Did you know that the ocean and the ships that sail it play a key role in delivering the food, fuel, and consumer goods that all of us depend on? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 95% of our overseas trade moves by ship, including 9 million barrels of imported oil a day. While the nation’s 300 ports currently handle more than 2 billion tons of domestic and international freight annually, that figure is expected to more than double in the next 20 years.
David Chapman recently joined the University of Delaware Graduate College of Marine Studies as an associate research scientist working on marine transportation issues. He also holds a part-time appointment with the UD Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service as a marine transportation specialist.
Chapman will work closely with the college’s marine policy faculty to transfer their research results to port managers and the shipping industry, as well as conduct applied research projects on issues of importance to the maritime community and the public they serve.
Currently, he is collaborating with Jim Corbett, assistant professor of marine policy, in analyzing the local and global effects of emissions that result from international and domestic shipping as the industry increasingly pursues more energy-efficient technologies. Chapman also has been in contact with port authorities locally and around the country to explore major issues such as dredging, and ship-ballast policies to prevent the introduction of non-native aquatic species to U.S. waters.
“I want to utilize my experience and capabilities to further the understanding of environmental issues affecting marine transportation, as well as ports and communities,” he says. “I want to share some of what I’ve gathered over the years and put it to good use for people.”
Chapman holds a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and a master’s of business administration from Drexel University. He is a licensed professional engineer in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Prior to his UD appointment, he was involved in designing a variety of vessels ranging from a Coast Guard cutter, to research ships in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fleet, and a new Staten Island Ferry for the City of New York. He also has assisted with the design and engineering needs of container ships, fishing vessels, crane barges, and even a historic oyster schooner.
From 1981 to 1995, Chapman was general manager of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which is owned by the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA). Chapman oversaw the operation of the two bi-state terminals and a five-ferry fleet that transported more than 1.1 million passengers and 400,000 vehicles each year. He served as the DRBA’s director of marine engineering from 1995 to 1997.
Chapman is based at the UD Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. His phone number is (302) 645-4268, and his e-mail address is dchapman@udel.edu.