Graduation Assignment - Increasing Thialf's station keeping capacity in high current areas

Heerema; Leiden; Remote; EUR 6,700 - 10,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly internship allowance

Job summary

Heerema Marine Contractors in Leiden invites final-year students for a graduation assignment focused on increasing Thialf's station-keeping capacity in high-current areas. You will work under experienced engineers to explore conceptual solutions, linking naval architecture and structural considerations with DP control systems.

The assignment spans 6–9 months, located in Leiden, with guidance from senior engineers and access to cutting-edge tools. Start in 2027 with a monthly internship allowance.

Qualifications

• Pursuing MSc in Offshore, Maritime, Mechanical, Civil or related field.
• Interest in floating offshore structures, dynamics and conceptual design.
• Basic knowledge of hydromechanics and DP systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop a conceptual design for a system to increase Thialf's station-keeping capacity.
• Identify and evaluate alternative concepts for providing additional station-keeping force.
• Define interfaces between Thialf and any external equipment or force source.
• Assess effects on vessel workability and DP interaction.
• Document design requirements, modelling approach and supporting calculations.

Skills

Offshore engineering

DP systems

Conceptual design

Hydrodynamics

Numerical tools

Education

MSc in Offshore/Maritime Engineering

Tools

Numerical tools

Job description

Graduation Assignment - Increasing Thialf's station keeping capacity in high current areas Job Alerts Link Graduation Assignment - Increasing Thialf's station keeping capacity in high current areas Job Description

Increase the applicability of existing technology through the clever use of temporary external assistance.

Your role in the story

Are you a final-year student with a passion for offshore engineering and looking for a graduation assignment that can make real impact? Kick-start your career with a graduation project in the heart of marine engineering with strong links to structural engineering and naval architecture. As a graduation student, you’ll dive into a challenging assignment that contributes to potential future developments. You'll be guided by experienced engineers and exposed to the practical world of offshore engineering, from concept development to project execution.

What’s the challenge

Heerema Marine Contractors’ Semi-Submersible Crane Vessel (SSCV) Thialf relies on its Dynamic Positioning (DP) system to maintain position during offshore operations. In areas with strong currents, the available thruster capacity may limit the vessel’s ability to remain on position, thereby reducing the operational weather window. As there is increasing demand for offshore operations in high‑current areas, HMC is interested in identifying practical solutions to enhance Thialf’s station‑keeping capacity. Potential solutions may include modifications to the vessel’s existing systems, temporary equipment, external assistance, or combinations thereof. The preferred solution should be operationally feasible, compatible with the vessel’s DP system and require minimal permanent modifications to the vessel.

Your mission & goals

The goal of the assignment is to develop a conceptual design for a system that allows the Thialf to gain additional station‑keeping capacity. Potential challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Establishing the required additional station‑keeping capacity for representative operational and environmental conditions.
• Identifying and evaluating alternative concepts for generating or providing the required additional station‑keeping force.
• Defining the interfaces between Thialf and any additional equipment, system or external force source.
• Assessing how the capabilities and operational limitations of the proposed solution affect the vessel’s overall workability.
• Evaluating the structural implications for Thialf, while preferably avoiding major modifications to the existing vessel.
• Assessing the implications for Thialf’s DP system, including the interaction between the proposed solution, the vessel’s thrusters and the DP control system.
• The end goal is a report capturing the conceptual design and the options considered and evaluated. The adopted design requirements, modelling approach, operational limitations and supporting calculations will also be documented.

• What you’ll gain During this assignment, you will gain experience in a conceptual design process, balancing structural, hydrodynamic, operational and control‑system requirements. You will use various numerical tools to quantify the behaviour and workability of Thialf. Furthermore, this assignment will enable you to become acquainted with working in the offshore industry.
• Is this you?
• You are currently pursuing an MSc in Offshore, Maritime, Mechanical, Civil, or a related Engineering field.
• You have a keen interest in floating offshore structures, dynamics, and conceptual design.
• You have basic knowledge of hydromechanics and DP systems is a plus.
• You are comfortable communicating in English, the official written language within the company.
• Practical Information
• Start date: start 2027 (flexible upon agreement)
• Duration: 6-9 months
• Location: Leiden

• What we offer
• A challenging and meaningful assignment aligned with your study goals;
• Guidance from senior engineers and project leads;
• An innovative work environment with access to cutting‑edge tools and infrastructure;
• A monthly internship allowance;
• Opportunities for future career steps within our company (internship as a stepping stone).

A unique maritime adventure

At Heerema Marine Contractors, we deliver the world’s most challenging offshore projects in the energy sector. From designing and engineering to transporting, installing, and removing offshore structures, we make the impossible possible — safely and sustainably.

Our success is built on the expertise and dedication of our diverse team, working together across offshore, onshore, and office‑based roles. We value teamwork, innovation, and a can‑do mindset, and we are proud of our culture where colleagues support and inspire each other to achieve excellence.

Join Heerema and become part of a world‑class team shaping the future of the offshore industry.

Information at a Glance

Highlights

At Heerema Marine Contractors, we offer offshore jobs, engineering careers, and office opportunities worldwide. Join our team and make the impossible possible.

Job Location: HMC Leiden Business area: Engineering Job Level: Entry/Junior Req Id: 890