What services do you offer?
We are a marine engineering firm that specializes in the design, fabrication and project management of bespoke air lubrication systems for large ships. The air lubrication systems reduce the drag of water on the hull of the ship, reducing fuel consumption and Green-House-Gases, in order to comply with international regulations for all ships. All ships, regardless of build date, must reduce their fuel consumption by 50% between a 2005 baseline measurement and the 2030 deadline. Air lubrication on a ship’s hull can reduce fuel use by 15%, by reducing the ship’s contact with water, which is 50 times denser than air.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Our product has a worldwide impact on climate change and ocean health. There are approximately 53,000 ocean going ships working the world’s oceans. Those ships are responsible for 3.5% of the fuel use and Green-House-Gases produced annually worldwide. A 10-15% reduction in fuel use and GHG emissions would have a substantial impact on our environment.
What inspired you to start your business?
Our office is staffed by recreational divers, sailors and fishermen; we are passionate about protecting the world’s oceans. We have been involved with naval architecture and marine engineering and ocean ecology for over 30 years. We have a ship building subsidiary where we built live aboard dive boats. We recognize global climate changes, and we also have a plan to help mitigate and reverse GHG emissions. There are 35 or more identified Energy Saving Devices (ESD) to reduce fuel consumption and GHG. Air lubrication systems have the highest potential impact of all those ESD’s, but it is also the most difficult to implement efficiently. We think we have the skills and drive to make a worldwide difference.
What gets you out of bed every morning?
An ocean swim and thinking of ways to preserve the ocean’s health for future generations.
What is your secret to making progress each day?
Keeping the goal in mind. What’s the next step and who is going to do it, group collaboration and individual ingenuity.
Tell us one thing people don’t know about you.
I swim in the ocean every possible morning.
A typical weekend for me is…
On the water, with my family.
What will people get from your business that they won’t get anywhere else?
We are a small company with a team of people passionate about the world’s oceans and the maritime trades. Our team members range in age and experience, maintaining a balance of exposure to the newest technologies, and the experience of tried-and-true solutions. Our company has the depth and flexibility to provide a variety of marine centered services, whether it entails a quick survey or designing and building a new ship.
Have you won any awards or had any special recognition or acknowledgement of your business?
We have been nominated several times for various innovation awards. For years we have partnered with well-known Universities offering marine engineering degrees.
What are your plans for the future of your business?
We are working hard to be the lead innovator in the marine field of Air Lubrication Systems for commercial shipping. Success for us means reducing Green-House-Gases (GHG) produced by worldwide commercial shipping.
What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
Tough question. It might be the ability to help my young engineers discover their secret talents.
What did you want to be when growing up?
I wanted to own and operate a live aboard dive ship and I did. Now I want to leave a legacy of preserving the health of our oceans.
What is your favorite thing to do in the wonderful area of Central Florida?
Being on the water, either in the ocean or on the lakes.
What would people never guess you do in your role?
Another tough question. Apparently, I surprise people all the time.
What do you love most about your industry?
I’m surrounded by people who also enjoy and respect our oceans.
How have you advanced professionally since starting your business?
I started as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) and continued to educate myself, MBA, Dive Master, USCG Master, etc. I also recruit people with complimentary skill sets, so I’m learning all the time.
