Maine Maritime Academy

Robert Somerville
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Robert Somerville graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a degree in marine engineering and has devoted his professional life to the marine industry.  His early years were spent as a seagoing engineer and later in gaining experience at the Newport News shipyard.  In 1970 he began a forty-three year career with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) holding increasingly senior positions as Field Surveyor, Senior Surveyor, Principal Surveyor, Regional Manager for Western Europe, and President and Chief Operating Officer of ABS Europe. He served for twenty-one years as the President and Chief Operating Officer, CEO and finally as the Chairman of the Board retiring in 2013.   He has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to maritime safety and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies.