18 February 2025
As the Chief Executive, I'm very much the custodian of the company for the period of time of my tenure. I was veryproud to inherit the company when I came in as CEO - because of its rich heritage,
the fantastic customer relationships and the incredible people who give their very best technically every day to come to work and deliver the most amazing engineering achievements for our customers.
BMT's origins lie deeply embedded in our work with government and government agencies. We have traditionally operated as an assurer of maritime capability, collaborating closely with industry to ensure the delivery of safe, capable, and effective maritime assets at sea. Over the years, our responsibilities have expanded to include various facets of maritime safety and security, encompassing navigation, port and harbour access, and extending to broader maritime defence and security perspectives.
From our early days, when we spun out of government with hydrodynamic test tanks, to our role as the design partner for the UK's aircraft carriers, we have been pivotal in advancing maritime technology. Today, we continue to innovate with digital immersive environments, such as simulators for navigational hazards and tug manoeuvres, alongside our ongoing work in designing ships.
The most complex design we are currently working on is the Fleet Solid Support Ship, which will provide cargo transfer to support the aircraft carrier and task groups. At first glance, it might seem like just a supply ship; however, it operates in an incredibly complex environment, transferring extremely heavy loads to a highly dynamic asset. It is a really exciting engineering challenge.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on the future. My goal is to ensure that when we reach our 50th or 60th anniversary people can look back on my time at BMT and say, “actually she carried that tradition on and took it into a new space and continued to innovate.” It is about building on our past while evolving into new territories to address the challenges of the future.
Bearing in mind that over 90% of all goods traded in the world come by sea, there's a significant pressure on the maritime industry to make sure that we are relevant, capable and fit for purpose, and not just that, but fit for growth.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates the value of the maritime sector will reach $3 trillion by 2030 - nearly double its value from just five years ago. This presents immense opportunities and challenges, from decarbonisation to digital transformation and the rise of autonomy, as well as workforce attraction and retention.
I'm pleased to say that we're ahead of the game on many of those things. We spend a lot of our time thinking about how we can transform our own services and therefore what we offer to our customers to help them be ahead of those challenges.
“...there's a significant pressure on the maritime industry to make sure that we are relevant, capable and fit for purpose, and not just that, but fit for growth.”
At BMT, we believe collaboration is essential to making innovation a reality. Our heritage of partnering with customers and industry leaders positions us to integrate diverse perspectives into smarter, faster solutions. This ethos is embedded in our DNA, driving our success in navigating complex global challenges.
In the digital domain, cyberattacks and ransomware incidents are on the rise, and technologies like drones are being deployed in conflicts without ethical considerations. Simultaneously, undersea infrastructure and national defence are becoming increasingly vital.
To address these challenges, we are looking more at embracing AI. While its future impact remains uncertain, its potential to revolutionise traditional processes excites me. Adopting these technologies requires us to help customers navigate both the benefits and potential risks. As an example, our AI-driven ship design process achieves in hours what previously took months. Initiatives like the Deep Blue project in Australia, a collaboration with industry partners, further demonstrates our ability to integrate maritime asset design, data analytics, and digital transformation to deliver intelligent, real-time solutions, in a format that our customers can use intelligently to make decisions quickly.
Autonomy is another transformative force. While true autonomy - systems operating without human input - is still emerging, programmable systems capable of long-term, task-specific deployment are becoming the norm. These technologies are especially valuable in hostile environments like the deep sea, enabling persistent surveillance for environmental and security purposes. Autonomous systems that operate reliably without human oversight will define the future of underwater capabilities, not just in defence but across broader applications.
By leveraging innovation in underwater domains - persistent surveillance, autonomous systems, and AI - we aim to enhance resilience and security.
Being able to make innovation a reality is incredibly important to me. At BMT, we have a rich heritage of collaborating with customers and partner companies, but there’s always room to grow. The pace of change, especially in the digital sphere, is accelerating, not slowing down. Our ability to innovate quickly and effectively will define our future success. Engaging early with others who might hold only a piece of the solution allows us to step back, see the bigger picture, and integrate diverse offerings into smarter, faster solutions.
This is why collaboration remains at the heart of our success. It is a strategic priority that drives not only our internal operations but also our partnerships across the industry. As we navigate the evolving challenges of the modern world, certain issues demand collective attention. Geopolitics continues to reshape the defence and security landscape, emphasising the importance of defending democracy for trade, economic, and stability benefits. Climate change is another pressing concern, manifesting in increasingly severe events like wildfires. Our talented specialists in environmental sciences are well-positioned to help mitigate these effects and contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability effort.
While collaboration is key to our success, sustainability remains at the heart of our ethos.
Beyond environmental concerns, it encompasses sustaining talent, diversity, and the long-term value we offer to customers. Increasingly, customers mandate sustainability as a key design consideration, whether for commercial ships, military vessels, or offshore infrastructure.
Tackling this complex issue requires collective action, and our sustainability strategy empowers individuals and teams to make a measurable difference.
Our legacy is also built on the unwavering commitment of our people. Every day, they bring their best to help customers overcome challenges, whether in defence and security, maritime operations, or the management of critical assets. From designing warships and passenger ferries to ensuring the safety of oil platforms and offshore wind structures, our work transforms industries and shapes a more sustainable future. These achievements are not hidden - they are tangible contributions that make a difference in the world.
Launching our internal Long Service Awards initiative reminded me of the incredible dedication of individuals who have been with us for many years. Their loyalty reflects the blend of technical challenge, customer engagement, training, development, and the opportunity to tackle new challenges that BMT offers. When I talk to new joiners - whether apprentices, graduates, or experienced professionals - the excitement is palpable. They appreciate the family feel, the spirit of collaboration, and the dynamic work environment. These qualities make us stand out, both internally and in the eyes of our customers and partners.
Reflecting on the past 40 years, it has been a remarkable transformation. The value we have added to our customers, society, and ourselves has been immense. Looking forward to the next 40 years is both exciting and challenging. Given the rapid technological changes, even predicting the next five years is daunting.
However, we promise not to sit still. Our heritage is not a reason for complacency. We are invested in the future, staying relevant and innovative for our people and customers. We aim to build on our heritage meaningfully, working in partnership with you to deliver exciting solutions to tomorrow’s problems.
My vision for BMT is to remain at the forefront of marine and maritime engineering, technology, and excellence. While we are leaders in these areas today, there is still room to grow. I envision BMT being globally recognised for its contributions to sustainability, reliability, safety, and innovation. We aim to be known for achieving what others cannot by collaborating with our customers and industrial partners and leveraging best-in-class capabilities.
I am confident that our dedication to solving our customers’ problems and delivering exceptional value will ensure our continued leadership in the field. Together, we can build on our legacy and drive meaningful change in the industry over the next 40 years.
"...we promise not to sit still. Our heritage is not a reason for complacency. We are invested in the future, staying relevant and innovative for our people and customers. We aim to build on our heritage meaningfully, working in partnership with you to deliver exciting solutions to tomorrow’s problems."
To our people, customers, partners, and all our stakeholders, I simply want to say thank you. Your support over the past 40 years has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver science, engineering, and technology excellence to the marine, maritime, and aquatic industries and beyond. Without your commitment, we would not have reached this milestone.
