Principals of PND originally began their research efforts in 1975, with development of a new type of marine dolphin, presently utilized throughout Alaska and under consideration for use in the Lower 48 and Canada. Following formation of PND in 1979, these modern dolphins were further improved through the addition of a "slip-over" fender system, now gracing many dock facilities in Alaska. The economics of this applied research are best exhibited by the fact that, through innovative design, maintenance and damage repair costs can be reduced significantly and the new systems pay for themselves in less than five years.