Page 14: of Marine News Magazine (December 2019)

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INSIGHTS

Niels Aalund additionally serves on 14 regional and/or national com-

President, mittees and boards, including such groups as Director at

Large, Houston Ship Channel Security District, Lone Star

International Propeller

Harbor Safety Committee, Area Maritime Security council

Club (AMSC), South East Texas Waterways Advisory Commit- tee (SETWAC) , Corpus Christi Harbor Safety Commit- iels Aalund was elected President of the Interna- tee (STWAC), National Association Maritime Organiza- tional Propeller Club at their 93rd International tions (NAMO), Propeller Club International Governing

NConvention and Conference. The prominent mari-

Board, North American Marine Environment Protection time industry stakeholder will serve a two-year term, com-

Association (NAMEPA), the University of Houston, Col- mencing from October 17th. Aalund, a well-known mari- lege of Technology Dean Advisory Board, and he has been time subject matter expert and executive, also serves as an recognized as Distinguished Alumni, University of Hous-

Of? cer and as Senior Vice President of the West Gulf Mar- ton – College of Technology.

itime Association (WGMA). WGMA communicates and

A Houston native, Aalund is a graduate of the Uni- coordinates with various governmental entities throughout versity of Houston. An active public speaker at industry the West Gulf, providing a forum for discussions and ex- programs, Aalund now leads The Propeller Club, a group change of information between member companies.

originally conceived in 1922 and today, serves as an inter-

As WGMA’s most visible and active advocate, Aalund national business network dedicated to the promotion of provides maritime industry liaison every day, advocating the maritime industry, commerce and global trade. Listen on behalf of member companies with local, state and fed- in this month as Aalund sets the organization’s course for the eral agencies. Throughout his career, Aalund has provided coming year, and beyond.

leadership for a variety of maritime related positions. He has extensive strategic planning experience in both opera-

Congratulations on your election as President of the tions and commercial maritime activities, including but

Propeller Club. Tell us about the organization and its many missions.

not limited to management positions overseeing liner, break-bulk and stevedoring groups. Those skills and attri- The International Propeller Club of the United States butes will serve him and his new constituents well, as he (IPCUS) was started in 1927 to promote the maritime in- embarks on his latest professional journey. dustry both on a national and international basis. We are

Beyond his already impressive responsibilities, Aalund a grass-roots organization whose members work in both

December 2019 14 MN