Marine Engineering is the discipline dealing with the design, construction, installation, and support of the systems and equipment which propel and control marine vehicles, and of the systems which make a vessel or structure habitable for crew, passengers and cargo. Marine Engineering is allied to mechanical engineering, although the modern marine engineer requires knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, control, HVAC, and mechanical systems.

Successful integration of these systems to achieve a reliable operational vessel is a complex task that relies on a co-operative effort between groups of technical specialists in particular fields. DLBA is often the Team Leader integrating the often-conflicting demands of the various specialists to produce a product meeting a client's requirements.

DLBA has experience with all types of propulsion systems but we specialize in submerged and partially submerged propellers, propellers in tunnels, pod drives, outboards, and waterjets. The majority of our projects utilize diesel engines for propulsion and electrical power generation, but we also have experience with gasoline fueled engines and gas turbine power plants. We have also worked with advanced power plants such as hybrid diesel-electric or gas turbine-electric drives; and we specialize in combined power plants including CODAG (COmbined Diesel And Gas turbine) and COGAG (COmbined Gas turbine And Gas turbine) installations.

DLBA's marine engineers are proficient in the design and arrangement of propulsion systems, propulsion auxiliary systems, and hotel service systems. System designs can be tailored to meet various client requirements including maximum efficiency, minimal weight, access for servicing, redundancy, and minimal noise and vibrations.