About the Team

Founded in 1987 by Christo Smit and Richard Daggitt, Triton Naval Architects has grown into a leading name in naval architecture and marine engineering across South Africa and Namibia. With a stable core team for over 30 years, Triton is recognised for ship design, stability analysis, propulsion studies, mooring and motion work, structural design, and salvage support.

Richard left in 1993, and Barry Kingwill joined as partner in 1997. Today, the firm is led by two naval architects:

Triton employs two Naval Architects, namely the partners,

Christo Smit, BSc Eng (Marine) Stellenbosch, MSc (Nav Arch) UCL, London

Barry Kingwill, B Eng (Mech) Stellenbosch, MSc Eng (Marine/Nav Arch) Stellenbosch & UCT

In addition to the Partners, Triton is supported by a highly experienced technical team that includes mechanical engineers, mechanical technicians, marine and structural draughtsmen, 3D modelling specialists, and dedicated administrative and financial staff.

Triton also regularly takes on engineering / naval architectural student interns, particularly from foreign universities, for example a number have come from Germany, Holland, USA, France etc, with their longer intern periods (4 to 6 months), which are often preferred over the shorter requirements (3 to 4 weeks) of the local universities.