Jim Kruse became the newly appointed director of the Center for Ports and Waterways (CPW) for the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) on September 1. His role will also engage him as a national sea grant ports and harbor specialist for the Texas Sea Grant College program at Texas A&M University.
“Jim’s mixture of personal and professional skills will help move the research program of the Center for Ports & Waterways forward,” said Steve Roop, head of Multi-modal Freight Transportation Research at TTI.
As the new director, Kruse will focus on several principal areas including:
- Actively pursuing contract research for CPW in both the public and private sectors;
- Increase the awareness of Texas as a maritime state;
- Serve as the focal point for expanding Sea Grant College program activities on state and national ports and harbors and related marine transportation issues;
- Assist in developing a network of Sea Grant researchers and extension staff working on ports and harbor issues.
The Center for Ports and Waterways was established in 1995 by the Texas Legislature as a consortium of coastal universities including Texas A&M – College Station, Texas A&M – Galveston, Texas A&M – Corpus Christi and the University of Texas – Brownsville. CPW utilizes the expertise of multidisciplinary teams representing all perspectives of engineering, economics, marine biology and geosciences. The CPW develops practical and cost-effective solutions to the challenges that face the industry.
“My goal is to develop a reputation as a ‘go to’ organization for individuals in port administration and maritime activities that are facing difficult and complex issues affecting their ability to compete and survive,” Kruse said.
Kruse has numerous career accomplishments in the area of maritime transportation. Most recently, as the regional program manager at Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation, he was responsible for acquiring nearly $2.5 million of project work covering port-related activities in the areas of design, permitting, construction oversight and research.
Previous to his leadership role at Foster Wheeler, Kruse served as the Port Director and General Manager at the Port of Brownsville, Texas. He has also served on numerous national, state and local boards and task forces.