The Steamship Authority has fulfilled another recommendation from the HMS consulting report by hiring Liam J. Slein as project engineer — an entirely new position.
“Slein will be responsible for planning management oversight of all vessel repair and overhaul projects, major capital projects, and new vessel construction to ensure the objectives and expectations of each project are met,” SSA spokesman Sean Driscoll wrote in an email. Slein has more than two decades worth of operational experience in engineering, manufacturing, and industrial environments. A Coast Guard veteran, he holds master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and naval architecture/marine engineering. His previous job was as a facilities engineer at the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
The HMS report indicated the necessity for a project engineer stems from the fact the port engineer is overwhelmed with conflicting responsibilities.
“In addition to providing round-the-clock support to the vessels while they are in operation, planning and coordinating routine maintenance and repairs, and supervising vessel engineering personnel,” the report states, “the port engineer is also responsible for the planning and management of major repairs and vessel overhauls. While this is an extensive workload for the resources allocated, operations support and overhaul planning and management are in constant conflict. For this reason, it is recommended that the position of project engineer be added to take on all responsibilities regarding the planning and management of major repairs, vessel overhauls, and capital projects. While port engineers will provide valuable support and advice to the project engineer, their focus will remain on daily fleet operations. Likewise, the project engineer will not be involved in operations, and therefore not be distracted from the demands of planning and managing projects.”
Slein is expected to start work Oct. 7.