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Celtic Design Consultants

Innovative Design, Expert Execution, Tailored Solutions

Who We Are

Celtic Design Consultants is a global leader in innovative marine engineering, specializing in bespoke solutions for the Renewables and Oil & Gas sectors. Founded in 2012 by seasoned professionals John Davies and Mike Linke, we have continually pushed the envelope in delivering advanced, patented designs that redefine offshore operations. Our commitment to challenging conventional engineering approaches has positioned us at the cutting edge of the industry, where we drive forward progress with each new project.

John Davies, with over four decades of unparalleled experience in Jack-Up, Semi-Submersible, and Drill Ship (MODU) design, brings deep technical expertise and a relentless pursuit of innovation to every project. His partner, Mike Linke, former Operations Manager at Gulf Marine Services (GMS) in Abu Dhabi, complements this with an acute operational insight into offshore challenges. Together, they have built a company driven by a shared vision: to create high-performance, environmentally responsible, and forward-thinking marine engineering solutions.

At Celtic Design Consultants, we pride ourselves on thinking outside the box to develop tailored designs that not only meet but exceed the unique needs of our clients. Our portfolio of patented vessels and equipment, backed by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certification, represents our dedication to combining cutting-edge technology with practical, efficient solutions. Whether pioneering advancements in offshore wind energy or optimizing oil and gas operations, we are committed to delivering sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective solutions that redefine what’s possible in marine engineering.

Our Team At Celtic Design Consultants

Innovative Minds, Proven Expertise.

At Celtic Design Consultants, our team is more than just our greatest asset—it’s the driving force behind our success. United by a shared commitment to excellence, creativity, and innovation, we bring visionary concepts to life, ensuring every project not only meets but exceeds expectations, leaving a lasting impact on the maritime industry.

Our team members each bring a unique blend of skills and extensive experience, ranging from advanced engineering solutions to pioneering design and sustainable practices. This diverse expertise allows us to consistently deliver cutting-edge results that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

The leadership team at Celtic Design Consultants unites a group of seasoned professionals who share a long history of collaboration and success. Each member has a distinguished track record in their respective fields, encompassing Marine Engineering, Project Management, Survey, ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operations, Market Strategy, and Business Development.

With a primary focus on Renewable Energy Wind, and Oil & Gas our team combines decades of expertise in marine design and offshore solutions. We are committed to driving innovation through out-of-the-box thinking and the integration of cutting-edge technology and software. Our proven success in both traditional and renewable energy sectors underscores our dedication to enhancing efficiency, safety, and project timelines.

John Gordon Davies
Managing Director & Founder

John is the visionary force behind Celtic Design Consultants Ltd, established the company in 2011 and has been instrumental in its development and growth. With over four decades of unparalleled hands-on experience in the Jack-Up, Semi-Submersible, and Drill Ship (MODU) sectors, John has been at the helm of every critical phase of MODU projects. His extensive expertise spans the entire lifecycle, from initial conceptual design and construction to the pivotal stages of commissioning, sea trials, and complex upgrades during operations. As Managing Director, John meticulously orchestrates all activities related to the advancement of Celtic Design Consultants. His leadership is marked by a relentless commitment to excellence, particularly evident in his dedication to reviewing and refining the design and systems of the company's flagship concept vessel, the Heron. Under his guidance, every detail is aligned with the highest standards of innovation and functionality, ensuring that CDC remains at the forefront of marine design.

Ian Brown
Drilling Services Director

Iain has been a cornerstone of Celtic Design Consultants since 2014, serving as the Drilling Services Director. As a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.) and a distinguished Member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, Iain brings a wealth of expertise and hands-on experience in Jack-Up Rigs and Semi-Submersible MODUs. His illustrious career is highlighted by a succession of high-profile roles within the global Oil and Gas sector, where he has provided invaluable support to industry leaders such as BP and ADNOC. Iain's deep technical knowledge and strategic leadership in drilling services make him an indispensable asset to our team. His commitment to driving innovation and achieving excellence in offshore engineering solutions continues to propel Celtic Design Consultants to new heights.

Neil McNaughton
Special Projects - Consultant

Neil brings a wealth of offshore and engineering expertise as a multi disciplined Marine Engineer to Celtic Design Consultants Ltd. With an engineering experience base of 45 plus years of initial service as an RN submarine nuclear submariner to an alternative career path of marine and offshore engineering for the O&G and renewables industries. At CDC, Neil plays a pivotal role in advancing and consolidating the company’s engineering capabilities. His insight supporting the conceptual development and design of the Goliath Heron, a ground-breaking vessel designed specifically for wind farm installations, which has been instrumental to the company’s success. The Goliath Heron features a sophisticated ship concept design, including a unique twin-deck configuration and an extending deck at nacelle level. This innovative design is tailored to support the installation of 12MW+ turbines, positioning the Heron as a key asset in the offshore wind sector. His understanding of marine engineering and innovative design principles drives the continued success and evolution of CDC’s projects. Neil’s strategic vision and operational expertise assists ensuring that CDC remains at the forefront of marine design and engineering

Ashik Subahani
Strategic Technical Consultant
Managing Director at Sea Delta Marine & Offshore

Ashik Subahani is a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience in Design Engineering and Project Management across the Marine, Offshore, and Oil & Gas sectors. With hands-on expertise in designing a wide range of marine structures—including jack-up rigs, FPSOs, bulk carriers, and specialized vessels—his technical knowledge is unparalleled. Ashik holds a Degree in Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding and is a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng, Engineering Council UK). In addition to his role as Managing Director at Sea Delta Marine, Ashik serves as a long-term strategic Technical Consultant for Celtic Design Consultants, where he plays a crucial role in providing guidance on complex marine engineering projects. His expertise has been instrumental in advancing technical solutions for both the Renewables and Oil & Gas industries. His commitment to excellence and strategic vision continue to drive innovations in marine and offshore design globally.

