Texas A&M Galveston Newsroom

Aging workforce, shift in technology fuel urgent demand for next-generation marine engineers

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:28:17 +0000

Engineering the Future Workforce: Texas A&M Galveston Unveils $52 Million High-Tech Academic and Research Facility

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:15:46 +0000

Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Approves new Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Operations on Galveston Campus

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:26:16 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston Makes its Broadway Debut with Launch of inaugural Billboard Campaign: Anchored in Galveston. Impacting the World.

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:45:14 +0000

SMART-SEA system guides seafarers away from collisions

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Year In Review: Defining Stories & Moments Of 2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:29:23 +0000

From historic campus milestones, former student highlights and groundbreaking faculty research, here are the stories and moments that made Aggieland by the Sea great this year.

Port Of Galveston Donates 200th Anniversary Proceeds To Student Scholarships

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:27:27 +0000

Meet Texas A&M-Galveston Cadet Isaiah Castillo

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:14:10 +0000

Fair Winds And Following Seas To TS Kennedy

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 21:15:09 +0000

Engineering At Galveston Welcomes Fall 2025 New Faculty

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:04:12 +0000

College Of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies Welcomes Fall 2025 New Faculty

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University At Galveston Commissions Eight Cadets Into Naval Service

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:54:36 +0000

Aggies Excel At ABS SMART Robotic Competition

Wed, 14 May 2025 19:54:40 +0000

Student Scholarship On Display At The 20th Annual Student Research Symposium

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:42:55 +0000

Cadet Leadership Spotlight: Summer Sea Term 2025

Wed, 14 May 2025 16:07:09 +0000

Hello, World! Computer Science Grad Adin Gauthier-Tyger

Wed, 14 May 2025 15:56:49 +0000

A Week With Alli DeYoung

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:12:12 +0000

The marine transportation senior took bldg. 311 along for a first-person view of a week in her life.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Features New Mate Of Towing Vessels Endorsement

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:54:00 +0000

Texas A&M Offers In-State Tuition For Civilian USCG Degrees

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:44:01 +0000

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Announces Ports Of Call For Summer Sea Term 2025

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:26:47 +0000

Year In Review: Defining Stories Of 2024

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:04:04 +0000

2024 was a groundbreaking year for Texas A&M University at Galveston. From the launch of the new College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies, to a rescue at sea, these 12 stories are just a glimpse of some of our exciting achievements and milestones over the last year.

Fall 2024 Career Fair Highlights Maritime Industry Workforce Needs

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:22:43 +0000

Former Student Hybrid Design Recognized in 2024 “10 Significant Boats”

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:49:50 +0000

Professor Vanicha McQueen Talks Career, Next Generation Of Engineers

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:56:17 +0000

Chronicling Cadet’s Sea Chronicles

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:24:49 +0000

Gallery: Texas A&M University At Galveston Hosts Aggieland Saturday By The Sea

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:54:04 +0000

Commercial Sea Term Q&A With Cadet Tyler Heffernan

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:11:06 +0000

Former Student Carved Into Maritime History

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:07:52 +0000

New College Dean Debbie Thomas On Childhood Dreams And Vision For The Future

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Dr. Debbie Thomas discusses her new role as dean of the new College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies.

Texas A&M Launches College Of Marine Sciences And Maritime Studies

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Father And Son Together On Summer Sea Term

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:34:37 +0000

Marine Engineering Technology Makes Innovations In Training

Mon, 13 May 2024 17:00:00 +0000

The Department of Marine Engineering Technology at Texas A&M University at Galveston is leading the industry’s future with new opportunities for hands-on education.

Spring Graduate Camron Chueca, “Ready To Get To Work”

Thu, 09 May 2024 17:00:00 +0000

During his senior year of high school in Orange, Texas, Camron Chueca ’24 planned to attend Texas A&M University in College Station for his bachelor’s degree after receiving a letter of acceptance into the university.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Announces Local Events

Thu, 09 May 2024 17:00:00 +0000

With Summer Sea Term (SST) 2024 quickly approaching, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy announced two public events here in Galveston to mark the start of the sea term.

Texas A&M Is Reducing Tuition For Non-Resident Merchant Mariner License Students

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston is reducing fees for current and future out-of-state students seeking a merchant mariner license from the Texas A&M Maritime Academy following approval of a new regional fee structure by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Announces Ports Of Call For Summer Sea Term 2024

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 18:00:00 +0000

On February 8, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy announced the ports of call for Summer Sea Term 2024 (SST '24).

