Chandler Kemp

Chandler Kemp is an assistant Professor of Sustainable Energy for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay campus. Kemp has worked to improve fishing vessel efficiency since 2015. Working with ALFA and other partners, Kemp developed an energy auditing method for fishing vessels and proceeded to develop energy use profiles for more than 50 vessels. Depending on captains’ level of engagement, audits included installing strain gages on the propeller shaft to measure power consumption during sea trials; logging fuel, electricity and engine conditions throughout a season of operation; and verbal descriptions of vessel operating practices. Kemp used the data to create an online tool that allows fishers to receive a simulated energy use profile based on their responses to about 20 questions. The use profile then directs fishers to relevant fuel efficiency measures. Kemp also used the vessel energy profiles to release a report exploring the feasibility, fuel savings, and costs of alternative energy systems in the fishing fleet (Kemp, 2021). Kemp has supported more than 50 fishing vessel applications to the Rural Energy for America Program and is currently assisting in a hybrid battery-diesel pilot project for salmon troll fishing vessel in Southeast Alaska. In addition to his work in fishing vessel efficiency, Kemp holds a Master of Science degree in Energy Resource Engineering, published two papers that quantify the value of leak detection and repair programs in natural gas infrastructure, and owns Kempy Energetics: a small business dedicated to energy efficiency services including research, energy auditing and computer modeling.

January 2023