CEO

Originally from Ireland, Kieran brings extensive logistics, trade and project development experience to the company. He has been at the forefront of global commodity trading as the head of Global Wheat and Coarse Grain trade for Cargill, followed by a similar role with A.C. Topefer. His experience let him to representing key Asian steel suppliers, where he continued to develop steel import and distribution networks.

Kieran joined SEA TRANSPORT CORPORATION in 2014 where he was recruited to lead the development of the South Australian transhipment ports strategy. He was responsible for its execution in the role of the inaugural CEO of T-Ports, representing Australia’s first Grain transhipment port with the SEATRANSPORT designed self-discharging bulk carrier, MV Lucky Eyre.

Kieran re-joined the SEATRANSPORT design and project office in December 2022 to fully execute the vision of the board and expand SEATRANSPORT’s products and services to the ever growing Marine Industry.

Kieran holds a Masters of Economics from The University of Dublin and is fluent in German, English, and French. Kieran brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and we look forward a prosperous future together.

Director / Technical Lead

Ross Ballantyne has been Director and Technical Lead with SEATRANSPORT since 2018, and with Sea Transport Group (STG) over the past 20 years.

Ross has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Naval Architecture. He holds a current coastal Master Ticket, and Marine Engine Drivers Ticket. He has been the lead on numerous marine feasibility studies, including multiple green field and brown field sites for the export of Grain, Coal, Iron Ore, and Bauxite both in Australia and Internationally.

As a result of these studies, custom proprietary transhipment designs have been developed where Ross has brought in new concepts that he has overseen from Front End Engineering Design (FEED) to fabrication. This includes the Lucky Bay Grain Export Facility and associated transhipment vessel in South Australia where the onshore and offshore design was established by the team at SEATRANSPORT.

Executive Chairman

Stuart Ballantyne, founder and Chairman of Sea Transport Corporation since its inception in 1976. Stuart has been the principal consultant and tactician for numerous successful projects in the marine industry.

These included the establishment of Fiji’s Inter Island Roro Ferry Service, the profitable Kangaroo Island Ferry Service in South Australia, Peninsula Searoad Transport in Victoria, Bahamas Searoad, Sea SA and the MacArthur River Lead Zinc Project, which used an innovative self-discharging bulk carrier design to establish a viable remote lead zinc mine.

Stuart is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and has written numerous nautical publications and papers. He has a long list of awards including the ICHCA Annual Award 1996, Seatrade Award 1997 (London), Cruise and Ferry Award 2003 (London), AUSMEPA Marine Environment Award 2006 (Sydney), The Institute of Export – Export Hero of the Year 2008 (Australia) and Master Mariners of Australia Outstanding Achievement Awards 2015.

Stuart holds a Masters of Philosophy (Naval Architecture) from Strathclyde University, Scotland and was awarded an honorary doctorate in science from Strathclyde in 2014 for his services to the maritime Industry.

Senior Naval Architect

Completing his Bachelor and Masters in Iran, Jalal moved to the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Tasmania to complete his PhD in Maritime Engineering, followed by 2 years of research and lecturing at the AMC before moving to Gold Coast, QLD. Jalal is the Qld President for RINA (Royal institute of Naval Architects – Qld Section). Jalal is also a RPEQ Engineer and an AMSA accredited surveyor.

Senior Naval Architect

Sasha graduated from the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in 2008 with a B. Eng, Naval Architecture with first class honours before working with defence contractor BMT in Melbourne. She also travelled to the UK for a 6 month secondment with BMT Defence Services in Bath.

After moving to Queensland, Sasha worked for Oceanic Design and Survey before moving over to Seatransport where she has been for 4 years.

Sasha has experience with all aspects of ship design and specialises in structural design and stability analysis.

Senior Naval Architect

Jaikob completed his B. Eng in Naval Architecture at the Australia Maritime College (AMC) and graduated with First Class Honours. A natural leader and high achiever, he has many awards to his name, including the Wakeham Prize for best paper published by an author under 35 years old.

Jaikob has a broad range of experience in new vessel design, vessel modifications and refits, barge load outs/transports, stability as well as general engineering consultancy. While he enjoys all aspects of Naval Architecture, his true passion lies in new vessel design.

Jaikob thrives on overcoming the challenges which inevitably arise when designing a custom vessel and takes pride in delivering a practical and efficient solution.

Project Engineer

Gerard holds a B. Eng (Honours), specialising in Mechanical Engineering, Project Management and Urban Development. In 2020 he was awarded the New Colombo Plan Scholarship and the National Naval Shipbuilding Scholarship. His papers include “An investigation into Mini Ports: Empowering a Nations Sea Capability.” He also won first place in the ANSYS 3D Stress Analysis Competition.

Senior Design Draftsman

Shannon joined the Seatransport team in 2021. Growing up sailing, Shannon comes from a leisure craft background. He is highly motivated to design vessels that ensure the best experience for crew and passengers alike and has adapted well to the commercial vessel world. He has a Diploma of Naval Architecture and Graduate Certificate in Project Management.

Senior Design Draftsman

Yannick is a highly skilled design draftsman with over seven years of experience in the industry. He joined Seatransport in 2016 and has quickly proven himself to be a valuable member of the team, contributing to the successful design and construction of numerous marine vessels.

In addition to his years of experience, Yannick has undertaken both a certificate and a diploma in naval architecture, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development.

Junior Design Draftsman

Julius is the most recent addition to our design team, continuing Seatransport’s commitment to in-house training, and is demonstrating a natural flair for technical design. When he is not honing his drafting skills, he is an aspiring classical pianist.