Sean is a chartered naval architect specialising in hydrodynamics within new construction. He has been involved in the project management of some of the world’s most significant new construction projects, including 180m AZZAM, the longest private yacht in the world featuring the world's largest water jets, 86m SUNRAYS and 80m AMEVI. Sean joined the Burgess Partnership Scheme in 2019.

Sean graduated from Newcastle University with a BEng Hons in Marine Technology, after which he became a propeller and stern gear designer. He later worked as a naval architect at Cammell Laird Technical Services and as senior hydrodynamicist and cavitation tunnel test manager at naval shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft (subsequently known as VT Shipbuilding.) He joined Burgess in 2005 as a naval architect project manager and played an intrinsic role in the establishment and development of Burgess’ New Construction Division.

'I was drawn to yachting, and Burgess in particular, because of the short project time frames compared to military projects, the diversity of builds, and the fact that Burgess was the most professional company at the time engaging with chartered engineers,' says Sean. 'I felt confident that Burgess’s approach to new construction was the right, professional approach.'

Throughout his career, Sean has served as the primary link between shipyard and owners across the globe, specialising in the build of very large full custom yachts. As Head of Technical Services, his focus is on managing a technical team upwards of 13, who work on around seven to ten projects at a time, and liaising with Burgess’ strategic board. His engineering expertise and experience comes to the fore during contract negotiations, which has led to the technical management of some of the most iconic yachts afloat. The 156m DILBAR, which at 15,917 GT is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage, and 107m LUMINOSITY remain two of his greatest achievements.

Sean relishes fast-paced, complex projects that require unique approaches and solutions. He prides himself on providing unwavering commitment and support to colleagues and clients. Ultimately, it’s seeing a client’s excitement during the completion stage of a project that gives him the greatest job satisfaction.

'A lot of shipyards will design a boat to rules and regulations, whereas we look at the yacht from an owner's perspective,' he says. 'Developing projects from scratch and working with clients and shipyards that want to create a new build that is reliant on the support and experience in-house at Burgess is a great feeling.'

Sean is a chartered engineer and a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects.