2017 Events

2017 Events

Company Presentations

This year, Quarterdeck held many company presentations including ExxonMobil, American Bureau of Shipping, Fincantieri Marine Group, and Bath Iron Works.


Peachman Lecture: "Future Ship, Offshore and Nautical Research: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Operations" by Bas Buchner - October

Bas Buchner is the president of MARIN, the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands. MARIN has become a reliable, independent and innovative service provider for the maritime sector and a contributor to the well-being of society. Their mission is to provide industry with innovative design solutions and to carry out advanced research for the benefit of the maritime sector as a whole.

His lecture description follows:
"Developing safe, smart and clean ships, offshore structures and ports is the challenge of the maritime industry. What sort of trends do we foresee in transport over sea, naval ships, offshore energy and nautical port design? Is it really possible to develop zero emission ships? Is offshore renewable energy going to be an alternative for offshore oil and gas? Do floating ports and cities help in times of sea level rise and overpopulation? Research should be focused on supporting this challenge.  What should be our focus in this research? What interesting physics need to be studied? What will be the tools of the future? What is the role of the human factor in this?"


Quarterdeck Goes Kayaking - September

As our first social event of the Fall 2017 semester, Quarterdeck took to the Huron River for a fun day of kayaking. The weather was abnormally hot for September, so some members were even brave enough to jump in the water from an abandoned railroad bridge that goes over the river. It was a beautiful trip and all members who attended had a wonderful time! 


Department Spring Banquet - April

This year's spring banquet was a huge success. Our 2017 honorary commodore is the beloved Steve Kemp, many paper plate awards were accepted, and alumni old and young came out for a great night of socializing and celebrating the wonderful UMich Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.


2017 Peachman Lecture: "A Brave New World - How Smart Ship Designs are preparing the maritime industry for the Digital Age" by Howard Fireman - April

Howard Fireman is a Michigan Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering alumni and the ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. He discussed the future of Smart Ship Designs and the maritime industry. He is one of the leading experts in technology in the maritime field, served 35 years in the Navy, and has been recognized by SNAME, ASNE, and UM College of Engineering for his work.


Relay for Life - April

This year, Quarterdeck hosted a table at the University of Michigan's annual Relay for Life. Relay for Life is a 24-hour walk-a-thon/fundraiser to raise awareness for those diagnosed with cancer.


Quarterdeck Study Break - February

In the midst of midterm season, Quarterdeck hosted a 'Study Break,' in which we ate snacks and watched Pirates of the Caribbean. Lots of members turned out for this nautical themed relaxation session, and hopefully contributed to their academic success this semester!


SNAME Section Meeting - February

Quarterdeck headed to Cleveland, Ohio, and partook in the 2017 Winter GLGR Section Meeting. This meeting's technical presentations included: Lake Carriers' Association, Sean Pribyl from Blank Rome LLP, and the United States Coast Guard Office of Navigation Systems (CG-NAV)


Quarterdeck Goes Ice Skating - January

To kick off the New Year, Quarterdeck took to Yost Ice Arena to show that the expression "Work Hard, Play Hard" really can come true. Many members, new and old, took to the ice and all had an incredible time!