Obituary: Iconic Maritime, Shipbuilding Leader Fred Harris Passes
Frederick Joseph Harris of Mystic CT, passed peacefully at 5:47PM on 10/24/2025, with his family by his side. “Fred” was born on 11/25/1944 at Framingham Union Hospital to Frederick Everett and MaryRosa Camilla Harris.Fred was a proud patriot who loved his country. Fred received his bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from Maine Maritime Academy (with Honors) in 1967. Upon graduation, Fred was commissioned in the U.S. Naval Reserve with the obligation of sailing in the U.S. Merchant Marine. In the Merchant Marine, Fred sailed on various U.S.
Bristol Harbor Group Welcomes Lauren Kirk
Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) has welcomed Lauren Kirk as a naval architect to its naval architecture and marine engineering firm. Lauren Kirk holds a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and MarineEngineering from Webb Institute.During her time at Webb, Lauren interned at BHGI and Gilbert Associates, assisting naval architects and marine engineers with system and structural design for various types of vessels. She also interned at Langan Design Partners, where she worked on both sailing and motor yacht design.
The Shearer Group, Inc. Welcomes New Team Member
The Shearer Group, Inc. (TSGI) has announced a new addition to its naval architecture, marine engineering, and marine surveying firm, Luke Strawson. Luke holds a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M University.While studying at Texas A&M, Luke collaborated with team members to design and build an electric boat for competition in the Promoting Electric Propulsion race held by ASNE. He is experienced in various areas, including structural design and 3DCAD software. In addition, he is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
Bristol Harbor Group Welcomes Naval Architect
Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) has welcomed Gordon Fream as a naval architect to its naval architecture and marine engineering firm. Gordon holds a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan.Before joining BHGI, Gordon interned at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, where he supported key projects for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. Gordon also interned at the NSWC Carderock Division Combatant Craft Detachment in Norfolk…
Bardex Technical Sales Engineer Selected for 2025 OTC Class of Emerging Leaders
Bardex Corp. is pleased to announce that the Offshore Technology Conference has awarded Daniel Toerner a spot in its 2025 Emerging Leaders class. Each year, the OTC recognizes up-and-coming professionals whose work in the energy industry demonstrates the kind of talent and commitment that puts them on a course toward being future leaders in the offshore energy sector. Each recipient of the award, who has been in the industry for fewer than 10 years, is selected by the previous year’s class.Toerner, who earned a B.S.
Imabari Maritime Fair “Bari-Ship 2025”
Imabari Maritime Fair, "Bari-Ship 2025" is schedule to be held from May 22- 24, 2025 at Texport Imabari (Imabari, Japan)."Bari-Ship" is the largest international maritime exhibition in Western Japan, held every two years in Imabari, Japan’s leading maritime city. The event serves as a venue for maritime industry professionals from not only Japan but around the world to gather, engage in business matching, and exchange information.This year's exhibition will be the largest ever…
Obituary: Capt John M Cox III (1930-2024)
Tributes have been paid to The Maritime Group (International) (TMG) founder Captain John M Cox III following his death at the age of 93.Capt Cox, known to his friends as Jack, died peacefully in Seattle on Thursday November 21 after a short illness.He recently retired as chairman and president of The Maritime Group (International), which included The Maritime Group, Inc. (Seattle), The Maritime Group (Pacific), The Maritime Group (Asia) and The Maritime Group (Europe) - recently…
Elizabeth Bouchard Named SNAME Executive Director
The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) announced it has appointed Elizabeth Bouchard as its next Executive Director. She will become the 15th person to serve in this capacity since the organization’s founding in 1893, and she will assume the helm at SNAME Headquarters on July 1, 2024, succeeding Valerie Hutnan.Bouchard comes to SNAME from International Registries, Inc. (IRI), where she served as Senior Vice President, Regulatory Administration. Bouchard also served as Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs for the RMI Maritime Administrator…
Richard Mueller Named President-elect of SNAME
Richard Mueller, president and CEO of naval architecture and marine engineering firm NETSCo has been elected as president-elect of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) and is slated to ascend to the presidency in the subsequent year.With almost five decades of experience in the maritime industry, Mueller is a respected and accomplished professional in the field of naval architecture and marine engineering. He has been a member of SNAME for over 46 years and has been actively involved in several of the society's leadership activities.
BHGI Hires Naval Architects Althouse and Kennedy
Bristol, R.I. based naval architecture, marine engineering and consulting firm Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) announced the continued expansion of its naval architecture and marine engineering firm with two new hires: Taylor Althouse and Kasey Kennedy.Althouse joined BHGI as a Naval Architect. Althouse graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science in Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. During his time at the University of Michigan, Althouse interned at Hornbeck Offshore Services, LLC.
Krewsky Named President of TAI Engineers
S&B announced updates to the management team of TAI Engineers, which include the promotion of Captain William Krewsky, PE (USCG Retired), to President and Krishna (Kris) Karri to Senior Vice President Operations and Chief Engineer. Krewsky succeeds Anil Raj, PE, TAI’s Founder and President, who will remain in an executive advisory role with TAI.Captain Krewsky, a 38-year marine-industry veteran, most recently served as Vice President of Government Programs for TAI. Prior to joining TAI…
Tom Perrine, Austal VP of Engineering, Retires
Austal USA Vice President of Engineering, Tom Perrine, has retired after eight years of service with the company and over 40 years in the shipbuilding industry. During his tenure, Perrine led Austal USA’s engineering department overseeing the work of over 250 engineers, naval architects, designers, and other engineering support staff and overseeing the department’s shift to include steel design and construction.During Perrine’s tenure with the company, Austal USA delivered 23 surface combatants and auxiliaries to the U.S.
