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Louisiana State University News

17 Mar 2024

Bristol Harbor Group Hires Kyle Pagan

Kyle Pagan (Photo: BHGI)

Briston. R.I. based naval architecture and marine engineering frim Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) announced it has hired Kyle Pagan as a naval architect.Pagan holds a Master’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University. For his graduate research, he conducted an in-depth study of the performance of 3D printing materials under the influence of water exposure…

02 May 2023

Shell Aims to Harness the Power of the Lower Mississippi

(Photo: ORPC)

ORPC, an marine renewable energy developer whose power systems harness the energy of free-flowing rivers and tides, has signed a contract with Shell Technology – Marine Renewable Program to initiate a Modular RivGen Power System demonstration project in the Lower Mississippi River.The collaborative project represents an opportunity to showcase how the next generation of ORPC’s hydrokinetic technology can provide predictable baseload electricity to help decarbonize onshore assets.

28 Sep 2022

Partners Awarded $50 Million to Create Clean Hydrogen Cluster in South Louisiana

(Image: Greater New Orleans)

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) earlier this month awarded a $50 million federal grant to H2theFuture, a 25-organization partnership aiming to develop a new energy cluster in South Louisiana, spanning the clean hydrogen life cycle, from R&D at Louisiana universities, to an end-use project at the Port of South Louisiana.The award is one of 21 projects from around the country chosen from 529 applicants that were funded by a $1 billion appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Act…

18 Mar 2022

Bollinger Finalizes Bid to Build USCG Offshore Patrol Cutter

Ben Bordelon, Bollinger president and CEO (Photo: Bollinger Shipyards)

Louisiana shipbuilder Bollinger Shipyards announced Friday it has submitted its final proposal to the U.S. Coast Guard to build the next round of Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC). If chosen, Bollinger would construct and deliver a total of 11 OPC vessels at its facilities in Houma, La. over the next decade.OPCs will provide the majority of offshore presence for the Coast Guard’s cutter fleet, bridging the capabilities of the 418-foot national security cutters, which patrol the open ocean, and the 154-foot fast response cutters, which serve closer to shore.

04 Jan 2022

Tidewater Appoints Cougle to Its Board of Directors

Offshore vessel owner Tidewater on Tuesday announced the appointment of Melissa Cougle to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Cougle most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Frank’s International until November 2021. She previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of National Energy Services Reunited. Cougle began her career with Arthur Andersen in 1999 and subsequently held positions of increasing responsibility in the oilfield services industry at Ensco plc, and prior to that Pride International. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Louisiana State University and is a Certified Public Accountant."Melissa is a seasoned executive with a strong track record of leadership in the oil and gas sector…

22 Oct 2020

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Moving Its HQ to Houston

(Photo: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock)

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. announced Thursday it is moving its corporate headquarters to Houston, positioning the nation’s largest dredging services provider nearer to major regional projects and opportunities. The firm will also open regional offices in Jacksonville, Fla., and Staten Island, N.Y.The move to Houston from from Oak Brook, Ill., which stems in part from changing industry dynamics, places the company closer to key regional customers and new markets, especially along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River…

17 Aug 2020

Mauritius Oil Spill Could Impact Country's Economy for Decades

(Satellite image ©2020 Maxar Technologies)

Some corals have lived for centuries at the fringes of Mauritius. Now smothered for days in heavy fuel oil spilled from a wrecked Japanese ship nearby, parts of those reefs may be in trouble.The full impact of the toxic spill is still unfolding, scientists say. As the Indian Ocean island's residents scramble to mop up the oil slicks and clumps, they are seeing dead eels and fish floating in the water, as fuel-soaked seabirds limp onto shore.Satellite images also show the 1,000…

11 Aug 2020

Philly Shipyard CFO Brian Leathers Passes Suddenly

(Photo: Brian Leathers)

Philly Shipyard announced the unexpected death of its chief financial officer, Brian Leathers, age 60. “It is with great sadness that we share the news of Brian’s passing, and our entire organization mourns his death. Brian was a well-respected colleague and friend to many. His positive energy, enthusiasm, and dynamic personality will be sorely missed,” said Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard President and CEOLeathers joined Philly Shipyard in early 2019 as the company’s strategy…

24 Apr 2020

NOIA Elects Cobb, McCarroll to Board Leadership Roles

The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) Board of Directors has elected Galen Cobb, Vice President of Industry Relations of Halliburton, as Chairman and Matt McCarroll, President & CEO of Fieldwood Energy, as Vice Chairman for the 2020-21 term. Cobb and McCarroll were confirmed in their positions during a virtual Board Meeting today.NOIA President Erik Milito said, “As the offshore industry continues to navigate unprecedented energy uncertainty, Galen and Matt’s leadership will be a steadying factor.“The American offshore industry provides incredible benefits, and truly lifts society through safe and environmentally sustainable energy production. Despite the historic challenges facing our industry, the U.S.

