Thordon Bearings and SNAME Launch Scholarship for Green Ship Design
Thordon Bearings and the Society of American Marine Engineers (SNAME) have partnered to create the Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship, an annual award designed to encourage environmental innovation in ship design. The scholarship aims to support graduate students developing solutions to minimize the maritime industry’s environmental impact.
Supporting the Next Generation of Maritime Innovators
The scholarship is funded by a personal gift from George A. “Sandy” Thomson, founder of Thordon Bearings Inc. According to SNAME, the scholarship will support students working on innovations applicable to any part of a vessel—above or below the waterline—that demonstrably improve noise levels, air quality, or water quality. Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship – SNAME
Selection Criteria: Originality, Impact, and Feasibility
Candidates will be evaluated based on the originality and technical merit of their ideas, the potential scale of the benefits, and the practical feasibility of implementing those ideas. The program’s broad scope is intended to foster interdisciplinary thinking, recognizing the complex challenges facing the maritime industry in its pursuit of sustainability. Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship – SNAME
Sandy Thomson: A Pioneer in Clean Maritime Technology
Thomson, with over 50 years of experience in clean maritime technology, emphasized the shared commitment of Thordon Bearings and SNAME to supporting future generations. He highlighted SNAME’s role as a forum for technical discussion and the importance of supporting students dedicated to pollution reduction. Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship – SNAME
Thomson pioneered the development of seawater-lubricated propeller bearings in the late 1970s. This technology, now widely adopted in commercial fleets, inland waterways, and navies and coast guards in over 50 countries, has significantly reduced oil pollution in marine environments. Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship – SNAME
He also noted the value of SNAME as “the guardian of best practice” and a platform for “open, friendly debate.” Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship – SNAME
Thordon Bearings’ Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The scholarship aligns with Thordon Corporation’s broader mission to reduce environmental risks and maintenance costs in various industries. The company has established a global reputation for eliminating grease from bearings and sealing systems in ships, hydropower stations, and industrial facilities. Thordon Bearings – Our Story
Application Details
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year have closed, with the first scholarship recipient expected to be announced later this year. Further details about the Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship can be found on the SNAME website. Thordon Bearings Graduate Scholarship – SNAME