As announced over one year ago, Ed Shearer, P.E. has joined forces with Greg Beers, P.E. and Cory Wood of Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. The Shearer Group, Inc. is based in their new office in Seabrook (Houston), TX.

Over the course of 2011, the Houston-based office has grown with the addition of Christian Olavesen, Naval Architect and Ron Sikora, Designer. Mr. Olavesen is a graduate of the University of New Orleans in naval architecture and is well-versed in HECSALV, GHS, ACAD and other software. Mr. Sikora comes to the firm not only as lead designer, but is also a NAMS-certified marine surveyor having extensive experience with barge lines and surveying firms.

Up north, Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. is happy to welcome Daniela Abbott back into the fold. Daniela had worked for BHGI back in 2005 - 2008 but had left to pursue other interests. Daniela is a graduate of Webb Institute and University of Southampton, a Professional Engineer. When combined, the two offices now boast fifteen employees, twelve of which are naval architects, designers and/or marine surveyors.

Currently, the combined companies are working on sixteen unique barge designs, five unique powered vessel designs, and a myriad of vessel modifications. These are in addition to many consulting and construction oversight projects. Barge designs range from a 140’ crane barge to 260’ pressure barges, and 297’ – 6” inland service hazardous liquid cargo barges to 400’ offshore deck barges. Active powered vessel designs range from a 50’ model bow tug to 120’ inland z-drive towboats. Modifications include the conversion of an 86’ conventional towboat to z-drive propulsion, an 82’ sail training vessel and the addition of vapor control systems to existing liquid cargo barges.

The executive team is comprised of Ed Shearer, P.E., Greg Beers, P.E. and Cory Wood. Ed is based in Texas, while Greg and Cory are based in Rhode Island. However, Greg and Cory work out of the Texas office at least one week a month, assisting with the consolidation of the administration of the two companies. Further, employees travel between the offices as necessary, fostering a team environment for the combined company.

The greater technical team includes University of Michigan, Webb Institute, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, University of New Orleans and University of Southampton trained naval architects, many with Master’s degrees in addition to their Bachelor’s degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and four with Professional Engineering Licenses. Other members of the technical team include designers and marine surveyors with a myriad of accreditations for inspecting and auditing, including NAMS and SAMS members, Certified Welding Inspectors and American Waterways Operators’ certified Responsible Carrier Program auditors.

Together, Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. and The Shearer Group, Inc. provide naval architecture, marine engineering, marine surveying and professional engineer services to clients in the inland and offshore marine industries. The combined companies have been in business for decades and look forward to many years of success ahead of them.

Please contact Greg Beers, P.E. in Rhode Island at 401.253.4318 or Ed Shearer, P.E. in Texas at 281.532.2080 with any potential projects, or email us at design@bristolharborgroup.com or info@shearer-group.com respectfully. Please also visit our websites at bristolharborgroup.com and shearer-group.com for more information and for employment opportunities.