23 Aug 2019

Interview: Todd Fuller, President, Associated Terminals

Associated Terminals runs an impressive mid-stream cargo handling operation on the Lower Mississippi River, unloading bulk carriers with high-efficiency cranes loading a carousel of barges. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News/MarineLink.com spent some time with Todd Fuller, President, Associated Terminals to discuss the operation.For those not in the know, provide an overview of the Associated Terminals assets in your New Orleans midstream cargo ops.Associated Terminals operates 13 deep draft midstream berths and 11 deep draft fixed dock facilities on the lower Mississippi River.

24 Apr 2019

Viega Names Samona as Head of HR

Terry Samona (Photo: Viega)

Industry veteran Terry Samona has been named Vice President of Human Resources at Viega LLC.Samona oversees human resources management and development at Viega’s operations in the U.S., including headquarters and a seminar center in Broomfield, Colo.; a manufacturing plant and distribution hub in McPherson, Kan.; three additional distribution centers in Nevada, Georgia and Pennsylvania; and a seminar center in Nashua, N.H.Samona’s entire career has been in human resources. Prior to joining Viega, he was vice president of human resources at Hach Environmental.

08 Mar 2019

DSC's Wetta Receives Barry K Wendt Award

Photo: DSC Dredge

William J. “Bill” Wetta, Senior Vice President of Product Development & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of DSC Dredge, LLC was awarded the Barry K. Wendt Commitment Award during National Stone Sand and Gravel Association’s annual convention in Indianapolis, Indiana held February 10 – 13, 2019.Deemed The aggregates industry's highest, most distinguished individual award, NSSGA established the Wendt award more than two decades ago to recognize individuals who exhibit the dedication and commitment to the industry that Barry Wendt did. The Barry K.

22 May 2017

Angelle Named BSEE Director

Scott Angelle (Photo: BSEE)

Former Louisiana state official Scott A. Angelle will head-up the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Angelle, who most recently served as Vice Chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, will assume his new position May 23. “Scott Angelle brings a wealth of experience to BSEE, having spent many years working for the safe and efficient energy production of both Louisiana’s and our country’s offshore resources,” Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said.

06 Feb 2017

Glosten Promotes FitzGerald to Principal

Ken FitzGerald (Photo: Glosten)

Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy Glosten has promoted Ken FitzGerald to Principal. FitzGerald is a graduate of Louisiana State University (BS, Petroleum Engineering, 1992), and joined Glosten in 2003 after 13 years working in commercial oceanography. While at Glosten, he has supported the firm’s work in mooring design, geophysical surveys, research vessels, logistics planning, and has managed risk assessment workgroups. He is a subject matter expert in mooring and maneuvering, and has managed ship alteration projects of all types.

26 Dec 2016

Indisposed Man Medevaced from Fishing Vessel

The Coast Guard medevaced a 28-year-old male aboard the fishing vessel Captain David 40 nautical miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana, Saturday. The Eighth Coast Guard District watchstanders received a report at 3:16 p.m. that Andrew Carl had been suffering from seasickness and had become unresponsive. Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector New Orleans were notified and launched a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin aircrew at 4:26 p.m. The MH-65 aircrew arrived on scene at 5:22 p.m. and transported Carl to Louisiana State University Hospital in New Orleans at 7:46 p.m. He was reported in stable condition but still unresponsive.

