Bilyana Ivanova, Project Director and Senior Naval Architect at Robert Allan Ltd., has dedicated over three decades to the maritime industry, with more than 20 years shaping vessel designs at Robert Allan Ltd. Her journey from an aspiring naval architect in Bulgaria to a leader in the field reflects a deep passion for innovation, sustainability, and excellence in marine engineering. Throughout her career, she has played a crucial role in designing cutting-edge commercial vessels, pushing the boundaries of naval architecture to enhance efficiency, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Her expertise spans across a variety of projects, including icebreaking tugs, research vessels, salvage and escort tugs, and offshore support vessels, all of which serve critical roles in global maritime operations. Beyond her technical contributions, Bilyana is also a mentor and advocate for diversity in the industry, striving to inspire the next generation of naval architects. In this discussion, she shares her insights into leadership, innovation, and the evolving landscape of naval architecture.
Inspiration and Evolution
Bilyana’s fascination with the sea began at the age of 15, drawn by a love for sailing and the beauty of ships. When the time came to choose a career path, she discovered that her hometown of Varna, Bulgaria—a harbor city on the Black Sea—offered a naval architecture program. Initially, her vision was idealistically centered around sailboat design, but as she progressed in her studies, she realized the practical challenges of making a living in that niche. Over time, her focus shifted towards commercial vessel design, where she found immense satisfaction in balancing functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Throughout her career, Bilyana was team lead and project manager for numerous groundbreaking projects at Robert Allan Ltd., including:
- Investigator (94m research vessel) – One of the quietest vessels globally, supporting Australia’s oceanographic, biological, atmospheric, and geological research.
- Ocean Tundra and Ocean Taiga – Powerful escort icebreaking tugs operating in the extreme winter conditions of Canadian ports along the St. Lawrence River and in Nunavut.
- Vilja (36m icebreaker tug) – A hybrid-electric vessel capable of breaking up to one meter of ice at Sweden’s Port of Luleå.
- Al Zour (60m multi-purpose offshore vessel)– Supporting oil spill recovery and rescue operations in Kuwait’s oil fields.
- Mwokozi II (42m salvage tug) – Operating in East Africa, playing a critical role in salvage operations across the Indian Ocean.
Some of the current projects under construction include:
- A 103m ice-class Antarctic Support Vessel for the Brazilian Navy.
- The 65m RAsalvor, an emergency response vessel for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, designed to protect the marine environment in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef.
Defining Mission and Daily Motivation
For Bilyana, naval architecture is more than just a profession—it is a lifelong passion. “My phone gallery is filled with images of various vessels, from sailboats to commercial ships, as I continuously studied their designs. This relentless curiosity fuels my drive to refine solutions, improve efficiency, and guide my team towards excellence.” Every vessel designed under her leadership meets the highest standards of performance and sustainability, setting new benchmarks in marine engineering while exceeding client expectations.
Fostering Innovation and Problem-Solving
Bilyana believes that collaboration is at the heart of innovation. She fosters an environment of open communication, encouraging her team to explore new ideas and take initiative. Problem-solving in naval architecture often requires multiple iterations, and she values patience and teamwork in refining designs to meet client needs.
Recognizing team contributions is a fundamental aspect of her leadership. When a recent project was completed ahead of schedule, she made a point to acknowledge and thank the team for their dedication. She also instills a sense of ownership in her team members, ensuring that they take pride in their work and receive the credit they deserve.
Essential Values for Success
Continuous learning is a cornerstone of success in the maritime industry. At Robert Allan Ltd., initiatives like Lunch and Learn sessions help foster professional development, ensuring that employees stay updated with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. “I had the privilege of working under exceptional mentors who have guided me in mastering the intricacies of naval architecture. I believe that experience across various aspects of vessel design—from general arrangements to propulsion systems—is essential for a holistic understanding of the field.”
This well-rounded expertise not only enhances collaboration among professionals but also leads to the development of superior vessel designs that meet operational and environmental demands. In addition to technical skills, she emphasizes commitment, responsibility, and a relentless drive for improvement. Seeking client feedback and refining designs based on real-world operational insights are key aspects of achieving excellence in naval architecture. By continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, professionals in the industry can contribute to more efficient, safer, and environmentally responsible maritime solutions.
Vision for the Future
Bilyana firmly believes that the future of naval architecture lies in technological advancements that prioritize sustainability. As stewards of the marine environment, naval architects and marine engineers have a responsibility to integrate eco-friendly solutions into vessel design. She envisions a future where innovation not only enhances operational efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact through the use of alternative fuels, hybrid propulsion systems, and optimized hull designs.
“The future of naval architecture lies in technological advancements that support sustainability. As naval architects and marine engineers, we have a responsibility to integrate environmental solutions into vessel design and drive innovation in the industry.”
