Albion Llewellyn is an accomplished Associate Professor and Master Mariner with over 18 years of maritime expertise, including a decade of sea service operating cruise ships and drill ships. He brings specialized knowledge in Dynamic Positioning operations, ship stability, and shipyard project management to both academic and professional settings. Renowned for his approachable demeanor, attention to detail, and student-centered teaching philosophy, Professor Llewellyn creates dynamic, effective learning environments that promote long-term student success. A committed advocate for maritime sustainability, he conducts research on the environmental impact of maritime assets and is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at closing the diversity gap within the maritime profession. His work reflects a deep dedication to innovation, inclusion, and excellence in maritime education and industry advancement.
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Master of Science in Facilities Management from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 2017
- USCG Unlimited Master License
- Commander in US Navy Reserves, and the SSMP Liaison at the Academy
- Twelve years sailing experience with SeaRiver Maritime (ExxonMobil) on Chemical, Product, and Crude oil Ships
- Sailed 6 months with California Maritime Academy as Senior Watch Officer, and ISM Compliance Officer
- Advanced Oil Tanker PIC endorsement, along with VSO ( Vessel Security Officer)
Christian Petterson brings nearly two decades of maritime, commercial, financial, and operational leadership experience to Massachusetts Maritime Academy. A graduate of the Academy’s Marine Transportation program, he also holds a B.A. in History from the University of Rhode Island and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Trinity College Dublin.
His maritime operating experience includes ship handling, stability, dock / undock, dynamic positioning, regulatory compliance, and offshore wind construction. He has served as Chief Officer and Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator aboard Dynamic Positioning construction vessels supporting the Vineyard Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind projects. He holds a USCG Master, 1600 GT, Oceans, Master of Towing, Oceans, Dynamic Positioning Operator, Unlimited (Nautical Institute) and a Second Mate Unlimited license.
Christian previously held several positions of increasing responsibility with ExxonMobil across marine chartering, supply, refining, and LNG and lubricants. His work took him throughout the United States, Asia, and the Middle East, where he led global and regional commercial, operational, planning, and organizational development teams and initiatives built around maximizing value capture and customer experience and minimizing total delivered cost.
He and his wife, Tracy are also co-founders of Woodle & Company, an adaptive apparel business created to help children like their son, who wear ankle foot orthotic braces. Over the last eight years, the company has improved accessible and affordable sock options for tens of thousands of children and families in North America and Europe.
Christian’s teaching philosophy is grounded in high standards, clear communication, curiosity, and the belief that people learn in different ways. He strives to help students understand both the “what” and the “why,” connect classroom learning with real world practice, and develop safe, competent mariners and thoughtful, capable leaders serving the maritime industry, the Commonwealth and the world for decades ahead.
Education: BS, Marine Transportation, MMA; Expected completion of Master's degree in EM Spring 2026, MMA; Unlimited USCG Masters License.
