Newly Created Vane Brothers Fellowship Program

By: Captain Tim Leach ’05 & ’10 and Michael Dickerson, Ph.D.

Maine Maritime Academy is pleased to announce the creation of the Vane Brothers Fellowship Program, which will offer three years of financial support to students pursuing degrees in Vessel Operations and Technology.

President Craig Johnson ’91 said, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this mutually beneficial relationship for all involved: Vane Brothers, the Academy, and our students. Facilitating relationships with employers is a fundamental aspect of an education at the Academy and that benefits both students and employers. We have one of the premier limited license programs, Vessel Operations and Technology, and Vane Brothers is a leader in the industry, so the connection is natural.”

The Vane Brothers Fellowship Program agreement covers a term of five years beginning with the first cohort to be announced during the 2025-26 academic year. Vane Brothers fellows will receive $10,000 of funding per year with a total financial commitment to the Academy of $360,000.

Vane Brothers will also provide co-op billets for at least six students per year as a part of the agreement. Additionally, although an employment commitment is not expected of those who receive a fellowship, Vane Brothers will offer “direct employment opportunities” to graduates.

Vane Brothers and Maine Maritime Academy see the partnership as mutually beneficial for several reasons, including deepening the connection between the Vessel Operations and Technology program and one of the industry leaders in maritime transportation on the East Coast.

“During our frequent visits to Castine, we have seen the quality and caliber of the students attending Maine Maritime Academy,” said Vane Brothers Vice President of Operations Rick Iuliucci. “The strong work ethic, confidence, leadership, and discipline exhibited by these future officers align with what we desire to be, the very best in our industry.”

Vane Brothers seeks to establish “early and meaningful connections” with Academy students to both financially support their education and expose them to the possibilities of a career with the company.

Vane Brothers believes it is in the company’s interest to start investing in its future employees at the undergraduate level. Iuliucci indicated that, “At Vane, our most important asset is our people. The opportunity to support the growth of the leaders of tomorrow in our industry is critical to the future needs of our company. The investment made today will pay dividends for years to come and help Vane achieve our goal of being the industry leader in the U.S. Jones Act fleet.”

Vane Brothers has been in operation since 1898 and, in addition to bunkering, lightering and launch services, operates a division of marine safety equipment service and inspection.

Maine Maritime Academy has been training mariners for tug and barge operations since 1983. Admiral Edward Anthony “Ted” Rodgers, Superintendent of the Academy from 1964 through 1984, led the effort to develop the tug and barge operations program, the first offered at a maritime academy.

For over 40 years, the Pentagoet, a twin screw, kort nozzle, 1,200 hp tug, has served as the Academy’s training vessel for tug and barge operations. Students practice vessel-handling skills for three modes of towing: astern, alongside, and pushing ahead. They practice piloting exercises on the Penobscot River and operating an assist tug to dock and undock the tug and barge unit.

Coursework aligns with the Tug Operator’s Assessment Record (TOAR), a U.S. Coast Guard endorsement requiring completion of over ninety competencies. MMA students begin working through the TOAR competencies with the goal of completing training in the fall semester of senior year.

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