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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
NAVARCHIT – Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Spain
© 2026 VALENCIA Marine Services


Chartered Naval Architect and Marine Engineer in Spain with more than 20 years of experience in technical naval projects, structural inspections, maritime expert reports, and vessel stability analysis for commercial shipping, yachts, and recreational vessels across Spain.
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Technical Naval Projects
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Naval Architect in Spain
Valencia
Barcelona
Tarragona
Castellón
Alicante
Palma
Cartagena
Madrid
Oficina: Real Club Náutico de Valencia
Phone: +34 96 13 050 13
Mobile: +34 644 70 90 38
E-mail: info@navarchit.com
Chartered Naval Architect in Spain specialized in Technical Naval Projects, Stability Studies, Structural Inspections and Maritime Expert Witness Services.
