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University Of Southern California News

01 Mar 2022

Port of LA Names New Chief Harbor Engineer

Dina Aryan-Zahlan (Photo: Port of Los Angeles)

The Port of Los Angeles announced it has appointed Dina Aryan-Zahlan to Chief Harbor Engineer, lead of the Port’s Engineering Division. Aryan-Zahlan replaces David Walsh who retired in December 2021.Aryan-Zahlan most recently served as the Port’s Assistant Chief Harbor Engineer since 2015, where she oversaw the planning, development and design of infrastructure and facilities that support the diverse operations of the nation’s busiest seaport, including wharves, terminals, rail…

20 Apr 2020

What Did Scientists Learn from Deepwater Horizon?

Deepwater Horizon burning in April 2010. Image by US Coast Guard

April 20, 2020, marks the tenth anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion, the offshore oil industry's biggest environmental disaster.Eleven people died, 17 others were injured, Transocean's drilling rig sank, and an incident caused more than four million barrels of oil to spill into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico from the BP-operated Macondo well which spewed oil into the ocean for 87 days before it was finally capped.In a review paper published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment…

24 Oct 2019

Maritime Risk Symposium, Nov. 12-15 at SUNY Maritime

© Oleksii Fadieiev/Adobe Stock

The State University of New York Maritime College, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, National Academy of Sciences, academic institutions, industry partners, and federal, state and local agencies, will host the 10th Annual Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS 2019) Nov. 13-15, 2019, at New York Maritime College located in the Bronx, New York.MRS 2019 will bring together academics, government and commercial entities to discuss the threats, challenges and risks associated with the Marine Transportation System with a focus on current and future marine transportation challenges and threats.

15 Aug 2019

Shipbuilding Interview: Ron Baczkowski, VT Halter

Ronald Baczkowski is the President and Chief Executive Officer of VT Halter Marine, Inc.

VT Halter in Pascagoula, MS has been on a strong run, capped by its winning the high-profile contract to build the U.S. Coast Guard’s next generation of icebreakers. Maritime Reporter recently spoke with Ron Baczkowski, President and CEO, VT Halter Marine, for insights on the shipyard’s recent success and future prospects. Globally, the shipbuilding industry has gone through some ‘interesting’ times of late. How has it looked from your perspective?The shipbuilding market and activity at VT Halter during the past 12 months has been dynamic.

10 Sep 2018

Vecchiolla Takes the Helm at VT Systems

Tom Vecchiolla was named the new President & CEO of VT Systems.

ST Engineering announced the appointment of Tom Vecchiolla as President & CEO (Designate) of its US Headquarters, VT Systems. He will take over as President & CEO from General (Ret.) John Coburn on 1 December 2018, who will relinquish his CEO position but remain as non-executive Chairman of VT Systems.Gen. Coburn has been at the helm VT Systems for 17 years since it was set up in 2001 to support the Group’s overseas expansion. Today, the US is the Group’s single largest market outside of Singapore…

30 Jul 2018

VT Halter Marine Taps Baczkowski as CEO

Pascagoula, Miss. shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. announced it has appointed Ronald Baczkowski as president and CEO with immediate effect.Baczkowski joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1980 and retired with the rank of Brigadier General in 2012. He had held various command and staff appointments directing high-level strategic initiatives with impact on tens of thousands of troops. He joined VT Systems in 2016 and was mostly recently Vice President of Business Development. Before that from 2013-2015, he was Chief Operating Officer of Angarai International Inc, a professional management consulting firm; and Senior Program Manager at Engility Corporation…

26 Jan 2018

New Virus Found in the Ocean

Electron microscope images of marine bacteria infected with the non-tailed viruses studied in this research. The bacterial cell walls are seen as long double lines, and the viruses are the small round objects with dark centers. (Courtesy of researchers)

Researchers from MIT and Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a new type of virus that dominates water samples taken from the ocean but has long escaped analysis because its characteristics are not detected by standard tests. The newly identified viruses have long been missed by previous studies due several unusual properties including a lack of “tail” found on most catalogued and sequenced bacterial viruses. This research, supported by the National Science Foundation and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Ocean Ventures Fund…

05 Dec 2016

Obituary: Stewart B. Nelson

Stewart B. Nelson, Ph.D. - B. June 9, 1937 D. Dr. Stewart B. Nelson URI -MMA 1974, oceanographer, explorer, author, lecturer and marine historian passed away of complications related to cancer on September 12, 2016 in Tampa, Fla. He is mourned by family, friends and classmates of the Marine Affairs Program at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Nelson's multifaceted career was principally spent in service to his country in his position as aide to the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy and in this capacity he was the Senior Advisor to the to the Oceanographer, a Rear Admiral Flag position. Dr. Nelson who later earned a Ph.D, from the University of Southern California, was a pivotal figure in the modern era of the Naval Oceanographic Office.

