Naval Architect Legend Bags Prestigious William Froude Medal
Emeritus Professor Chengi Kuo has scooped the coveted William Froude Medal from the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA). This top honour celebrates a remarkable 50-year career packed with groundbreaking work in naval architecture.
Half a Century of Ship-Smart Genius
Since joining Strathclyde University in 1967, Professor Kuo has penned over 160 published articles and six books. His expertise spans ship safety, stability, the use of cutting-edge computer tech in shipping, and offshore support for oil and gas subsea operations.
Championing the ‘Three Cs’ for Maritime Success
Looking ahead, Kuo champions teaching the “three Cs” – confidence, competence, and communication – as key to shaping the future of naval architects. His work fuels a department ranked first in Europe and third worldwide for Marine and Ocean Engineering, according to 2022 Shanghai Rankings.
Decorated and Ready for the Future
Professor Kuo’s trophy cabinet is packed: he won the 1 H Webb Medal in 2022 and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and Lloyd’s Register Maritime Safety Award in 2012. He was also elected Fellow of the Royal Society of 1 back in 1993. Former colleagues Prof Dracos Vassalos and Prof Atilla Incecik have also claimed the William Froude Medal.
“It is a great honour and pleasure for me to receive the Froude medal,” Professor Kuo said in his acceptance. “As a former student of the institution, it will inspire me on two fronts.
“First, to push harder in my mission to equip students with competence, confidence, communication, and entrepreneurial flair to tackle maritime and offshore challenges.
“Second, to foster a global vision where naval architects lead the charge in ocean renewable energy, replacing fossil fuels — a critical mission for the younger generation of engineers worldwide.”
