The Royal Institution of Naval Architects Appoints Honorary Professor Catriona Savage as First Female President

BMT, a leading international multi-disciplinary engineering and design consultancy, is delighted that the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) has welcomed Catriona Savage, BMT’s Technical Assurance and Capability Director, as the new President of the institution.

Catriona, who is Honorary Professor at University College London Mechanical Engineering Department, takes over the RINA Presidency from Maurizio d’Amico who has served the institution and held its core beliefs to a very high standard over the last two years.

BMT has a long-standing relationship with RINA. Through its membership, BMT employees are able to demonstrate the achievement of internationally recognised standards of professional competence, as well as the commitment to professional integrity and the high standards of practice governed by the institution's Code of Professional Conduct.

Commenting on her presidency and vision for the future, Catriona Savage commented:

‘I have been a member of RINA for over 25 years since I joined as a student at Southampton University. RINA is an organisation I feel very passionate about and since then I have been Chair of the Membership Committee, a member of Council, and a Trustee. I am honoured to be taking over from Maurizio d’Amico as President who has masterfully steered RINA through the pandemic and navigated us to a really exciting point in the evolution and development of the institution.

‘RINA has an exciting future, with the foundations being built today in development of our digital tools and online presence for the benefit of all our members and the wider maritime community. Alongside this, I intend that my term as President will see an institution that leads the way in some of the most important issues facing the Maritime Industry worldwide, including:

• Diversity in our community and demonstrating the breadth and depth of opportunity to the next generation;

• Thought leadership in innovation, environment and safety through our technical committees;

• Sharing knowledge and maintaining standards and excellence.

All of these contribute to the original purpose on which the institution was founded in 1860, to “advance the art and science of ship design” and this is as relevant today as it was then.’

Guy Tomlinson, Programmes Director at BMT and Catriona’s manager commented:

‘Cat’s appointment as RINA President is a well-deserved reflection of her long-standing expertise and commitment within this professional community. The ambition and focus that Cat will bring to this appointment will significantly benefit RINA. I am also delighted for her personally, as the first female President of RINA, this is indeed worthy professional recognition.’