Separating Seafaring Fact From Fiction In Netflix’s “Leave The World Behind”

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the first twenty minutes of Netflix's new movie, "Leave The World Behind," an oil tanker runs aground on the coast of Long Island in an area full of beachgoers.

Texas A&M Celebrates Keel Laying For New Training Ship

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

On December 6, Texas A&M University at Galveston, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, TOTE Services, LLC and Philly Shipyard, Inc. celebrated the keel laying for the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) destined for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston, Texas in 2025.

Keel Laying Ceremony Steeped In Tradition

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

On December 6, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and Texas A&M University at Galveston will celebrate the keel laying of the new training ship, Lone Star State.

Corps Commander Summits Campus Leadership

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Eager to start his freshman year at Texas A&M University at Galveston the following fall, on March 8, 2020, Gunnar Pierson '24 was in his home state of Georgia, ready to hike the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.

Cadet on Commercial Sea Term Helps Dock TS Kennedy in Tampa

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0000

On Sunday, July 2, junior Marine Transportation major Jacob Zahorsky ‘25, on board the tug Endeavor, helped dock the TS Kennedy in Tampa as part of his summer internship with Marine Towing of Tampa.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Prepares the Next Generation of Maritime Professionals

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Over 500 cadets, faculty and staff will depart from Texas A&M University at Galveston next week to begin the Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s 60-day summer sea term to earn their U.S. Coast Guard license.

Professors Help Bring History to Life

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0000

In April, the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF), home to the 1877 Elissa, a square-rigged iron barque, welcomed a fleet of tall ships as they made their way across the Gulf of Mexico as part of Tall Ships America.

Summer Sea Term 2023 Captain’s Log

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Captain Wade Howell will be providing updates while underway as connectivity allows. Follow us on social media (@texasmaritime) for publishing alerts or check back weekly at our Captain's Log page for updates.

New Maritime Business Course for Cadets Aboard TS Kennedy

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:00:00 +0000

This summer, over 500 cadets will set sail on the TS Kennedy for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s annual summer sea term for license-option students and for the first time, students can take a maritime business administration course while on board.

Engineering His Future: Spring Graduate Landon Degner

Thu, 04 May 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Hailing from the small town of Harleton, Landon Degner ‘22 starts a new adventure as a structural manufacturing engineer for Kiewit Offshore Services in June. He credits his heavy involvement as a student with propelling him forward into his career in marine engineering.

Galveston Campus to Host Open Dock Party

Thu, 04 May 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston invites the public to learn more about maritime education and training with two campus events in June.

Galveston Campus Welcomes IAMU

Wed, 03 May 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Leadership from the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) visited Texas A&M University at Galveston last month to encourage student and faculty participation in IAMU programs such as research grants, student forums and the IAMU annual conference. The campus welcomed IAMU Vice President Dr. Glenn Backwood and IAMU Executive Director Mr. Takeshi Nakazawa in their final stop of the North American tour.

Texas A&M at Galveston Receives New Training Ship TS Kennedy

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston has received a new training ship, the TS Kennedy, a 540-foot vessel that will enhance year-round training for Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets in ship navigation and marine engineering systems, maintenance, safety and security.

Maritime Administrator Rear Admiral Ann Phillips visits Texas A&M University at Galveston

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston welcomed Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, Administrator for the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) to campus on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

A Taste of Texas Returns; Dock Party, Sail Away Flotilla Announced

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

With Summer Sea Term 2023 fast approaching, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy announced several events both locally in Galveston and in our ports of call!

Q&A with Newly Announced Master of the Training Ship, Wade Howell ’02

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In January, Texas A&M University at Galveston announced that Wade Howell ‘02, professor of maritime transportation, would serve as the Master of the Training Ship.

Hagler Fellow Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue Enhances Academic Experience at Galveston Campus

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This year, Texas A&M University at Galveston welcomed Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, professor in the Department of Global Studies and Geography at Hofstra University, to campus as a Hagler Fellow.

Texas A&M Celebrates Cutting of the Steel for NSMV Lone Star State

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, TOTE Services, LLC and Philly Shipyard, Inc. today celebrated the cutting of steel for the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) destined for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston, Texas in 2025.

Cadets, Log Travel From Oslo to College Station for 1968 Bonfire

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

As our community honors the Aggies lost in the 1999 Bonfire collapse and the 12th Man prepares for the last football game of the season, we’re taking a look back at Galveston’s contributions to Bonfire over the last 60 years.

Parties Commit to Explore Potential of Environmentally Beneficial Program

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

The Galveston Wharves, together with Carnival Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, Royal Caribbean Group, Shell Trading (US) Company (“Shell”) and Texas A&M University at Galveston, will work toward potential solutions to develop environmentally beneficial shore power at the Port of Galveston through a non-binding memorandum of understanding.

