About.

Pelagos Studio is a technical naval architecture and maritime design consultancy specialising in the conceptual development of next-generation small craft and commercial vessels. We bridge the gap between ambitious maritime visions and the engineering rigour required to make them viable.

Our Approach: Strategic Conceptualisation

We believe that the most critical decisions are made before the first plate is cut. Our practice is built on a foundation of first-principles engineering and high-fidelity conceptual modelling. We specialise in:

Hullform Optimisation: Utilising Rhino and Maxsurf to develop high-performance, semi-displacement forms.
Technical Feasibility: Validating complex design briefs through advanced hydrostatics and performance analysis.
Sustainability & Innovation: Strategic integration of hybrid propulsion systems and alternative energy solutions for coastal and offshore applications.
Regulatory Rigour: Ensuring conceptual designs are engineered to international safety and stability standards (ISO/BSI/BV) from day one.

Samuel Rohtlaan | AMRINA

Founder, Lead Designer

Samuel is a dedicated Naval Architect and Design Engineer, based between Lincoln and Southampton. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree with Honours in Yacht and Powercraft Design from Solent University, where he studied at the Warsash Maritime School.

Engineering and the mechanics of performance have been Samuel’s focus since he first stepped into a boat. His approach is rooted in a systematic "engineering mindset," focusing on how technical efficiency and rigorous design can solve complex problems in the maritime environment.

Before founding Pelagos Studio, Samuel spent three years as a professional "fixer" in high-pressure operations, specialising in professionalising logistics and risk management. During this time, he developed a reputation for identifying systemic liabilities and automating complex processes—experience that instilled a disciplined, project-focused oversight that he now applies to his technical consultancy.

In 2025, Samuel took the leap to start Pelagos Studio with the mission to provide a high-level conceptual design and naval architecture service to the small craft and commercial maritime industries.

Maritime Experience

Growing up with a passion for the water, Samuel has spent many years dinghy sailing, gaining an intuitive understanding of hull behaviour and sail dynamics. This "on-the-water" experience is complemented by his time as part of a competitive powerboat racing team. Working within a racing team environment allowed him to engage with high-performance machinery and the demands of technical reliability under extreme conditions, providing a practical perspective that informs his conceptual design work.

Technical Focus

Samuel’s work is driven by technical precision and a focus on future-ready maritime solutions. His expertise lies in the early-stage engineering of vessels, specialising in advanced hullform optimisation using Rhino and Maxsurf, and the strategic integration of in-line hybrid propulsion systems.

He is an Associate Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (AMRINA) and is currently working towards accreditation as a Chartered Engineer. Through Pelagos Studio, Samuel focuses on delivering technically viable concepts that meet the rigorous stability and safety requirements of ISO and BSI standards.

Personal Projects

Green Shipping Research | British Petroleum (BP)

Samuel contributed to a high-level research initiative with BP, focusing on the future of green shipping. This involved investigating decarbonisation pathways and the technical viability of alternative fuels for the commercial sector. This experience provided deep insight into the global maritime transition toward Net Zero and the regulatory shifts facing the industry. His work on leading the team was awarded the 'Gold Award' as part of the EDT Engineering Scheme.

The Rapid Inflatable Fender Concept

Combining mechanical innovation with practical seamanship, Samuel developed a concept for a rapid-deployment inflatable fender system. The project focused on solving storage and deployment challenges for large-scale yachting and commercial applications, requiring a focus on material science, pressure dynamics, and user-centric design.

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