22 Nov 2016

As Operators Look for the Bottom, Gulf Gloom Persists

Credit: Yesenia Rodriguez

Gulf of Mexico vessel operators want to see sustained, higher oil prices. After a rough two years, supply boat owners and operators in the Gulf of Mexico hope crude oil prices will improve in 2017. That would encourage activity among the offshore drillers that they service and would put unemployed boats back in the water. Vessel owners aren’t necessarily banking on a good year ahead, however. “Utilization of OSVs and PSVs in the Gulf is below 50 percent now, down from about 70 percent a year ago and 90 percent two years ago…

17 Jun 2015

Arkansas Maritime Center gets Federal Grant

The Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center, based at the University of Arkansas, has received a federal grant of $923,700, reports AP. The center, known as MarTREC, is a consortium of researchers focused on maritime and multimodal transportation research. It has received $3.7 million since 2013. The latest grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will support research and programs through September 2018. The Fayetteville-based center is part of a consortium of researchers from Arkansas, Jackson State University, Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans. They focus on the development of sustainable infrastructure and emergency management systems for coastal and river valley communities.

28 May 2015

Offshore O&G: Weathering the Storm

Courtesy Fleet Operators

Vessels are stacked as Gulf oil operators retrench and day rates fall. In the Gulf of Mexico, vessels serving offshore oil-and-gas exploration and production are being stacked or idled as the rig count there declines. Oil companies are retrenching while crude prices remain weak, with smaller operators and the shallow-water sector scaling back the most. As the situation unfolds, MarineNews asked David Barousse, general manager at Fleet Operators, Inc., a marine transportation firm in Morgan City, La., for his take on today’s predicament and what the future holds.

23 May 2015

Miller is VP - Government and Political Affairs, NOIA

The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) has promoted Megan Bel Miller to Vice President for Government and Political Affairs. She will lead NOIA's Congressional relations and Political Action Committee.Megan joined the NOIA staff in May 2013 as Senior Director, Government & Political Affairs. “Megan’s unparalleled Hill and legislative experience combined with her knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico and the offshore energy industry have greatly benefitted the NOIA membership and staff over the past two years.She has helped further our mission to promote offshore energy access,” said NOIA President Randall Luthi. Before joining NOIA…

08 Dec 2014

Allen Naugle Joins HMS Global Maritime

HMS Global Maritime welcomed Allen Naugle as the Director of Safety, Quality and Environment as of December 1, 2014. He will be headquartered in the HMS Global Maritime Corporate office in New Albany, IN. Allen brings 28 years of engineering and leadership experience to the team, including 21 years serving as a United States Air Force Officer. Prior to his position with HMS Global Maritime, Allen was Director of Operations for TEAM Integrated Engineering, Inc., managing on-site environmental compliance, pollution prevention, hazardous materials/waste management, and environmental security support to multiple U.S. Air Force bases as well as management of several branches, staff and budgets. Allen retired as a Lt. Col. from the U.S.

15 Oct 2014

Faststream Awards Inaugural Leadership Scholarship

Chad Fuhrmann (Photo: Faststream)

Faststream today named Chad Fuhrmann the recipient of its inaugural Scholarship for Leadership Excellence. The scholarship, valued at $9,500, will afford Fuhrmann the opportunity to attend a continuing education program hosted by Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute. Fuhrmann is the business director for the Americas at Maritime Assurance and Consulting, Ltd. (MAC), where he is responsible for all U.S. operations. He previously held leadership roles at DNV GL, GL Noble Denton, and Oceaneering International.

06 Aug 2014

Mississippi Hosts Fourth Annual National SeaPerch Challenge

108 teams of 451 students from 19 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as a team from New Zealand  competed in the Fourth National SeaPerch Challenge

The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS, and the Mississippi Regional SeaPerch Committee in mid-May hosted the Fourth National SeaPerch Challenge on the campus of Southern Miss. It was here that 108 teams of 451 middle and high school students – students from 19 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and for a first time ever, and international team from New Zealand – convened at the University’s Payne Center and Johnson Natatorium for a weekend of competition and fun.

29 Jul 2014

Obituary: Joseph E. LeBlanc Jr.

Joe LeBlanc with his wife, Betty

Joseph E. LeBlanc Jr. passed away on June 27, 2014. He was 87 years old. Joe was president of Three Rivers Rock Quarry in Smithland, Ky. (a division of Harbert Construction), Three Rivers Towing, Harcon Barge Lines and Louisiana Limestone during the late 60s and 70s. He also worked later for Luhr Brothers at their St. Genevieve, Mo. Facility and was General Manager for Boyce Machinery in Morgan City, La. for a few years and also worked as a consultant and for NREC in Houma after he retired. Prior to working for Harbert, LeBlanc was employed by Thomson Tractor in Birmingham, Ala.