Services
Founded in 1979, Guido Perla & Associates (GPA) is a full service naval architectural firm that has established a worldwide reputation for its progressive and innovative approach to engineering and ship design for a number of highly complex marine industry sectors. Based in Seattle, Washington, the company enjoys a strong client base in the United States and abroad, serving customers in such countries as China, Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil, Chile, Norway, France, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.
GPA's range of services encompasses all phases of ship design. Our extensive portfolio of successful projects includes passenger and casino vessels, ferries, tugs, offshore supply and support vessels, factory trawlers, research vessels, fireboats and luxury yachts. This work is supported by the application of advanced computer-aided design/engineering (CAD/CAE) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and provides for an unsurpassed degree of flexibility and efficiency during all stages of design.
To further enhance project performance, GPA highly values close working relationships with shipyards, vessel owners and vessel operators throughout the development and construction process. We support those relationships after launch and delivery by keeping a close liaison with respect to the operation and maintenance of each vessel.
Our unique combination of technical training, design expertise, communications, and a thorough understanding of classification society rules and U.S. Coast Guard regulations, makes GPA especially qualified to undertake a variety of projects. Equally important, our investment in the continuous education of our engineers and technicians in all disciplines allows us to control engineering quality and costs effectively, thereby providing our clients with unequaled service.
Professional Services
Conceptual & Preliminary Design
As the first stage of the design process, preliminary—or conceptual—designs establish the scientific foundation for vessel performance and establish a vessel’s principal parameters, design concept and artistic style. Based on an owner’s preferences, GPA produces designs based on a single idea or vision from the owner, or through a collaborative process based on detailed owner-furnished specifications.
Bid Packages & Regulatory Design
GPA develops full technical design descriptions owners can utilize to solicit binding construction bids from qualified shipyards and/or obtain regulatory approval from governing bodies or classification societies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, Det Norske Veritas and Lloyd’s Register. We have established this expertise over the last three decades and are uniquely qualified to develop workable designs efficiently in terms of cost and time.
Scientific/Engineering Analysis
GPA’s scientific expertise includes finite element analysis (FEA), ship motion and seakeeping studies, resistance and propulsion analysis, hydrostatics and stability calculations, and electrical power distribution analysis. Depending on a customer’s needs, we can provide these services as integral elements of the design process or as independent studies.
Feasibility Studies
GPA provides scientific and economic feasibility evaluations of ideas and proposals, ranging from the analysis of such subjects as shipping service routes and markets, port loading facilities or waste management systems, to the development of novel designs for vessels and other marine installations. We conduct research to identify new applications for existing vessels and established vessel concepts and develop innovative solutions to bring to market. GPA has undertaken such services for government agencies and commercial clients throughout the world.
Production Engineering
GPA provides client shipyards with a complete range of production engineering services, including shape and plate nesting, computer lofting, pipe spools and numerical control (NC) tape production. To optimize construction efficiency, we employ a range of 3-D modeling software, which is also exceptionally beneficial/valuable for visualization and to perform interference checks.
Construction Management & Owner Representation
GPA’s staff often manages the construction processes of newbuild projects, providing shipowners with engineering expertise independent of the shipyard to conduct surveys and quality inspections. Throughout the life cycle of the vessel, our staff remains available to conduct surveys and provide professional advice. GPA is also poised to quickly deliver engineering input if an emergency situation should occur during vessel operation. 7. Expert Witness Services Working for a wide range of clients, GPA experts routinely provide consulting services to evaluate the technical aspects of legal disputes in the marine industry. By providing factual scientific expertise, GPA has helped resolve hundreds of third-party lawsuits over the last 20 years.