Our Team
Gerry Nielsen
Gerry Nielsen is a distinguished leader in the Offshore and Maritime Industry, boasting a comprehensive background in litigation support, project management, expert witness consulting, marine survey, auditing, and risk management. With a "hands-on" approach, Gerry has been an integral part of various projects and initiatives, showcasing his expertise across different sectors within the industry.
In 2010, Gerry embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by founding Ocean Ridge Maritime Consulting LLC, where he provided exceptional consulting services to clients. Recognizing the growing demand for expanded litigation support services, Gerry co-founded Ocean Ridge Litigation Support LLC in 2024, extending his expertise to the Maritime, Offshore, Energy, and Transportation industries.
Throughout his career, Gerry has held key positions at renowned organizations such as Transocean Offshore Drilling, Exxon Shipping Company, Carnival Corporation, Cunard Line Limited, and American Bureau of Shipping. His roles have ranged from rig assurance and preservation to global consulting operations, maritime audit services, and environmental and safety management.
Gerry's professional journey is underscored by his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. Holding an array of licenses and certifications, including an USCG Chief Engineer license (expired) and PMI Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, Gerry has honed his expertise in maritime and offshore safety, regulatory compliance, vessel operations, and classification.
Dan Ramsay
Dan graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a B.S. in Marine Engineering Systems and an Unlimited Horsepower Engineer’s license with steam, diesel, and gas turbine endorsements. He furthered his education in 2020 by completing an M.B.A. at the Jones School of Business at Rice University.
Dan began his career sailing for Liberty Maritime on bulk carriers through the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A). Following this he took a position at Tidewater as a Technical Services Engineer in the Global Maintenance and Repair department. Following two years of successfully supporting global operations, Dan was moved to Brazil and assumed the role of Assistant Technical Manager. Dan oversaw technical management of four very large anchor handlers including the planning and budget for the special periodical survey of each. Following this he was promoted to Technical Manager for twenty company vessels operating out of Rio de Janiero.
In 2013 Daniel moved to Houston, Texas and took a position at Global Maritime as a DP and Mission Critical Systems Consultant. In this role he was responsible for performing engineering failure analysis, vessel suitability surveys, and condition surveys. Dan started the Third Party Organization (TPO) division for Global Maritime to support inland towing Subchapter M clients.
In 2021 Dan formed Core Group Consulting to provide consulting services to the maritime and oil & gas industries and in 2024 he co-founded Ocean Ridge Litigation Support to provide consulting services to legal clients.
Jenn Loveland
Jenn Loveland is a distinguished Expert Witness and Litigation Support consultant specializing in the Maritime and Transportation Industries. With a career spanning over 25 years, Jenn is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy with extensive experience in worldwide maritime vessel, port, and logistical operations, focusing on container, dry bulk, breakbulk, and project cargoes.
Throughout her career, Jenn has held pivotal positions that have contributed to her comprehensive expertise. She has served as a Senior Manager of Port Operations at Oldendorff Carriers GmbH + Co Kg, where she oversaw crucial aspects of port operations. Additionally, her roles as a Vessel Planner at Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) and Stevedoring Services of America (SSA) have equipped her with valuable insights into cargo operations and logistics management.
Jenn's professional journey is underscored by her commitment to continuous learning and development. While her USCG Licensed Third Mate and QMED certifications have expired, she remains proficient in various areas, including electrician, pumpman, oiler, wiper, and junior engineer ratings. Furthermore, her training as a Port, Vessel, and Security Officer, as well as in C-TPAT compliance, reflects her dedication to ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence and security.
Her key areas of expertise include vessel operations both afloat and ashore, cargo operations, vessel hold cleaning, contract negotiations, charter party compliance, and logistics/supply chain management. With her wealth of experience and diverse skill set, Jenn Loveland is a trusted advisor and consultant in the maritime and transportation sectors, offering invaluable insights and support to clients navigating complex industry challenges.
