layout. Understanding how the vessel is used day to day is just as important as the design work itself.

We've taken a closer look at the project in our latest case study. Link below.

https://rockabillmarine.com/news/f/rockabill-marine-design-develops-new-ferry-for-glensanda

07/06/2026

Modern aquaculture vessels work hard every day. The design needs to reflect that.

Mytilus was developed specifically for mussel harvesting, with the focus on improving workflow, reducing maintenance and creating a more stable working platform for crews operating in demanding conditions.

From the double-curvature bow designed to reduce motion, to the keel-cooled engines that eliminate issues with blocked seawater intakes, every part of the vessel was developed around the realities of the job.

Now under construction at Seabound Engineering, the project is a good example of what can be achieved when operators, designers and builders work closely together from the outset.

We've taken a closer look at the design in our latest case study. Link below.

https://rockabillmarine.com/news/f/mytilus---purpose-built-aquaculture-vessel-design

02/06/2026

Not every workboat carries people.

Some carry sensors, survey equipment and enough technology to operate hundreds of miles offshore without a crew onboard.

The autonomous sector continues to move quickly, and it is interesting to see platforms like the XOCEAN fleet becoming a normal part of offshore operations.

We recently shared a case study on the XO-580 programme, covering the naval architecture, structural engineering and design decisions behind the platform. Link below.

https://rockabillmarine.com/news/f/supporting-xocean%E2%80%99s-next-generation-autonomous-fleet

27/02/2026

A new 90-passenger ferry for Scotland’s west coast has been announced in partnership with Seabound Engineering.

The 18 metre aluminium catamaran is designed for dependable year-round service on Scotland’s west coast routes, where durability and ease of maintenance are key factors.

The contract represents a clear step into the Scottish ferry market.

The vessel will be built by Seabound Engineering in Greencastle, Ireland, with construction scheduled to begin in summer 2026 and delivery expected in 2027.

Rockabill Marine Design has signed a full design contract with Seabound Engineering for a new 90-passenger ferry operating on the west coast of Scotland.

23/02/2026

Plenty happening at Rockabill Marine Design as the year gets underway.

We’ve welcomed a new Naval Architect and are growing the team further. The 25m mussel vessel is progressing well toward launch. Our USV work continues to expand. We have strengthened our in-house CFD capability. Our Southampton office is also getting a refresh.

Ruairi shares more on what the year looks like and what is planned next.

Read the full story here:

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24/11/2025

The 15m CTV for Irish Commercial Charter Boats is now in the water at Seabound Engineering.
The launch went to plan. The weather helped.

The RMD team was on site for the lightship survey and incline test that was witnessed by both the MSO and the MCA. Every weight shift and every reading confirmed the design and work. This is the point where months of drawings meet real results. The vessel was bang on weight target, well done Seabound Engineering.

Next step is machinery commissioning and sea trials. The focus now is on performance, and handling.
More updates will follow as the vessel moves toward handover.