SSI is proud to announce that CEO Denis Morais has been named the 2026 recipient of the William M. Kennedy Award by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), recognizing his contributions to the advancement of systems and planning in shipbuilding and ship repair.
Established in 1980, the William M. Kennedy Award honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of systems and planning practices that support the shipbuilding industry.
For Denis, the recognition reflects more than 25 years of working closely with shipyards, designers, vessel owners and industry partners around the world to address complex business and technology challenges.
A Career Dedicated to Advancing Shipbuilding
Throughout his career, Denis has combined a deep understanding of shipyard operations with a commitment to exploring how technology can help shipbuilders work more effectively.
His experience spans commercial and naval shipbuilding programs, where he has worked directly with industry partners and SSI customers to address challenges involving engineering processes, information management, collaboration and digital transformation.
Beyond his work with SSI, Denis is internationally recognized for his published blogs, articles and technical papers, through which he has shared insights on emerging technologies, industry trends and practical approaches to improving shipbuilding operations.
As CEO, he continues to guide SSI’s product direction and long-term vision, with a focus on developing shipbuilding-specific software that addresses the operational realities of the industry.
His work includes exploring the role of integrated digital workflows, automation and artificial intelligence in helping shipbuilders better connect people, processes and information.
Continued Recognition From the Maritime Industry
This latest honor builds on Denis’s recognition as a SNAME Fellow in 2023, a distinction awarded to individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to naval architecture, marine engineering and related fields.
The William M. Kennedy Award further recognizes his commitment to improving the systems and processes that support shipbuilding, an area closely aligned with SSI’s mission.
As shipbuilders continue to navigate evolving technology, increasing project complexity and the need for greater efficiency, Denis remains actively involved in industry conversations about the future of shipbuilding.
Congratulations, Denis, on this well-deserved recognition!
Learn more about the William M. Kennedy Award and read about Denis’s recognition as a SNAME Fellow in 2023.