Media cover dedication of ocean engineering laboratory
The Associated Press, WABI (Channel 5), MPBN, Lewiston Sun Journal, WVII (Channel 7), Bangor Daily News and the Mainebiz reported on the unveiling of a new ocean engineering facility at the University of Maine. The laboratory will allow companies to test designs for offshore wind turbines, underwater turbines and ships against the toughest ocean conditions, according to the BDN. During the dedication ceremony, Gregory Powell, chairman of the Harold Alfond Foundation, gave the center a check for $3.9 million, joining the nearly $10 million already raised to build the lab, the BDN reported. In recognition of that award, the university named the new center the Harold Alfond W2 Ocean Engineering Laboratory and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, which will be part of the existing Advanced Structures and Composites Center. “These will be the only [test facilities] of their kind in Maine with world-class capabilities to educate students and conduct cutting-edge research and development,” said Habib Dagher, executive director of UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center. “The [research and development] will support the growth of the ocean economies and shipbuilding sectors in Maine and the nation.” WGME (Channel 13 in Portland) and SFGate carried the AP report.