Beyond environmental concerns, she also sees a future where the maritime industry becomes more inclusive, attracting a diverse talent pool that can bring fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas. By fostering innovation and sustainability, the industry can continue to thrive while maintaining its responsibility to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
Impact as a Mentor and Leader
Bilyana aims to design vessels that are efficient, safe, and long-lasting, while also serving as a mentor to the next generation of maritime professionals. She is particularly passionate about encouraging more women to pursue careers in naval architecture, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the industry. As someone who has navigated the challenges of a traditionally male-dominated field, she understands the importance of mentorship and representation in fostering a more balanced workforce.
Through active participation in mentorship programs and industry networking events, she hopes to inspire ambitious naval architects and marine engineers to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Her leadership extends beyond technical guidance; she also focuses on cultivating a supportive and inclusive work environment where individuals are empowered to voice their ideas and take ownership of their projects. By nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning, she believes that the maritime industry can benefit from a richer exchange of knowledge and perspectives, ultimately driving progress in vessel design and innovation.
Leadership Lessons and Passing Them Forward
Throughout her career, Bilyana has learned valuable leadership lessons, one of which is the importance of respect and recognition. Working with international clients, she encountered moments where they would mistakenly address her as “Sir,” but the professional respect she received in her work environment empowered her to step into leadership roles with confidence. She believes that true leadership is not about authority but about creating an environment where every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.
Acknowledging the efforts of colleagues, fostering open communication, and leading by example are principles she strives to uphold in her professional journey. She understands that a strong team dynamic is built on mutual trust and a shared vision for success. By advocating for mentorship and support systems, she hopes to create pathways for aspiring professionals to develop their skills and advance in their careers. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the idea that by lifting others up, the industry as a whole can progress towards greater innovation and sustainability.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders in Maritime Engineering
For those aspiring to leadership roles in naval architecture, Bilyana advises cultivating a genuine passion for the work, committing to lifelong learning, and developing strong communication skills alongside technical expertise. A problem-solving mindset is crucial in this field, as evidenced by her approach to optimizing vessel designs for both functionality and aesthetics. She encourages young professionals to seek diverse experiences within the industry, from ship design and construction to regulatory compliance and client interactions.
“Gaining a broad perspective not only enhances technical competence but also fosters adaptability in a rapidly evolving field. There is also a huge role importance of collaboration, as naval architecture is inherently a multidisciplinary field requiring input from various experts, including engineers, designers, and environmental scientists. By staying curious, embracing challenges, and continuously refining their skills, aspiring leaders can make meaningful contributions to the industry while positioning themselves for long-term career growth.”
Legacy in Naval Architecture
Bilyana hopes her contributions will leave a lasting impact on naval architecture, advancing the field while inspiring the next generation—particularly women—to pursue rewarding careers in the maritime sector. She envisions a future where sustainable design and innovation become the norm, transforming how vessels are built and operated. By championing eco-conscious shipbuilding practices, she aims to contribute to a greener maritime industry that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Her legacy is not only defined by the vessels she helps design but also by the professionals she mentors and the positive changes she advocates for within the industry. She hopes to see more companies implementing programs that encourage inclusivity, continuous learning, and sustainable innovation. Through her work, she aspires to be a catalyst for progress, ensuring that naval architecture continues to evolve in ways that benefit both the industry and the planet.
Highlighting Women in Maritime at Robert Allan Ltd.
Robert Allan Ltd. has fostered an inclusive environment where women naval architects and marine engineers have thrived. Several of Bilyana and several of her colleagues, including Hongling Zhang, Mavis Ye, and Andra Papuc, have been recognized among the top women in the marine industry, and have become company’s shareholders. This supportive culture has enabled many talented professionals to excel in their roles, driving innovation and excellence in vessel design. The firm actively promotes equal opportunities, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have access to mentorship, career development, and leadership opportunities.
Bilyana is proud to be part of an organization that values the contributions of women in maritime engineering and works toward breaking barriers in the industry. She believes that by continuing to highlight the achievements of women in the field, the industry can inspire a new generation of female professionals to pursue careers in naval architecture.
Her journey exemplifies how passion, innovation, and leadership can shape the future of naval architecture. Through her contributions to vessel design and mentorship, she continues to pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive maritime industry.
About Robert Allan Ltd.
Robert Allan Ltd. is Canada’s most senior naval architecture firm, with nearly a century of experience designing commercial vessels for international markets. Now employee-owned, the company has over 2,000 vessels in operation worldwide, specializing in high performance tugboats, shallow-draft push boats, fireboats, research vessels, and other specialized craft. Renowned for technical innovation and operational insight, Robert Allan Ltd. delivers independent, client-focused design and engineering services that prioritize safety, efficiency, and lasting value.
