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University Of Notre Dame News

13 Feb 2024

Marine Power R&D Insights: Matt Hart, Wabtec Corporation

Image courtesy Wabtec

Matt Hart, Manager & Platform Leader, Marine & Stationary Power Systems, Wabtec, offers insights on how the megatrends of decarbonization, energy transition and autonomy all inspire and impact the marine power solutions from Wabtec.Matt, to start us off, can you provide insight on the journey to your present position?I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering and started with General Electric in the Edison Engineering Development rotational program at the Erie…

13 May 2019

LNG Trailblazer Eisbrenner Dies at 58

Kathleen M. Eisbrenner (Photo: NextDecade Corporation)

Kathleen M. Eisbrenner, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry pioneer and Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors at US based LNG development company NextDecade Corporation, has passed away at the age of 58.Eisbrenner enjoyed a remarkable career, and was widely viewed as one of the foremost female executives in the global LNG industry. She founded NextDecade in 2010 and led the company to its listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market in July 2017. She served jointly as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until February 2018…

09 May 2019

INLAND FINANCE: But I Don’t Need That Much

Credit: St. Louis Regional Freightway

When enough to meet the need is not enough to get the help.From my office window in downtown St. Louis, I can see a dramatic illustration of the inefficiency in how our country moves freight. My office faces east, and I look down on a stretch of Interstate 70, that major east-west highway that runs from Baltimore to Interstate 15 in Utah. It is not unusual to see the traffic on this highway heavily congested, even at a standstill at times. This congested traffic usually includes many tractor-trailer trucks.

07 Sep 2017

American Society of Civil Engineers: Not Just a Tough Grader

(Credit: Captain Jim Fletcher & tidewater Transportation & Terminals)

Within the U.S. inland waterways industry, any mention of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will almost certainly be in reference to the “Infrastructure Report Card” that ASCE prepares and issues every four years, describing the condition and performance of America’s infrastructure in 16 categories: aviation, bridges, dams, drinking water, energy, hazardous waste, inland waterways, levees, ports, public parks, rail, roads, schools, solid waste, transit and waste water.

28 Sep 2016

Rethinking Inland Infrastructure Finance

Photo: Ruben Diaz

P3: An alternative to tolls or lockage fees in public-private partnerships for inland waterways. Within the generally sorry state of the U.S. inland waterways infrastructure, there are some locations where conditions are particularly dire. Among those in this latter situation are several locks and dams on the Illinois River, including the La Grange Lock and Dam and the Peoria Lock and Dam, both of which were completed in 1939. Both of them are on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, which is a dubious distinction for a major transportation facility of the twenty-first century.

24 Apr 2016

Seafarers International House Honors Maritime Leaders

Members of the maritime community gathered last evening at the New York Athletic Club to honor three of its leaders: H. Marshall Ainley (President, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association), Ian T. Blackley (President & CEO, Overseas Ship Management, Inc.) and Raymond J. Burke Jr. (Partner, Burke & Parsons). These individuals were given the 2016 “Outstanding Friend of Seafarers” Award by Seafarers International House, a Lutheran, non-profit agency serving merchant seafarers in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island, at the organization’s 16th Annual “Setting the Course” Awards Banquet. * Marshall Ainley was elected president of MEBA in January 2014 and is a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Maritime Academy in Kings Point, NY.

18 Feb 2016

Vedder Price Helps to Save the 'Big U'

SS United States (Photo: SS United States Conservancy)

Last October, America's Flagship, the SS United States, was on the brink of being sold for scrap metal because the SS United States Conservancy, the national nonprofit historic preservation organization that owns the iconic vessel, was running short on funds to cover the ship's expenses. However, thanks to the pro bono counsel from Vedder Price shareholder, Francis X. Nolan III, and other firms and individuals, the iconic ocean liner has been given a second life. On  February 4, 2016, the Conservancy announced an agreement granting Crystal Cruises an exclusive purchase option.

17 Jan 2016

Chief of Naval Research Helps Steer New Tech for the Fleet

Rear Adm. Mat Winter, chief of naval research, discusses game-changing technology for the warfighter during a keynote address at the 28th Annual Surface Navy Association National Symposium. The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams)

When discussing the Navy’s top science and technology (S&T) priorities with military, government and industry leaders, Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Mat Winter reflected on his college days at the University of Notre Dame. “When I graduated from Notre Dame 30 years ago, many of the things that the Navy had in the ‘petri dish’ back then, so to speak, are being used today throughout the fleet,” said Winter. On Jan. 13, Winter gave the keynote address at the Surface Navy Association’s 28th Annual Symposium, held in Crystal City, Virginia.

