a boat on the shore

Vessel Damage Assessment

Vessel damage assessment involves the technical and economic evaluation of damage resulting from a marine casualty, impact or structural deterioration.

In Spain, the intervention of a specialized Maritime Expert Witness allows evaluation of hull integrity, determination of the actual extent of damage and estimation of repair costs, based on Naval Engineering principles and applicable maritime regulations, ensuring an objective and legally defendable report for insurers or courts.

Structural Damage

 Structural damage may affect:

  • Hull and bottom structure

  • Frames and longitudinal reinforcements

  • Structural bulkheads

  • Deck and superstructure

Technical valuation includes visual inspection, deformation analysis, thickness loss assessment, and structural integrity verification.

a man working on a large boat in a dry dock
a man working on a large boat in a dry dock

Impacts and Collisions

In impact cases, the analysis includes:

  • Identification of the affected area

  • Evaluation of load transfer

  • Permanent structural deformations

  • Possible internal structural damage

  • Impact on vessel stability

Accurate identification of the damage scope prevents undervaluation or insufficient repair strategies

white and black ship on sea during daytime
white and black ship on sea during daytime

Corrosion and Progressive Deterioration

Corrosion can significantly compromise structural safety.

The assessment includes:

  • Thickness loss measurements

  • Coating condition evaluation

  • Localized or generalized corrosion

  • Structural risk assessment

The valuation distinguishes between normal wear and damage resulting from insufficient maintenance.

a close up of a rusted metal surface
a close up of a rusted metal surface

Material Fatigue

Cyclic loading may lead to:

  • Structural cracking

  • Fatigue failures

  • Crack propagation

  • Reduction of mechanical strength

Technical analysis determines whether the damage results from a single overload event or from cumulative structural fatigue.

A yellow fire hydrant with a rope attached to it
A yellow fire hydrant with a rope attached to it

Repair Cost Estimation

Economic valuation must be based on:

  • Actual scope of the damage

  • Need for replacement or structural reinforcement

  • Specialized labor costs

  • Structural materials required

  • Vessel downtime

The technical estimation is not merely a commercial quotation but is founded on engineering and regulatory criteria

a large red boat sitting in a dry dock
a large red boat sitting in a dry dock

Application to Recreational, Yacht and Commercial Vessels

Damage assessment services apply to:

  • Recreational craft

  • Yachts and megayachts

  • Passenger vessels

  • Commercial units

Each vessel type requires a specific evaluation according to its structure, materials, and operational profile.

red and white boat on dock during daytime
red and white boat on dock during daytime

Legal Validity and Use of the Report

The damage assessment report may be used for:

  • Insurance claims

  • Judicial proceedings

  • Maritime arbitration

  • Contractual negotiations

The report must be technically substantiated and legally defensible before a court of law

brown wooden chess piece on brown book
brown wooden chess piece on brown book