BMT hires new global technical director

BMT has created a new role covering global technical developments and capabilities in response to maturing of autonomous systems, digital twins and mounting cyber risks.

Catriona Savage has been appointed as BMT’s global technical director to bring together BMT’s innovation, technical capability and assurance under a single, globally aligned remit.

She is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the first female president of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).

Ms Savage began her career at BMT in 1996 and rose through the ranks to head of naval architecture and, later, technical director.

She then worked for the UK Ministry of Defence and was chair in naval architecture at University College London, where she continues to hold an honorary professorship.

In a voluntary capacity she contributes to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution  and Lloyd’s Register as a member of advisory committees.

Ms Savage foresees developments in artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems, cyber security and advanced digitalisation in the maritime sector.

“The opportunities ahead are as much about people as they are about technology,” she said. “Our customers operate in risk-sensitive environments, so assurance will always matter.”