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 EUR 210 million 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,’ says Jasper Peterich, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund Delft. ‘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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High-impact career
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 will resign from this position from January.
On Friday 13 December, Buchner was appointed Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau. Mayor of Wageningen Floor Vermeulen surprised him on behalf of His Majesty the King with this honourable Royal Decoration during his farewell as general director of MARIN.
He is also chair of 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.
From January, Buchner will succeed Rob Verkerk as chairman of the Dutch Maritime Network (Nederland Maritiem Land) and he will be working for the Royal Netherlands Navy in an advisory role.
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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, 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, 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.
Picture: Bas Buchner (left) being appointed Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau (photo by Municipality of Wageningen).
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