Our Mission

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Redefining Maritime Design with Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence

Our mission at Celtic Design Consultants is to lead the marine engineering industry by providing innovative, sustainable, and practical design solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and economic efficiency. We are dedicated to supporting the Windfarm and Offshore Oil & Gas  Windfarm Sectors with state-of-the-art vessel design and engineering services that drive progress, foster collaboration, and contribute to a better, more sustainable future.

Core Values

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Commitment, Excellence, Sustainability.

At Celtic Design Consultants, our core values are the bedrock of our success and excellence. They are not just guiding principles but the driving force behind every project and decision. These values shape our approach, ensuring that we consistently deliver outstanding marine design solutions.

Here’s how our core values underpin everything we do:

  • Innovation: We are dedicated to pushing the limits of marine design with cutting-edge technology and creative solutions, setting new industry benchmarks.
  • Sustainability: Our commitment to the environment drives us to create designs that are not only efficient but also minimize ecological impact, safeguarding the health of our oceans.
  • Excellence: We strive for the highest quality and precision in every aspect of our work, ensuring our designs are reliable and exceptional.
  • Client-Centricity: By prioritizing our clients’ needs, we build strong partnerships and deliver bespoke solutions that exceed expectations and create lasting value.
  • Integrity: Transparency and ethical conduct are at the core of our operations, reflecting our dedication to doing what’s right for our clients, team, and the environment.
  • Efficiency: We aim to maximize value through optimized resource use, delivering cost-effective solutions that offer the best outcomes for our clients.
  • Collaboration: Our belief in teamwork fosters a collaborative environment, both within our organization and with our clients, leading to superior results through shared expertise.
  • Safety: We prioritize rigorous safety standards, ensuring that every design project meets the highest safety requirements to protect lives, assets, and the environment.

Why Celtic Design Consultants

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Industry Leaders in Renewables and Oil & Gas Trust Us for Ground-breaking Marine Design

At Celtic Design Consultants, our expertise in both Renewables and Oil & Gas sectors sets us apart. Here’s why top clients trust us for their most critical projects.

  • Innovative Solutions: We provide cutting-edge, patented designs that push the boundaries of marine engineering, setting new industry standards.
  • Proven Expertise: Our team’s extensive experience and deep industry knowledge ensure that we deliver reliable and effective solutions.
  • Sustainability Focus: We prioritize environmental stewardship, creating eco-friendly designs that minimize impact and promote sustainability.
  • Tailored Designs: Our bespoke solutions are customized to meet the unique needs of each project, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
  • High Standards of Excellence: We adhere to the highest quality and safety standards, guaranteeing exceptional and dependable results.
  • Client-Centric Approach: We build strong partnerships and focus on delivering solutions that exceed our clients’ expectations and add long-term value.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Our efficient design and operational practices optimize resources, providing cost-effective solutions that maximize value.
  • Collaborative Partnership: We work closely with clients, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve the best outcomes through shared expertise and vision.
  • Global Reach: Our patented designs are proven and trusted in diverse markets worldwide, demonstrating our ability to handle complex, large-scale projects.

Industry Awards

Pioneering Marine Design Excellence, Honoured by the World Oil Awards

Celtic Design Consultants Finalists in Two Categories at the World Oil Awards

We were thrilled to announce that Celtic Design Consultants has been recognized as finalists in the prestigious World Oil Awards for the last two years. Our innovative designs, including the CDC Chameleon and CDC Heron, both concept DP2 self-propelled jack-ups, were finalists in 2016 for the categories of ‘Best Well Intervention’ and ‘Best New Horizons Idea.’ The multi-activity vessel and the double-decker jack-up have garnered acclaim for their ground-breaking features and superior performance.

In 2017, our MOPSOU (Mobile Offshore Production Storage and Offloading Unit) design earned a finalist spot in the ‘Best Production Technology’ category. The MOPSOU concept combines a jack-up production platform with a unique storage MAT, providing a self-installing, seabed storage solution. Designed specifically for marginal fields and small pools, the MOPSOU significantly reduces costs and cuts the time to first oil production.

Rig-less intervention strategies and multi-activity vessels are central to CDC’s innovative Jack UP MOU designs. There has been noted interest by several drilling contractors and third-party service providers who are exploring the potential of CDC vessels to boost their operational efficiencies.

Our rig-less vessels offer increased deck space and require fewer personnel, enabling third-party providers to deliver a more streamlined and cost-effective service to their clients.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have supported our journey, including Scottish Enterprise (SE) for their invaluable assistance and strategic guidance. We also appreciate the unwavering support and contributions of our exceptional team and esteemed partners.