ABS Visits Castine, Discusses Simulators and Nuclear, Donates $100k

By Michael Dickerson, Ph.D.
THE AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING (ABS), founded during Abraham Lincoln’s first term in 1862, has been inextricably linked to the Academy since its own establishment 85 years ago. The relationship, however, has never been stronger.

Maine Maritime Academy alumnus John McDonald ’93 was recently appointed Chairman and CEO of ABS. McDonald has indicated the intent to prioritize continued support of the Academy and to explore ways in which the two institutions might work together further. To learn more about how ABS and the Academy might collaborate more effectively, McDonald dispatched ABS Chief Technology Officer Patrick Ryan and ABS Chief Human Resources Officer Chuck Kemper to Castine in April.

Ryan and Kemper’s campus visit focused on understanding the Academy’s current training capabilities, strategic aspirations, and possible ways to strengthen the collaborative relationship
between the two institutions.

ABS Chief Technology Officer Patrick Ryan and ABS Chief Human Resources Officer Chuck Kemper examine the full mission bridge and lifeboat simulators.

On a tour led by Professor of Transportation Ender Asyali, Ph.D., Ryan and Kemper observed simulators throughout campus including the full mission bridge, lifeboat, and virtual reality simulators. Using the full mission bridge simulator, Asyali showcased the Castine Harbor simulation that he developed in-house. Asyali noted the need for considerable resources to remain at the cutting edge of technological advances in simulation.

Later that morning, Ryan gave a presentation on the outlook of nuclear energy in the context of the shipping industry to an engaged audience at the ABS Center for Engineering, Science, and Research, the construction of which was partially funded under the leadership of Robert Somerville ’65 during his tenure as CEO.

Ryan attributed technological advances for reinvigorating interest in nuclear energy. He indicated that commercial economic factors are driving the use of nuclear energy as a result of the effort to decarbonize, noting the “mass consumption of energy” associated with artificial intelligence increasing demand for energy.

Ryan anticipates floating nuclear power plants using fourth generation reactors to become popular sources of energy generation before the technology is deployed on vessels for propulsion.

In the shipping industry, Ryan suggested that while hydrogen and ammonia are clean fuels when used for propulsion, there are significant carbon emissions associated with their production. He argued that nuclear energy has the potential to make the production of hydrogen and ammonia much cleaner, even before nuclear reactors are used for marine propulsion.

Ryan praised the Academy for being the first maritime college to establish a nuclear program. Noting we all anticipate and expect American leadership for nuclear vessels, he claimed that “regardless, things are advancing in Europe and the Pacific shipbuilding nations whether we are at the forefront or not… The whole world is interested in nuclear energy and will need qualified nuclear mariners.”

In May, ABS pledged $100,000 to the Academy in support of academic scholarships. ABS is also partnering with Mossman Nuclear Chair Professor Paul Wlodkowski on a Department of Energy grant, currently in contract negotiations. Continued collaboration between ABS and the Academy offers exciting possibilities in areas of mutually aligned interests.

“This is not a time of calm seas. It is a time of unprecedented change driven by innovation in AI, robotics, digital technologies, and nuclear. It demands men and women of character – people who
will lead with integrity, who will act with courage, and who will serve something greater than themselves,” said McDonald. “Exactly the kind of graduates produced by Maine Maritime Academy.”

Post Comment

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Comments are moderated and will be reviewed prior to posting online. Please be aware that when you submit a comment, you agree to the following rules:

  • Be respectful and considerate of others in your tone and content.
  • Use your own words and communicate clearly and concisely.
  • Do not use abusive language, obscenities, or otherwise objectionable content under any circumstances.
  • Do not impersonate or make false statements about someone else.
  • Do not use commenting to advertise, campaign or recruit.
  • Feel free to use your real name, but please do not post other personal or private information.

Maine Maritime Academy reserves the right to delete any comment that does not comply with these guidelines and is not responsible or liable in any way for comments posted by its users. If you have a message for the editor, please email mariner@mma.edu.

At the Academy

View All >