Technical Director & Co-Founder of Partrac Ltd
Today we raise a virtual glass (and maybe a sediment sample) to Dr. Kevin Black, who after 22 remarkable years as Technical Director of Partrac Ltd, is stepping back into a well-deserved retirement (or strategically placed semi-retirement — because once an oceanographer, always an oceanographer).
Kevin’s journey began in the halls of Swansea University, where he (played waterpolo) studied Oceanography as an undergraduate, and then stayed on to complete a PhD in (waterpolo) the dynamics of fine-grained estuarine deposits (or mud to the rest of us) — an endeavour that not only provided him with a deep technical foundation, but also countless muddy boots and coffee-fuelled debates about sediment dynamics. Kevin went on to spend several years in academic research at both Bangor University and the University of St Andrews, with a 6 month stint at Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS; Oban) and 6 months on an Arctic expedition (Leg 151) with the International Ocean Drilling project.
His passion for ocean science was entangled with a life-long association with innovative marine instrumentation and technologies, bringing the world of benthic flumes, deep-ocean landers, sediment samplers and the widely used Cohesive Strength Meter into the mainstream. This passion was matched by an equal passion for numerous water sports (water-polo, scuba diving, wave ski-surfing) and martial arts (Judo and Ju jitsu). During this time, he worked with some of the World’s top scientists and published over 40 peer‑reviewed scientific papers.
With this strong technical grounding, Kevin co-founded Partrac in 2003 — along with Peter Wilson and Sam Athey — growing the company from literal kitchen‑table beginnings into a globally recognised specialist in metocean measurement and analysis, coastal processes, seabed mobility, and sediment transport. Back then, none of us could have imagined that within just a couple of decades Partrac would be supporting some of the world’s largest offshore wind developments, major port and coastal infrastructure projects, tidal and wave energy schemes, and international assignments stretching from Brazil to Japan.
Kevin’s influence extended far beyond day‑to‑day business operations; he helped shape a science-led culture where high-quality data is matched with clear, honest advice. He provided technical direction, established data quality frameworks that now underpin Partrac’s working practices, and championed the integration of survey and consulting expertise – a hallmark of our unique blend of services.
Alongside colleagues and collaborators at Partrac, Kevin has made substantial contributions to the offshore renewables, coastal, and ports technical community — authoring and supporting numerous publications and conference papers on sediment tracing, coastal processes and measurement technologies. His work on active sediment tracer techniques and coastal modelling (among many others) reflects a rare combination of scientific rigour. practical insight, and unrelenting curiosity.
But beyond CVs and citations lies his greatest impact: the people. Kevin’s personable nature, genuine enthusiasm and extensive network across academia and industry have helped Partrac build long-lasting relationships, mentor and nurture emerging talent, and foster a vibrant community of marine professionals that continues to thrive.
As Kevin sets sail into the next chapter (of the book he said he is writing!) — whether that’s beachcombing with his family, consulting from a hammock, or simply pondering his newest ideas— we offer our heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes for the future.
Here’s to calm seas, steady winds, and a retirement as rich and rewarding as your career has been.
#ThankYoudogfishblack #PartracLegend #Oceanography #sedimentdynamics