14 Jul 2015

Kraken Announced Executive Appointments

Kraken Sonar Inc. announced it has recruited two industry veterans to further develop its sensors-to-systems strategy. Joining the company is Dr. Tom Tureaud, who brings 30 years of industry experience with expertise that resulted in 12 patents, and Gina Miller, adding 10 years of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) system engineering and leadership to Kraken’s design team. “We view these appointments as a sign of our commitment to being a leading company in our industry,” said Karl Kenny, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kraken. “Our new innovations and increasing customer demand led us to look for additions to our team who will further our sensors-to-systems strategy. We are very fortunate that we were able to find such high caliber people. Dr.

18 Jun 2015

VT Halter Marine President Skinner Retires

Bill Skinner (Photo: VT Halter Marine)

VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VTHM), a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), announced a change of senior leadership. After more than 46 years in the shipbuilding business, including nearly two decades at VT Halter Marine, President and CEO Bill Skinner has announced his retirement. Skinner previously served as President, CEO and Director of ADDSCO Industries (1985-1989), the parent company of Alabama Maritime Corporation, where he also served as President (1982-1984) and as President of Alabama Shipyard, Inc. (1989-1997) following its acquisition by Atlantic Marine.

10 Jun 2015

Barging Ahead in Uncharted Waters

A Real-Life Study in Creative Vessel Financing, or What Happens When Plan ‘A’ Is Not Working. Much has been written on the various structures and approaches that can be used to finance the construction and purchase of vessels. Such articles typically speak in general terms, presenting what might be called the textbook version of the approach under consideration. But what happens when reality rears its ugly head, and forces the deal to leave the well-marked channel and to venture into uncharted waters?

12 Apr 2015

Caterpillar Forms New Analytics & Innovation Division

To better capitalize on the growing importance and excitement of data analytics and to drive innovation to support customers, Caterpillar Inc. today announced the formation of a new division, Analytics & Innovation (AI), which will be led by Caterpillar Vice President Greg Folley. The division will bring together the people and resources that will foster a culture with innovation at the core, form a broad and connected analytics ecosystem and manage strategic third party relationships with providers like Chicago, Illinois-based Uptake, a start-up with which the company recently announced a technology and predictive analytics agreement.

06 Jan 2015

Full Steam Ahead for Navy's Science

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has begun a new era, as Rear Adm. Mathias W. Winter-a decorated aviator with advanced degrees in both computer science and national resource strategy-was sworn in as the chief of naval research (CNR). Winter officially took the helm of ONR, the organization that leads Navy and Marine Corps research efforts, during a change-of-command held on Dec. 30. The ceremony was held at the Pentagon and officiated by the Honorable Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy (research, development and acquisition). "As the next Chief of Naval Research, I look forward to leading the ONR team in stretching the limits of physics and discovering the next generation of breakthrough technologies to ensure a dominant…

12 Dec 2014

Matson Senior VP Hoppes to Retire

Dave Hoppes (Photo: Matson)

Dave Hoppes, Matson’s senior vice president, ocean services, will retire March 31, 2015, the company announced. John Lauer, currently vice president, Transpacific services at the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Matson Navigation Company, Inc., will succeed Hoppes as senior vice president, ocean services, effective March 31, 2015. The company also announced that Chris Scott, currently director, Asia at Matson Navigation Company, will succeed Lauer as vice president, Transpacific services at Matson Navigation Company, effective March 31, 2015, as part of the transition plan.

30 Sep 2014

HII Appoints Brenton as Corporate Director

Kevin Brenton is HII’s corporate director of customer affairs for submarine programs. Photo by Chris Oxley/HII

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced today that Capt. Kevin Brenton (U.S. Navy, Ret.) has joined the company as corporate director of customer affairs for submarine programs. Brenton served most recently as deputy director of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, overseeing strategic weapons systems. He began his new position on Monday. "Kevin brings a wealth of leadership and maritime experience to our company, and he is going to be an excellent fit for our team," said Marty Chanik, HII's corporate vice president, customer affairs for Newport News Shipbuilding.

