Six Decades of Pioneering Excellence!

An international firm of naval architects, planners, and ship designers specializing in various commercial and government projects.

Our journey commenced with a profound understanding that to thrive in the competitive maritime realm, unconventional approaches were indispensable. We recognized that true optimization of cargo movement necessitated a holistic perspective, encompassing every aspect of the transportation ecosystem. This ethos spurred landmark endeavors such as the trailblazing design of open-hatch bulk carriers for Crown Zellerbach, heralding a paradigm shift in the global transportation of forest products.

As our renown expanded, so did our team. Embracing the significance of employee ownership, HEC transitioned into Herbert Engineering Corp in 1975, with every share entrusted to our dedicated team members. This bold stride not only attracted top-tier talent but also nurtured a culture of ingenuity and accountability.

Across the decades, our portfolio burgeoned to encompass a diverse array of vessel designs, including containerships, ro-ro’s, tankers, and beyond, each crafted with meticulous attention to safety and environmental standards. Our unwavering pursuit of excellence culminated in the development of groundbreaking software solutions like CargoMax, revolutionizing shipboard loading and design methodologies for clients worldwide.

OUR COMMITMENT

Fueled by a passion for innovation and underpinned by collaboration. HEC continues to chart the course for the maritime industry, building upon six decades of resolute dedication to excellence and client satisfaction.

1963

Robert N. Herbert, Naval Architects Opened for Business

In 1963, Robert N. Herbert, Naval Architects, laid the foundation for our esteemed company, driven by a vision of innovation and ethical business practices. With a steadfast commitment to pushing boundaries and maintaining integrity, Herbert Engineering Corp (HEC) cultivated enduring partnerships with clients who sought nothing short of excellence in ship design and transportation solutions.

  • SYSTEM APPROACH: First open-hatch bulk carriers for Crown Zellerbach.

1975

Herbert Engineering Corp (HEC)

Company was incorporated as Herbert Engineering Corp.

All shares owned by employees actively participating in the company’s management help attract and keep talented people who want challenges and responsibilities.

Robert N. Herbert appointed as President and Chairman of HEC

President 1975-1983, Chairman 1975-1999

  • During the mid-1970s, HEC developed naval architectural and ship design software initially for in-house use

  • Software was converted for HP9845 microcomputers in the late 1970s and to PCs in the mid-1980s

1979

First CargoMax loading program

Our first CargoMax loading program was installed on ro-ro’s and bulk carriers.

  • The first ship was the MV Skaugran (designed by HEC for Seaboard Lumber Company):

  • The 1981 loading computer for Chevron was on the IBM PC with programs developed to run on the new IBM PC and XT

1981

Chevron Shipping committed to CargoMax fleet wide

Fleet sales to other major shipping companies, including ARCO, BP, and SeaLand, followed this breakthrough.

  • The 1981 loading computer for Chevron was on the IBM PC with programs developed to run on the new IBM PC and XT

1983

King-Tao Liu, appointed as President and Chairman of HEC 1983-1990

King-Tao Liu succeeds Robert N. Herbert, who formally stepped down as President 1983.

1987-1988

Developed PC-based salvage engineering tool

The U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage sought a salvage engineering tool.

  • Recognizing the differences in operating and managing a software company vs. an engineering service company, CargoMax made a separate and independent division within HEC, managed by Spencer Schilling

  • HEC develops HECSALV/POSSE software for marine casualty analysis sponsored by the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SupSalv) division of the US Navy. Key features are analysis of grounding the oil outflow analysis based on hydrostatic balance.

  • Navy selected HECSDS as their salvage platform

  • HEC was a significant contributor to the in-house APL design team. (1988) American President Lines introduced the C10 Class in transpacific service, the first Post-Panamax containership built in Germany. At the time it was the worlds largest containership at 4,500 TEU and a service speed of 24 knots provided by a single propeller, directly connected to a 57,000 HP Sulzer slow speed engine.

1989

Exxon Valdez runs aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska

  • Within months most oil majors and many international salvage companies purchase HECSALV.

1990

R. Keith Michel, appointed as President and Chairman of HEC

President 1990-2007, Chairman 1999-2013.
R. Keith Michel succeeds King-Tao Liu, who formally stepped down as President 1990.

1995

CargoMax HECSDS and HECSALV

First WINDOWS version of CargoMax

  • Was installed by STOLT on their chemical carriers

  • Began selling the software (HECSDS); menu-driven with graphical interfaces, making it easy to learn and use.

2000-2002

CargoMax

  • Start of a 2-year merger of CargoMax with Kockums Loadmaster to form Loadmster International Inc.

  • Sale of Loadmaster back to the Swedish company Kockumsonics, and the establishment of Herbert Software Solutions. Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of HEC, with Spencer Schilling as President

2004

Established HERBERT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS and HERBERT ENGINEERING SHANGHAI CO. LTD. (HES)

  • John Zhang – General Manager

    HES provides our clients access and support in China’s rapidly expanding shipbuilding industry. It is registered as a wholly-owned foreign entity with 100% ownership and control by HEC.

2007

Spencer Schilling appointed as President of HEC 2007-2021

Spencer Schilling succeeds R Keith Michel, who formally stepped down as President 2007.

2008

Founding of Herbert Engineering Europe (UK) Ltd. (HEE)

  • Luca Letizia – Managing Director

    HEC opened its European subsidiary, Herbert Engineering Europe (UK) Ltd. (HEE), to better assist our existing European customers and further expand our activities in both northern and southern Europe.

2011

Establishment of Herbert-ABS Software Solutions LLC. 50/50 joint venture with the American Bureau of Shipping with Hendrik Bruhns as President

  • Offers the maritime and offshore industries cutting-edge loading and salvage analysis software packages and naval architectural design software tools developed initially by HEC and now managed by Herbert-ABS Software Solutions, LLC.

2013

Robert Tagg appointed as Chairman of HEC

2021

Eugene Van Rynbach

Eugene van Rynbach appointed as Chairman of HEC

2021

Hendrik Bruhns

Hendrik Bruhns appointed as President of HEC

Hendrik Bruhns succeeds Spencer Schilling, who formally stepped down as President on July 1st, 2021.

2022

Cherokee rail car carrier ©clark bonnell

Rail Car Carrier Design

HEC prepared several concept designs, some with LNG propulsion, for the owner of the Central Gulf Railway, a shipping company that transports rail cars between Mexico and Mobile, Alabama, on dedicated rail car carrier vessels. (2019-2022)

2023

NSMV – EMPIRE STATE – Designed and Developed by HEC

HEC have played an integral role in designing “Empire State VII, the first in a series of NSMVs – the purpose-built, state-of-the-art training ship for the state maritime academies” from the ground up.