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.

