Keels

Overview

We specialise in custom keel and bulb packages in the 40’ – 150’+ range across all classes of yacht, with a strong representation in premier yacht racing around the globe.  We treat each unique project as being as individual as its owner and work closely with the world’s leading designers to ensure that all parties’ expectations are fulfilled.

Project Management

Keel projects are co-ordinated through our engineering manager Neil Howe.  Neil has been involved in all facets of Keel manufacture and project management since 1990, having completed over 200 projects.  These range from Americas cup winners challengers; 1991-2006, Whitbread to Open 60s, IRC 40-100s, TP52’s to STP65’s, Supermaxi’s, Super yachts and high tech canting/retracting systems/foiling components.

Manufacture

The main focus of Kawerau Engineering is the manufacture of high quality coded Fabrications such as pressure vessel and complex plate forms. Keel manufacture fits directly into this category with the requirement for specialist skills, qualifications and fabrication techniques being common to all of these disciplines.  The majority of keels are fully 3-D CNC machined and our team possesses amongst the largest machining capacity of this type in the Southern Hemisphere.

While we specialise in keels fabricated from high strength and stainless steel plate, we are also able to offer forged or cast units.  Casting of bulbs is handled entirely on site with 50+ tonnes in a single pour being able to be accommodated.

Quality

• All keels have a project specific inspection and test plan (ITP) developed by prior to project start and approved by all parties.
• A full quality assurance package is provided at project completion.
• Our quality system is approved and audited by GIC to ISO9001.
• We are an IACS DNV approved fabrication workshop.
• We work closely with other major ship classification societies.
• All reportable inspections are carried out by a third party inspection body.
• Technical and welding issues are managed internally by fully qualified Mechanical and International Welding Engineers.