SNAME Blog

SNAME Fellow Thalia Kruger focuses on bridging the gap between energy innovators and industry leaders to accelerate clean technology adoption. A naval architect and marine engineer, she is driven by a deep-seated commitment to justice and human dignity, and she uses engineering as a powerful tool to
advocate for and provide support to local and global communities in need.
 

Childhood inspiration
 

Kruger, who is now President of Nextblue Industry LLC, a company specializing in renewable energy solutions, became fascinated with ships as a child. The story of Odysseus captured her imagination, and her Greek mythology-fueled passion for ships led her to studies that would result in a Master of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland.
 

During her time in Poland, the rise of the Solidarity movement instilled an unshakable appreciation for freedom, democracy, and self-determination. These values, paired with resilience and a global perspective, have been the cornerstone of her career, which has evolved from shipyard engineering to executive leadership in the energy sector. Kruger’s career began at her alma mater, where she joined the university’s Deepwater Technology department as a programmer and designer for underwater composite devices.
 

Her career would eventually take her to Latin America, Europe, and the United States as she took on several highly regarded positions in the industry. In late 2001, Kruger emigrated to Houston, Texas, and became increasingly focused on offshore engineering. Her career continued to evolve. Houston, considered to be the global capital for offshore engineering, offered an unmatched concentration of energy companies, engineering firms, technology providers, and specialized service companies.
 

SNAME connections
 

Kruger joined the Society in 2002. She says her involvement was instrumental in helping her integrate into the global naval architecture and marine engineering community; SNAME member Peter Noble was her mentor. She began as a volunteer for the OTC booth and the Annual Meeting. 

“Membership has been pivotal to my growth, allowing me to look beyond my daily employment duties to publish, present, and build an international network that has significantly shaped my career trajectory," Kruger says. Her involvement grew from event volunteering to serving as Texas Section Chair in 2012, Regional Vice President for the Central and Gulf Region, and as a member of the SNAME Council. 

As Chair of the International Activities Committee from 2013-2015, Kruger fostered both global collaboration and SNAME’s global expansion, including playing a role in the establishment of the United Arab Emirates section. 

“While I have enjoyed every role at SNAME, I am particularly proud of relaunching the T&R Offshore Committee, which I currently chair, and my tenure as Chair of the ‘Mentor for a Day' program, which expanded from 20 to nearly 90 participants across 12 universities," Kruger says. "Serving as the 2017 SMC Sponsorship Committee Chair was also a highlight, as it allowed me to raise essential funds to ensure the convention's success.”

Rewards and challenges

Along with her success, Kruger has also endured challenges and important lessons.
 

“The most rewarding aspects of this work are the personal milestones of the students I have mentored, which serve as a testament to the global reach of our community,” she says. “Conversely, the biggest challenge has been navigating the logistical and cultural differences across regional professional landscapes to ensure student sections remain active and integrated into the broader Society. Despite these challenges, seeing the next generation of engineers in Latin America participate in the global maritime dialogue continues to be one of my most meaningful professional endeavors. I am deeply proud of my contributions to both industry and society. Beyond my professional accolades, I am most proud of my legacy of ‘building bridges,’ which extends deeply into my personal life. I have built a wonderful multinational family with strong, leader-minded daughters who have each found their own
passions.”
 

Looking ahead
 

As a strong supporter of students and particularly young women, Kruger offers these words of wisdom about joining SNAME and entering the maritime industry.
 

“My advice is to cultivate ’GRIT’, the combination of passion and perseverance, because you must be ready to build your own opportunities,” she says. “There is no such thing as ‘good luck,’ but rather a convergence of preparation and opportunity. I encourage students to focus on three core pillars: confidence, continuous learning, and community. Your degree is only the beginning, so never stop learning, actively seek out mentors, get involved in professional societies like SNAME to build your ‘tribe,’ and always be ready to lift others as you climb.
 

"But my most important advice is to build unshakable confidence and own your voice. While technical fields can still present biases and imposter syndrome remains a challenge, you must trust your capabilities and embrace the unique perspective you bring. Do not try to blend in; remember that your unique insight is exactly what leads to true innovation.”
 

Kruger says her mission for the future is to continue leading NextBlue Industry as a catalyst for energy sector innovation and a bridge for international collaboration.
 

“I am committed to closing the gap between energy innovators and industry leaders to accelerate the adoption of clean, efficient technologies,” she says. “The goal is to ultimately drive the global transition toward a greener, more sustainable world for the generations to come.”