James Spear is the Director of Professional Mariner Training at the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, having previously served as a full-time academic faculty lecturer in the Marine Transportation Department. During his career, James has primarily worked at the intersection of energy, shipping and the environment with Shell, ExxonMobil and Cheniere Energy. James sailed aboard both Jones Act and international-flag vessels, including on LNG, crude and clean product tankers.
Prior to joining SUNY Maritime, James' shore-side work included roles in marine assurance, commercial optimization and terminal operations. He is a recurring delegate to IMO's MEPC and the President of the Navy League of the United States New York Council. At SUNY Maritime College, James has primarily taught courses in sustainability, marine tanker operations, commercial ship management and LNG operations. He also serves as the Director of SUNY Maritime College’s LNG Center of Excellence.