Texas A&M-Galveston Marine Engineering Technology Department & Head Honored as Winners of Engineering Award

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Both the Marine Engineering Technology Department of Texas A&M University at Galveston and its head, Powell Chair Dr. Alok. K. Verma, have been awarded the 2022 Frederick J. Berger Award by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) in recognition of programmatic and individual excellence in engineering technology education.

Texas A&M University at Galveston Hosting Open Dock Party

Mon, 09 May 2022 22:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston invites the public to learn more about maritime education and training with two campus events in June.

Texas A&M-Galveston’s Dr. Irfan Khan Chosen for Early-Career Research Fellowship

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston is proud to congratulate Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Engineering Technology Dr. Irfan Khan on being awarded an Early Career Research Fellowship from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s (NASEM) Gulf Research Program.

From Clipper to Courtroom: Ryan Vechan ’07

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:00:00 +0000

Ryan Vechan ‘07 is the quick moving, fast-talking type of professor you get when you combine the mind of a lawyer and the soul of a sailor.

Love at First Sight Lines

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:00:00 +0000

The Vietnam War might be an odd backdrop in which to find love, but Texas A&M Maritime Academy Department of Maritime Transportation (MART) Professor and Captain Tim Nelick claims that is exactly what happened to him during one fateful watch shift.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Sets Sail for Sea-Day Training

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Over 300 Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets, faculty and staff will depart from the Galveston Campus aboard the TS Kennedy to begin a 56-day training cruise to earn required at-sea hours to receive their U.S. Coast Guard license.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy NSMV Name Announced

Fri, 07 May 2021 20:00:00 +0000

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy on the Galveston Campus of Texas A&M University has received notification from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) that the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) expected to arrive on campus in 2025 will be named the Lone Star State.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Summer Sea Term ’21 Schedule Announced

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Details concerning all logistics, including vaccines, quarantine periods, travel, public celebrations, port activities, and more will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Full Steam Ahead For New Pilot Cadetship Program

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 18:00:00 +0000

A new maritime education program advancing real-world knowledge and experience is going full steam ahead thanks to the partnership between the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, Cheniere Energy, Inc., and GasLog Ltd. LNG Services.

Sailing Forth: Cole Masington ’21

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Cole Masington ‘21 took it upon himself to obtain a vessel in order to capture video and photos of Kings Point cadets during their recent cruise aboard the borrowed T/S General Rudder.

Kings Point Cadets Underway on General Rudder for 30-Day Cruise

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The General Rudder will soon be going back out for another trip around the gulf, but it won’t be Aggies by the Sea at the helm. Forty-one cadets from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York will get underway Saturday aboard the T/S General Rudder to assist their sophomores in earning the necessary sea days to ultimately graduate.

Distance Learning to Go the Distance: TAMUG Beta Test for Virtual Simulator Learning

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 22:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston recently served as the beta testing ground for remote simulator learning to ensure that not just cadets from the Texas A&M Maritime Academy are receiving the critical training they need to fulfill degree and licensure requirements, but so other cadets from state maritime academies could benefit too.

Statement of the Consortium of State Maritime Academies on Announcement of Shipyard to Build NSMV

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 20:00:00 +0000

The Consortium of State Maritime Academies applauds yesterday's announcement that the Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, PA has been selected to build the nation's new National Security Multi-mission Vessel (NSMV) fleet.

Rubber, Rope, Training & Hope: Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Vessel Operations Crew Utilizes Damage Control Simulator for Emergency Training

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 20:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Marine Education Support & Safety Operations (MESSO) staff and vessel operations crew got their feet wet undergoing crucial training via the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Unit - Texas City (MSU) and the Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety team with their hands-on damage control simulator early this morning.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy Supporting Global NOAA Program

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 20:00:00 +0000

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy has partnered with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to deploy sixteen drifting buoys as part of the organization’s Global Drifter Program (GPD) that collects critical weather data for a number of applications, including weather forecasting and prediction, search and rescue planning and satellite calibration.

$81,000 of New Equipment Will Pay Dividends in Ship Simulator Training

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 20:00:00 +0000

“It’s like going from a 25-inch tube TV to a 4K flat screen,” says Technical Lab Coordinator Patrick Zimmer when describing the $81,000 worth of new projectors installed in the ship bridge simulator.

Dynamic Positioning at Texas A&M University Galveston Campus

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Did you know that cadets from the Texas A&M Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University Galveston Campus go on to become among the highest paid graduates from any Texas college or university?

