When new emissions rules came into force, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company faced a problem.

To comply with the new rules, the vessel’s engine power had to be limited.

That solved the regulatory problem. But it created an operational one.

With less power available, the ship became harder to manoeuvre - especially in tight conditions and bad weather. For a ferry running frequent, time-critical crossings, that simply wasn’t viable.

Our client needed a way to stay compliant without sacrificing control.

Houlder found the answer.

Using advanced modelling and CFD analysis, we built a precise, vessel-specific picture - one that reflected real-world hydrodynamic efficiency, not generic assumptions.

The insight was clear.

Nothing was wrong with the ship. The problem was how it was being measured under the standard regulatory model.

By evidencing true performance and submitting a validated alternative to Class, we secured approval to remove the power limitation - without any physical modification to the ship.