16 Mar 2016

Long Beach Port Appoints 3 Directors

The Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved the appointments of new directors for the Port of Long Beach’s Finance, Surveys and Transportation Planning divisions. Maurina Lee, previously the Harbor Department’s controller, will become the Director of Finance. She has been controller since March of last year and was previously finance manager for the city of Downey from 2006 to 2015. The Finance Division oversees an annual budget that is $829 million this fiscal year. It is part of the Finance and Administration Bureau. Robert Seidel, who has been the Port of Long Beach’s chief surveyor since 2006, will be the new Director of Surveys.

04 Dec 2015

TCC, USC Join Forces to Cut Emissions

Leading Hong Kong ship-owner Tai Chong Cheang Steamship Co. (TCC) and the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering (USC) announced a significant research breakthrough aimed at tackling harmful ship-source emissions today. The research was conducted as part of a research program focused on improving marine diesel combustion efficiency and the reduction of exhaust gases via the application of nanosecond pulsed generation technology. With the support of TCC, researchers at USC Viterbi’s Pulsed Power Research and Combustion and Fuels Research Laboratories have for the past five years focused upon improving combustion efficiency in vessel diesel engines.

18 Sep 2015

Commission Appointments at Long Beach Port

The Long Beach City Council on Tuesday confirmed the appointments of Long Beach City College executive Lou Anne Bynum and former City Councilman Doug Drummond to second terms on the Board of Harbor Commissioners. Mayor Robert Garcia announced the reappointments last month. Both Bynum, the Harbor Board Vice President, and Drummond, a former Board President, were originally appointed by Garcia’s predecessor, Mayor Bob Foster. “These commissioners have done outstanding jobs helping to lead the Harbor Department,” Garcia said. “Their commitment to continuing public service will provide stability and consistency to the decisions governing Long Beach’s most important economic engine.

07 Jan 2015

Brandy Christian is New Port of New Orleans COO

Current COO Patrick J. Gallwey to Retire in March After 34 Years. Brandy D. Christian has been named the new Chief Operating Officer of the Port of New Orleans by President and CEO Gary LaGrange, succeeding Patrick J. Gallwey, who will retire March 1 after 34 years with the Port. Christian comes to the Port after 14 years with the Port of San Diego serving for the past five years as vice president, strategy and business development. During her tenure with California’s fourth largest cargo port, Christian was the driving force behind securing major accounts for the cruise and cargo business lines at the Port. She was also instrumental in significantly improving operational processes and reducing costs for the public agency.

10 Nov 2014

Cotton, Cox, Harris Receive '14 AOTOS Awards

From left: Frederick Harris, Joseph Cox and Stephen Cotton

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2014 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) were presented to Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF); Joseph J. Cox, President/CEO, Chamber of Shipping of America; and Frederick J. Harris, President of General Dynamics NASSCO and Bath Iron Works, an American shipbuilder. The maritime industry's most prestigious awards were presented at a gala industry dinner and dance held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City, on November 7, 2014.

31 Jul 2014

Port Of Los Angeles & MBDA at USC Team Up to Promote Trade

The Port of Los Angeles and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MDBA) Center at the University of Southern California will be holding a FREE “Trade Connect” export workshop August 26, 2014 at USC’s Galen Center. The event will focus on providing information, tools and tips for fashion, garment, health and beauty product companies interested in promoting and exporting their products overseas. “Los Angeles is home to thousands of small- and medium-sized fashion, garment, health and beauty businesses that make products with great potential for export markets,” said Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price Jr.…

04 Feb 2014

Jacquelin Named Willard Marketing Director

Karen Jacquelin

Willard Marine announced the appointment of Karen Jacquelin as director of marketing earlier today. Jacquelin will be responsible for leading Willard Marine’s product and brand marketing strategy, including all advertising, public relations and event marketing initiatives. She will be based out of the company’s corporate offices in Anaheim, Calif. Jacquelin brings more than 20 years of integrated brand advertising, marketing, and business development experience to Willard Marine. She has held management positions at Young & Rubicam, Xperience Communications and the Irvine Company.

