top of page
Original on Transparent.png
Team

Our Team

Since 1981, Marine Design and Operations has been a leader in the Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture industry.  We have been able to evolve with the times to create opportunities of growth and expand our services to adapt to the needs of our field. 

Raj Sengupta

Chairman/Principal Naval Architect
Co-founder and Principal 

With nearly five decades of demonstrated success in vessel design, construction, and project management, Mr. Sengupta has led major shipbuilding initiatives across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.  A recognized expert in naval architecture, he holds a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan and is an active member of several international maritime engineering societies.

Vineeth K. Vibhu, PE

CTO & Senior Naval Architect

Mr. Vibhu is an accomplished naval architect specializing in vessel design, structural analysis, and advanced naval architecture calculations. As MDO’s subject matter expert on classification society rules and regulatory compliance, he plays a key role in ensuring technical excellence across all projects. In his role as Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Vibhu oversees MDO’s team of project managers and engineers. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding from Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kochi, India. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.

Janet Vill

Project Manager/Naval Architect

Ms. Vill’s proficiency in structural analysis, stability, and advanced marine systems spans government, commercial, and custom vessel design. She combines technical precision with creative problem solving, with a focus on modern design tools and ISO compliance for both small and specialized vessels. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Joseph LaPlaca

New Construction Site Superintendent/Naval Architect/Steel and Hull Outfitting

Mr. LaPlaca possesses hands-on knowledge of ship design and construction. He is a leader in technical projects, enthusiastic about marine innovation, with a solid foundation in CAD software, project engineering and community-driven marine conservation. He holds a dual Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute.

Patrick Golonka

Marine Engineer

Mr. Golonka’s background encompasses vessel operations, maintenance, and management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineer Operations from Maine Maritime Academy and is a licensed Chief Engineer.

Arkadiusz (Arek) Gaczewski, PE

President/Principal Naval Architect

Mr. Gaczewski brings nearly 28 years of experience with MDO and currently serves as President of the Corporation. His extensive experience guides the company in ship structural design, analysis, and on-site inspection for conversion and new construction. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture from State University of New York Maritime College and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New York.

Saikat Das

Project Manager/Senior Marine Mechanical Engineer

Mr. Das joined the MDO team in 2013. He steers critical projects in marine engineering, structural analysis, and ship systems design, including scrubber installations, ballast water treatment systems, and major vessel system upgrades. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from City University of New York.

Jonathan Hopkins

Project Manager/Marine Mechanical Engineer

Mr. Hopkins excels in mechanical design, precision manufacturing, and mission-critical equipment maintenance. He has a diverse background in product development, marine systems, and advanced CAD software. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and is a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran.

Robert Babin

New Construction Senior Steel and Outfitting Inspector

Mr. Babin has provided global on-site supervision and technical leadership for over 50 years. His accomplishments include vessel construction, conversion, and marine operations, specializing in large ocean-going ships, with notable oversight of major commercial and government projects.

Aaron Berk

NSE/IT Specialis

Mr. Berk focuses on the implementation, optimization, and effective use of operational systems, with particular expertise in maritime software platforms. He is currently leading the implementation of NSE for new construction of three large U.S. flag container ships. His experience incorporates maritime technical and commercial management environments and complex operational programs, enabling him to collaborate across stakeholders, align systems with objectives, improve data reliability, and drive efficient, sustainable processes. Mr. Berk holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drexel University.

Get in Touch

15 Prospect Lane, Suite 2AB, Colonia, NJ 07067

mdo@mdoinc.net  /  Tel. 908 686 9414

  • LinkedIn

Thanks for submitting!

©2026 Marine Design & Operations, Inc. est 1981. Powered by Gozoek.com

bottom of page