History In The Making As Texas A&M Galveston Celebrates The Largest Summer Commencement On Record

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 20:00:00 +0000

The Texas A&M University at Galveston summer 2018 commencement with 86 graduates is the largest summer graduation in the institution's 56-year history.

All Together Again, Texas A&M Galveston Cadets End Their First Cohesive Training Cruise In 12 Years

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 20:00:00 +0000

For the first time in 12 years, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s cadets will sail together as an entire academy this summer beginning May 30.

All Together Again, Texas A&M Galveston Cadets Depart on First Cohesive Training

Wed, 23 May 2018 20:00:00 +0000

For the first time in 12 years, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s cadets will sail together as an entire academy this summer beginning May 30.

Texas A&M Galveston Degrees Lead Six Aggies to BP Shipping

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 20:00:00 +0000

Jenny Long was an Aggie with a challenge. She had an important job opening to fill with her company, BP Shipping Americas, located in Chicago.

Texas A&M Galveston Teams with Shell Oil to Enhance the Maritime Industry

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston hosted their third annual Shell Leadership Weekend February 15th through 17th.

Four Marine Transportation Students Are the First Recipients of The New Bouchard Transportation Scholarship at Texas A&M Galveston

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. of Melville, New York is giving a new scholarship to Texas A&M University at Galveston to establish the Morton S. Bouchard Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Texas A&M Galveston Cadets Assist with Maintenance of the Battleship Texas

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

More than 60 cadets of the Corps of Cadets, the Navy ROTC and the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program from Texas A&M University at Galveston arrived at the Battleship Texas State Historic Site recently to partner with personnel from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S.

Texas A&M Galveston Researchers Receive Grants to Study the Effects of Hurricane Harvey

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:00:00 +0000

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced awards totaling more than $1.2 million to support 13 research projects throughout the Texas A&M University System whose aim is to understand the effects of natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.

Golden Bear Ports In Galveston

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 22:00:00 +0000

With a flotilla of Aggie Mom's leading the way and the Texas A&M Galveston research vessel Trident playing the Aggie War Hymn, the California State University Maritime Academy - Cal Maritime training ship Golden Bear arrived at port in Galveston Monday. The Texas A&M Maritime Academy has had a long time relationship with our brother academy, Cal. Maritime in Vallejo, California.

Finland-based company donates massive $500,000 engine to Texas A&M Galveston

Tue, 24 May 2016 22:00:00 +0000

Trying to fix some loose bearings on an engine that’s the size of a school bus is a daunting task, but some Texas A&M University at Galveston students are learning engine repair that may come in handy one day when they are engineers aboard a ship on the high seas, thanks to a generous donation from a Finnish company.

Texas A&M Galveston Receives New Scientific Research Vessel

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 22:00:00 +0000

Texas A&M University at Galveston has just taken delivery of a new $2.5 million dollar research vessel: the R/V Trident. The new research vessel was recently featured in several television news stories.

Upgraded training ship carries Aggies to sea

Wed, 21 May 2014 22:00:00 +0000

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s TS General Rudder flagship training vessel recently departed for the first of two training cruises in the Gulf of Mexico.

Student leaders help build the future

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

At Texas A&M at Galveston, when student leaders offer advice, the campus community listens.

Texas A&M University at Galveston students sail the Gulf of Mexico to prepare for lucrative maritime careers.

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Captains, officers and students of the Texas Maritime Academy, part of Texas A&M University at Galveston, recently departed for the first of two training cruises in the Gulf of Mexico this summer.

TAMUG engineering professor develops cost-effective off-shore wind turbines.

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Texas leads the U.S. in energy production with a combination of oil, wind, natural gas, solar and biofuel power. The state also produces the most wind power of any state in the nation, but with a growing population, there is a demand for more resources of alternative energy.

TAMUG graduate appointed to direct National Transportation Safety Board’s Office of Marine Safety.

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Tracy Murrell, a graduate of Texas A&M University at Galveston, and former resident of Plano, has just been appointed as director of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Office of Marine Safety.

Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association names TAMUG’s Ryan Carden to its 2010 All Academic Sailing Team

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Ryan Carden, a junior Marine Transportation major -- and member of the sailing team -- at Texas A&M University at Galveston, is one of nine students in the nation that the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) has selected for its 2010 First Team All Academic Sailing Team.

Powell Marine Engineering Complex Dedicated

Fri, 07 May 2010 22:00:00 +0000

On Friday, April 30, 2010, family, friends, colleagues, and classmates of Thomas W. Powell '62 gathered to watch as he christened the Powell Marine Engineering Complex of the Mitchell Campus of Texas A&M University at Galveston.