Herbert Engineering Corp. makes leadership transition

Hendrik Bruhns

Hendrick Bruhns has been appointed president of Alameda, Calif., headquartered naval architecture and marine engineering firm Herbert Engineering Corp (HEC). He succeeds Spencer Schilling who formally stepped down as president on July 1.

Schilling, who has worked for HEC for 38 years, 14 of them as president, says he is happy to pass the torch to the next generation.

“I have been privileged to work with a very talented team here at HEC and our wonderful clients trusted us with interesting and challenging work,” says Schilling. “We have capable and experienced staff and Hendrik is the perfect person to lead this group into a very exciting future and a continuation of the HEC legacy.”

Schilling will remain a member of the HEC Board of Directors and active in the company, although at reduced levels, to support Bruhns through this critical transition of management duties and client relationships.

Hendrik Bruhns, a trained naval architect, steps into his new role after serving for 11-years as resident of the HEC affiliate and maritime software firm, Herbert-ABS Software Solutions LLC, where he was was responsible for all aspects of marketing and operations, and successfully improved the customer experience, reinforced the organization’s financial strength and guided investment in new digital capabilities.

Bruhns started his professional career at MEC Marine Equipment & Consulting, working on container cell guides and lashing equipment. Later he joined the Stability Department of Germanischer Lloyd—heading the department from 2002-2008—where he oversaw planning, approval, coordination and implementation of ship safety and environmental protection projects, particularly intact and damage stability, ballast water management, fuel tank protection and collision strength.

Bruhns had been serving as an executive vice president and manager of business development for HEC since January 1, 2021. As president, hisocus will be the continuation of HEC’s offerings in naval architecture, consulting services for ship-design and vessel acquisition, structural and ship stability analysis, and risk-and-repair assessments. He will also continue to serve Herbert-ABS Software Solutions LLC as board director, and when necessary, will support Michael Newton, recently appointed as president of the software company.