Bas Buchner, director of MARIN, the world's largest independent maritime research institute, has been elected TU Delft Alumnus of the Year 2024. He is an advocate for a strong Dutch maritime sector and a pioneer of the Maritime Master Plan for zero-emission shipping, which was awarded 210 million euros from the National Growth Fund. TU Delft is proud of its alumni, which is why it has been awarding the Alumnus of the Year prize together with the Delft University Fund since 2011. The prize is intended for alumni who have made their mark in the world of innovation and research.
Bas Buchner has a clear vision for the future of the industry and the know-how to pave the way with concrete plans and projects. With his wonderful track record in the maritime sector in the Netherlands and worldwide, and his importance for maritime education and research, he inspires students and alumni to get the best out of their studies. They could not wish for a better figurehead.
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Jasper Peterich, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund Delft
Photo: Niek Stam
High-impact career: from dredging village to MARIN
Bas Buchner studied Marine Technology. After graduating, he joined the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) in 1991 as a project manager, became head of the Offshore department in 2000 and has been managing director since 2011. He is also chair of the Innovation Council of the Dutch Maritime Network and the Top Consortium Knowledge and Innovation (TKI) Maritime. Between 2003 and 2010, Buchner was a visiting professor at the School of Marine Science and Technology at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Since 2018, he has been an honorary member of the Delft Student Association S.G. William Froude.
His love for the maritime sector was instilled in him from a young age. He was born in Sliedrecht, also known as the ‘dredging village’ because of the large dredging companies that originated there. During his school years, his favourite pastime was watching ships at the Parkkade in Rotterdam. He did this with his father, who was an engineer on coasters and dredgers. This led him to TU Delft, where he studied Marine Technology. He discovered his affinity for maritime research during his thesis work on diffraction theory for predicting ship movements in waves, which earned him the graduation award from the Royal Dutch Society of Marine Technicians (KNVTS).
Buchner's first research project at MARIN was on the problem of green water: the massive amounts of seawater that flow across decks in rough weather, damaging ships, endangering crews and throwing containers overboard. Buchner mapped the physics behind the phenomenon, which would lead to new prediction methods to prevent green water damage. In 2002, he received his PhD on this subject from professor of hydromechanics Jo Pinkster. The same knowledge later formed the basis of the wave energy concept for generating renewable energy at sea, where green water becomes an opportunity rather than a problem. Under his leadership, MARIN has evolved from a specialised service provider with an international reputation in hydrodynamic and nautical research to an even broader, forward-looking knowledge partner for the maritime sector, government and society. It focuses on the challenges and transitions of our time, such as the energy transition at sea, zero emission shipping, safe shipping and the protection of the free seas.
Zero emission shipping and maritime AI applications Buchner’s mission is the same as MARIN’s: to make shipping cleaner, smarter and safer, and to contribute to a sustainable and free use of the oceans. One way he does this is by focusing on innovation. Good examples are the Zero Emissions Lab, where MARIN is working on a zero-emission engine room of the future, and the pioneering Seven Oceans Simulator Centre for advanced moving simulators and the use of advanced virtual and mixed reality techniques. He initiated the ‘AI Sail’ project, in which MARIN’s AI team taught an Optimist dingy to sail using machine learning. His participation in committees and advisory boards is also of great importance to the industry. Most recently, he led the development of the Maritime Master Plan. He is an important link between politics, industry, education and research. With his vision and enthusiasm, he ensures that the Dutch maritime sector continues to stand out globally.
Buchner and TU Delft, a lifelong connection
It is a mission closely aligned with that of TU Delft: impact for a sustainable society. This is why the relationship between TU Delft, Bas Buchner and MARIN has remained strong over the years. MARIN acts as a bridge between university research and education and practice, industry and government. This is reflected in joint research programmes and the shared use of (large-scale) research facilities. On a personal level, Bas Buchner has always remained close to his alma mater. He holds his old student association, Froude, close to his heart, is a welcome guest at gatherings, and is always willing to speak or contribute ideas for study trips or events.
Programme symposium
13:00 - 13:30
Inloop met koffie/thee
13:30 - 13:35
Opening by Jasper Peterich, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund Delft
13:35 - 13:55
Alumnus of the Year award ceremony by Tim van der Hagen, Rector Magnificus/President of the Board of TU Delft
13:55 - 14:30
Alumnus of the Year 2024 Bas Buchner, President, MARIN
14:30 - 14:40
Study association Froude, TU Delft
14:40 - 15:15
Break
15:15 - 15:30
TBC
15:30 - 15:45
Peter van Terwisga, Director Research, Development & Innovation, Damen Naval
15:45 - 16:00
TBC
16:00 - 16:15
TBC
16:15 - 16:20
Closing by Jasper Peterich, Director of Alumni Relaties & University Fund Delft
