The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) held its highly anticipated Annual Dinner at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Holborn for the second consecutive year, drawing an impressive crowd of 370 attendees. The event, marked by distinguished speeches, prestigious awards, and significant networking opportunities, celebrated the advancements and contributions within the maritime industry.
The De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms once again served as the venue. Image: RINA
The evening was made possible by the generous support of several sponsors, including Gold Sponsor BAE Systems Submarines, Bronze Sponsor Shipglide, Inc., and Programme Sponsor Burner Fire Control®.
Tradewinds’ Technology Editor Craig Eason acted as the compere for the evening. Image: RINA
The program featured a keynote speech by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, followed by addresses from RINA President Catriona Savage and IMO Committee Chair Edwin Pang. The event was hosted by Craig Eason, Technology Editor at TradeWinds News, who ensured the evening ran smoothly and engagingly.
Principal Guest & Speaker Arsenio Dominguez, the IMO Secretary General, praised RINA for its longstanding contributions to the IMO since 2002. His speech covered critical themes such as the global maritime outlook, decarbonisation and sustainability, safety and regulatory compliance, new technologies, cooperation with NGOs and professional bodies, inclusivity and diversity, and education and professional development.
Dominguez underscored the importance of RINA’s expert advice in various IMO initiatives and emphasized the need for the IMO to remain technology and fuel agnostic. He congratulated Savage on her re-election and highlighted the significance of women’s contributions to the maritime industry, especially ahead of the International Day for Women in Maritime.
Dominguez stressed the importance of RINA’s expertise in the maritime industry’s pursuit of decarbonisation. Image: RINA
He stressed the necessity of transparency in the maritime sector, acknowledging that valid criticism should be taken on board to drive improvements. Dominguez pointed out current challenges such as the impact of Covid-19, mistreatment of seafarers, war, and corruption, but also highlighted the positive strides being made in innovation and the adoption of new technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Catriona Savage, who was unanimously re-elected for a second term as RINA President at the annual general meeting held prior to the dinner, delivered a compelling speech. She welcomed members and distinguished guests, emphasising the diverse range of attendees from various countries and sectors within the maritime industry. Savage expressed her honour at being re-elected and announced the confirmation of His Majesty King Charles III’s patronage of RINA, a significant endorsement for the institution, after a recent review of institutions and charities who have received Royal Patronage.
RINA President Catriona Savage has been re-elected for a second two-year term. Image: RINA
The President highlighted the institution’s strategic vision to be recognised globally as the maritime professional engineering institution of choice. She reiterated RINA’s commitment to knowledge excellence, developing skills for modern naval architecture, inspiring the next generation, and expanding global membership. Savage also acknowledged the contributions of departing board members and welcomed new appointees, stressing the importance of strong governance and fresh perspectives within the institution.
Savage recognised the work of various RINA committees, including the Technical IMO Committee, which tackled the challenges of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and the Maritime Safety Committee, which engaged in safety discussions and legislative reviews. The Maritime Environment Committee focused on nuclear propulsion, clean maritime technologies, and artificial intelligence, while the Maritime Innovation Committee explored alternative fuels, offshore wind technology, and cyber security. The formation of the Developing Careers Committee (DCC) was also announced, aimed at creating modern career pathways and support for engineers.
Savage also extended her gratitude to the sponsors and attendees, expressing hope that everyone enjoyed the evening and took advantage of the chance to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections.
Investment in digital programs and new systems was another key theme of Savage’s speech, reflecting RINA’s commitment to modernisation and future growth.
Edwin Pang, the IMO Committee Chair and RINA Board member, emphasized the critical role of all technical committees within the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA). He highlighted the essential contributions these committees make to the advancement of maritime engineering and safety standards. Pang expanded on the significant work undertaken by the IMO Committee, showcasing their dedication to enhancing global maritime regulations and promoting sustainable practices within the industry. His speech underscored the collective effort required to drive innovation and maintain the highest standards in naval architecture.
Edwin Pang chairs RINA’s IMO Committee. Image: RINA
The evening also featured the presentation of three prestigious awards recognising notable achievements in the maritime industry. The Lloyd’s Register Maritime Safety Award was presented to ORCA AI for their SeaPod lookout unit, which enhances maritime safety and operational efficiency. The Eily Keary Award, sponsored by BP, went to David Foote from Babcock UK for his efforts in promoting neurodiversity within the maritime sector. Lastly, the Peter Contraros Award was given to Dimitris G. Georgiadis for his innovative paper on modelling the inherent uncertainties in the geometric imperfections of ship plates.
David Foote of Babcock UK was the Eily Keary Award winner, for his work championing neurodiversity. Image: RINA
Peter Contraros Award winner Dimitris G. Georgiadis. Image: RINA
The event concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on the evening’s attendees. Guests departed feeling inspired by the insightful speeches, which highlighted the remarkable progress and the promising future of the maritime industry. This sense of optimism was further reinforced by the tangible advancements showcased during the event, reflecting the RINA’s commitment to maritime innovation and sustainability.