24 Jan 2014

Unmanned Systems & Autonomy Are Force Multipliers, Says Admiral

 X-47B Unmanned Combat Aircraft: Photo credit USN

Focus Area Forums, are an initiative of Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, the chief of naval research. The goal: bring together experts and find new and low-cost ways to support Navy and Marine Corps priorities, and advance disruptive technologies for our Sailors and Marines. The first Forum was on unmanned systems. "The lifeblood of scientific research is generating new ideas and sharing information," said Klunder. Nearly 200 participants came to the recent forum from across government…

12 Jun 2013

HiPer Craft Forum 2013: New Speakers Announced

The American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) will host the High Performance Craft (HiPer Craft) Forum on June 19-20, 2013 at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk, Va. •    Dr. •    Dr. •    Mr. •    Mr. •    Mr. Jonathan Hill, AMRINA, AFNI, Training Director at FRC International Ltd and Trident Marine Ltd. •    CAPT D.B. •    Mr. Dave Menna, Donald L. Blount & Associates, Inc. •    Mr. •    Dr. •    Mr. •    Dr. Trevor Dobbins, STResearch Ltd. •    Mr. Tyler Brand, President, StrongWake Ltd. •    Mr. •    Ms. •    Mr. Walt Pullar, Chief Executive Officer, RMGS, Inc.

29 Apr 2013

L.A. Port Director Receives USC Alumni Award

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. (Photo: Port of Los Angeles)

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., has been honored by the University of Southern California Alumni Association with the prestigious Alumni Merit Award. Knatz earned a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering and a doctorate in biological science from USC. “The Alumni Merit Awards are given to individuals whose remarkable accomplishments speak well for the range and quality of a USC education,” said Patrick E. Auerbach, the interim associate vice president for alumni relations. “Dr.

18 Feb 2013

Chris Slotten Joins Globe Express Services

Chris Slotten: Photo credit GES

Globe Express Services appoints global logistics veteran Chris Slotten as Chief Commercial Officer & Senior Vice-President. Globe Express Services, one of the world’s top 100 global logistics providers with a market presence in over 80 countries, announce that Christopher Slotten will join the company on March 1, 2013 as Senior Vice President (SVP) & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In his new role, Mr. Slotten will focus primarily on leading the company’s global growth strategy initiative…

12 Jul 2012

Port Everglades Appoints Director of Business Development

Michael Vanderbeek: Photo credit Port Everglades

Michael was formerly with the Port of Long Beach, CA, the nation'’s second busiest container cargo seaport, making him a good choice to lead the Business Development Division for Broward County’'s Port Everglades Department. The Port Everglades Business Development Division is responsible for developing marketing and sales strategies to draw additional cruise business and containerized, dry and break bulk cargo volumes to Port Everglades. Staff provides customer service to the cruise and cargo shipping communities and markets Foreign-Trade Zone No.

18 Jul 2012

Autonomous Robot Maps Ship Hulls for Mines

Algorithms developed by MIT researchers enable an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to swim around and reconstruct a ship's propeller. Image: Franz Hover, Brendan Englot

Algorithms enable robot to navigate and view propellers and other complex structures. For years, the U.S. Navy has employed human divers, equipped with sonar cameras, to search for underwater mines attached to ship hulls. The Navy has also trained dolphins and sea lions to search for bombs on and around vessels. While animals can cover a large area in a short amount of time, they are costly to train and care for, and don’t always perform as expected. In the last few years, Navy scientists…

08 Oct 2012

AWO Promotes Two

Brian Vahey, Caitlyn Stewart Promoted to Government Affairs Manager. AWO has announced the recent promotions of Brian Vahey and Caitlyn Stewart to the new position of Government Affairs Manager. These promotions recognize the significant contributions of Mr. Vahey and Ms. Stewart to AWO’s work and their potential for further growth as members of AWO’s advocacy team. Mr. Vahey joined AWO as a Government Affairs Associate in July of 2008. His portfolio includes maritime security and TWIC, the Towing Vessel Bridging Program, licensing, and technology, among other issues. He serves as staff secretary to the Coastal Sector Committee and the AWO Technology Steering Group…

12 Dec 2012

KPI Bridge Oil Appoints new Managing Director

Andrew Cheah

KPI Bridge Oil, a global broker and trader in marine bunkers,  marine lubricants and risk management products, has appointed Mr. Andrew Cheah as Managing Director of its Singapore operations, KPI Bridge Oil Singapore Pte Ltd. Andrew has more than 17 years experience in the Bunker and Shipping industries. Amongst a number of positions in the bunker industry, he has served as Group General Manager for large independent supplier, where he was in charge of implementing Group Growth…