Caitlin Hardy is the founder and managing director of Ness Sea – a strategic consulting firm at the intersection of maritime and tech – supporting both the commercial and defense spaces, from shipbuilding to novel new technology.
 
Caitlin was most recently the president of Kongsberg Underwater Technology LLC in the United States. In her time at Kongsberg, she led Kongsberg Discovery’s US entity with a strong focus on delivering technology differentiating solutions to customers in the region, primarily in the subsea market for both commercial and government customers. During her tenure, the US team grew substantially, to support all of Kongsberg Discovery's product centers, and won meaningful government contracts related to outfitting new vessels as well as AUVs.
 
Caitlin has worked across engineering, project management, and maritime operations for multiple industry segments and defense, including time at maritime technology startups. Her time in industry ranges from experience as a naval architect with a focus on tugs, fishing vessels, ferries, and salvage to heavy project management around new vessel construction around LNG and drydocking periods, to maritime operations for both operating companies and OEMs. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a BS in naval architecture and holds an MBA from the University of Washington.
 
Currently, Caitlin sits on the board of directors for Washington Maritime BLUE, the Women Offshore advisory board, and the Lloyd's List editorial board. She is passionate about the intersection between the maritime industry and high tech, as well as ensuring that future generations have an equitable and sustainable workforce within the ocean economy.