03 Aug 2014

Patrick T. Mulva, VP & Controller, ExxonMobil, Retires

Patrick T. Mulva, vice president and controller of Exxon Mobil Corporation has announced his intention to retire on Sept. 1, 2014, after more than 38 years of service. Mulva, 63, joined Exxon Company U.S.A. in 1976 as a financial analyst at the company’s refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and went on to hold a variety of financial positions of increasing responsibility in the upstream and downstream operations. After managing short-range planning for the U.S. downstream business, he was appointed assistant controller for Exxon Company International in 1990. The following year, Mulva was named finance director of the Exxon companies in Malaysia. He returned to Exxon Company U.S.A. in 1993 as upstream controller and later became the company’s assistant controller.

26 Dec 2012

VT Halter Names Prendergast EVP

Rear Admiral (Ret.) John J. Prendergast, III, VT Halter Marine Executive Vice President (EVP).

VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine) announced the appointment of Rear Admiral (Ret.) John J. Prendergast, III to the position of Executive Vice President (EVP). Mr. Prendergast will be responsible for a broad range of functions including Government Contracts, Organizational Excellence, Human Resources and DoD/DHS Interface, Procurement and Inventory Management. Prendergast holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and is a distinguished graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School…

10 Apr 2012

AGLPA Responds to BWT Research Findings

Steven A. Fisher, Executive Director of the American Great Lakes Ports Association takes issue with the findings of a Notre Dame Ballast Water Technology research paper. In recent years, a debate has raged between the maritime industry and environmental activists regarding the appropriate regulation of ships' ballast water. This public policy discussion has unfortunately been tainted by considerable misinformation. Such misinformation fuels "issue hysteria" and leads to poorly crafted regulations.

30 Mar 2012

BWT: the Cost of Great Lakes Invasive Species Damage

Research project shows invasive species cost the Great Lakes millions of dollars. Although there has been growing recognition among researchers and policymakers that shipborne invasive species cause a considerable economic toll, this environmental problem often goes unaddressed because of the difficulty in quantifying annual impacts on ecosystem services. However, a new paper by researchers from the University of Notre Dame, the University of Wyoming and the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands assigns a dollar figure on the cost to the Great Lakes from invasive species that originate in the ballast water of ocean-going vessels. David M. Lodge and John D. Rothlisberger of Notre Dame, David C. Finnoff of Wyoming, and Roger M.

18 Nov 2010

Shipping Boosts Indiana Lakeshore Economy by $14B

A new study released by the Ports of Indiana reports that waterborne shipping along Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline contributes $14b per year in economic activity to the state economy and more than 104,000 jobs. The study was conducted by Martin Associates, one of the foremost maritime economic consulting firms in the country, and was peer reviewed by economics professors from Indiana University, University of Notre Dame and Purdue University. The study focused on 2008 and 2009 data, which reflected a significant economic downturn, suggesting that the results are conservative estimates for average annual impacts. •    $567m of state and local tax revenue.

10 Feb 2010

House Hearing on Asian Carp, Great Lakes

The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted a hearing on Asian carp and the Great Lakes. In his statement, Representative James Oberstar (D-MN) discussed the threat posed by the Asian carp to the Great Lakes ecosystem. Cameron Davis, Senior Advisor, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), testified concerning EPA’s role in the process and the draft Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework. MGEN John Peabody, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), testified concerning USACE’s efforts to date and its plans for upcoming efforts to stop the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes via the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal. Mr.

12 May 2009

Jay Kiley Joins GMT Composites

Jay Kiley (left) joins David, Schwartz (right) at GMT Composites, Inc.

GMT Composites announced the appointment of Jay Kiley as Director of Sales and Marketing. Kiley comes to GMT after seven years selling superyacht rigging to vessels 79 ft and larger throughout the world for both Global BSI Rigging Service, Inc and OYS Service. Kiley has spent his entire career in the marine industry: prior to his rigging experience he has run a ship chandlery, sold boats and managed marine finance divisions for both John Deere Credit and Key Bank on both a regional and national level.

19 Dec 2008

Northrop - Yslas Corp VP; Coyne Secretary

Stephen D. Yslas

Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) board of directors has elected Stephen D. Yslas, 61, corporate vice president and general counsel effective Jan. 1, 2009. Yslas succeeds W. Burks Terry who is retiring Dec. 31, 2008. In his new role, Yslas will be responsible for oversight of all of the company's legal matters. He will report to Ronald D. Sugar, the company's chairman and chief executive officer, and become a member of the company's Corporate Policy Council. The board also elected Joseph F.