Donald L Blount: 1935 - 2022
Donald L. Blount, an international esteemed technical expert in the field of high-speed craft hydrodynamics died on July 14, 2022 at the age of 87.Donald was driven all his life to do one job: design high-speed powerboats that could comfortably and efficiently run through rough water. His fascination with hydrodynamics began when he was a Virginia Tech co-op student working at the David Taylor Model Basin, the Navy's premier hydrodynamic research facility.Donald’s research contributions…
BHGI Hires Naval Achitect Delaney
Bristol, R.I.-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) announced it has hired Braden Delaney, as a naval architect. He graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. with an B.S.E. in naval architecture and marine engineering.Prior to joining BHGI, Delaney interned at NASSCO and NAVSEA, providing engineering support for shipyard operations in addition to interning as a salvage naval architect. Delaney is also a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).
Viega Fittings Get Additional U.S. Navy Approval
Viega, the first press fitting system to meet the standard for use on Navy combat ships, has won approval for additional components to be used onboard. Last year, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) approved the use of MegaPress® CuNi press fittings in sizes ½" to 2" to be used in surface combatant vessels for a variety of systems, including chilled water, potable water, electronic freshwater cooling, seawater cooling, washdown countermeasures, drainage and many others. ProPress copper ½" fittings were also approved for potable water and various drains.
Thordon Celebrates 110 Years in Business
Navies, shipowners, shipyards, and organizations have offered the best of birthday wishes to Canada’s Thomson-Gordon Group, the parent company of water-lubricated polymer bearing pioneer Thordon Bearings, as it celebrates its 110th anniversary this fall.Among several well-wishers, Claude Tremblay, Directorate General Maritime Equipment Program Management National Defence, Royal Canadian Navy, wrote: “Congratulations to Thomson-Gordon Group for 110 years of Canadian innovation and pioneering. We are proud to rely on your top-quality products.
History: Japan’s First Containership Recognized by JASNAOE
Hakone Maru, a container carrier formerly owned and operated by NYK, has been recognized by the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers (JASNAOE) as "Japan's first new container carrier that realized efficient maritime transportation."This honor is given to vessels that have historical, academic, and technical value, promote public understanding, and are seen as symbols of cultural heritage for future generations. Another NYK vessel, Hikawa Maru, a historic ocean liner permanently berthed as a museum ship in Yokohama…
Viega Fittings Earn US Navy Approval
Viega announced on Monday that its MegaPress CuNi and ProPress copper fittings are the first press fittings approved for use in U.S. Navy combat ships.After years of rigorous testing, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has approved the use of MegaPress CuNi mechanically attached fittings in sizes ½" to 2" in surface combatants for a variety of systems, including chilled water, potable water, electronic freshwater cooling, seawater cooling, washdown countermeasures, drainage and many others.
Vard Marine VP Andrew Kendrick Retires
Naval architecture and marine engineering firm Vard Marine announced Derek Buxton, current vice president business development, has taken on the additional duties as vice president for the company's regional office in Ottawa effective immediately, following Andrew Kendrick’s retirement from the company.Kendrick started the position as president of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) on January 1, 2021 and continues to work for Vard Marine as a principal consultant.Kendrick’s career in the defense and security industry spanned 45 years…
IMO SG Emeritus William O’Neil Passes Away
William A. O’Neil, Secretary-General Emeritus of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has died in the United Kingdom, aged 93.O’Neil was elected Secretary-General of the IMO for a first term of Office beginning in 1990, a second term beginning in 1994, a third term beginning in 1998 and a further two-year term from 2002 to 31 December 2003. He was the second longest serving Secretary-General of IMO.Current IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim expressed his sincere condolences to the Canadian Government…
SNAME Honors Rob Allan as Honorary Member
Canadian headquartered naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd. announced that its Executive Chairman, Robert G. "Rob" Allan, has been made an Honorary Member by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), making him one of only 50 living individuals to enjoy this privilege. This membership is awarded to a person as result of their dedicated service to the maritime industry and the Society and is a symbol of recognition offered as a token of the high esteem in which their colleagues hold them.SNAME has previously honored Rob Allan with many accolades.
Gibbs & Cox Establishes Houston Office
Naval architecture and marine engineering firm Gibbs & Cox announced it is expanding its services into Houston with the aim to generate revenue in non-naval markets, develop and sell new products and/or services to non-traditional clients and contribute to existing programs."Over the last several months, we have hired a number of staff from the Houston area and expect this trend to continue as we continue to grow with our recent contract wins," Gibbs & Cox said in a statement on Monday.In the near term…
Bristol Harbor Group Hires Linden
Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) said Tommy Linden has joined the company's naval architecture and marine engineering practice as a naval architect. Linden graduated from Webb Institute with a B.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. During his time at Webb, he interned at BHGI, as well as the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Eagle Bulk, Newport News Shipbuilding, and General Dynamics Electric Boat.Linden is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) and the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE).Bristol, R.I.