TJ Ciarametaro
Thomas P. Ciarametaro Jr. brings over 17 years of comprehensive maritime experience, combining an 11-year active duty career with the U.S. Coast Guard and a distinguished record as a seasoned Harbormaster and maritime consultant. Holding a 100 G.T Masters US Merchant Marine license and an array of certifications, including Deck Watch Officer and graduate of the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, Thomas is a trusted authority in maritime navigation, law enforcement, and port security operations.
His expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing maritime navigation, law enforcement operations, harbor/port management, search and rescue operations, state and federal maritime regulations, expert witness report writing, and port security. Thomas's educational background includes graduating from the Federal Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, SC, and completing senior military leadership training. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security/Criminal Justice from Endicott College and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from North Shore Community College.
Thomas's credentials also include a 100 G.T Masters US Merchant Marine License, Deck Watch Officer Certification, USCG Navigation Rules of the Road Certification, and Certified Massachusetts Harbormaster/Port Director. His professional journey encompasses roles such as Senior Enlisted Advisor in the USCG Reserves, Owner of Five Fathoms Consulting LLC, Former Harbormaster for the City of Gloucester, MA, and Chief Boatswains Mate in the USCG Reserves Station Gloucester. Throughout his career, Thomas has excelled in analyzing and improving reserve training practices, managing personnel, conducting law enforcement and search and rescue operations, and providing expert consultation in maritime incidents and navigation.
Nate Dennen
Nate Dennen is an accomplished professional in the offshore and maritime industry, recognized for his drive, enthusiasm, and extensive leadership experience across various maritime sectors. With over seventeen years of sailing experience, including over ten years serving as a Technical Section Leader/Chief Engineer on Ultra Deep Water Dynamically Positioned Drill Ships, Nate brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His areas of specialization encompass dynamic positioning consulting, vessel surveys, marine system analysis and integration, marine incidents and investigations, as well as maritime litigation support and expert witness services.
In his career journey, Nate has held pivotal positions such as Maritime Consultant at Core Group Consulting, where he provided invaluable insights and guidance to clients in the maritime sector. Prior to this, he served as a Technical Section Leader (Chief Engineer) at Noble Drilling, where he played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of offshore drilling vessels. Nate's credentials include holding a USCG Licensed Chief Engineer Unlimited certification and founding Dennen Engineering Services Inc., a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.
Nate's key areas of expertise include marine engineering systems, offshore drilling, marine consulting, vessel operations and maintenance, maritime and offshore safety, and dynamic positioning. With a track record of delivering results and driving innovation in the maritime industry, Nate Dennen is a trusted leader and expert in his field, dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations worldwide.
Ben Adams
Ben Adams is a distinguished maritime professional with a multifaceted skill set and extensive global experience. Holding titles such as Chief Officer, Qualified Assessor, Instructor, Veteran, Project Manager, and Consultant, Ben embodies a breadth of technical expertise, educational prowess, and leadership acumen. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach and ability to thrive in dynamic, results-oriented environments, Ben is recognized as an industry disrupter with a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence.
Ben's journey in the maritime realm commenced with distinguished service in the Navy, where he served as both an Enlisted Quartermaster and an Officer in the Merchant Marine Reserve/Strategic Sealift Officer division before his honorable discharge. Transitioning to civilian roles, he excelled as a Dynamic Positioning Officer (DPO) with Noble, demonstrating exceptional skill in managing critical operational functions with precision and expertise.
Over the course of his career, Ben has held pivotal positions including Department Head and Principal Instructor at Maritime Professional Training, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of maritime professionals. He also served as a Program Manager for Maritime Administration (MARAD), overseeing strategic initiatives aimed at supporting the career advancement of Strategic Sealift Officers.
Ben's dedication to education and training is evident in his extensive certifications, including USCG Train the Trainer and Simulator Train the Trainer. He is a Qualified Assessor and an NI Approved DP Instructor, with specialized expertise in dynamic positioning, teaching/training methodologies, and simulation for both operational and training purposes.
With a background as Chief Mate and 1600 Ton Captain, Ben possesses a profound understanding of maritime operations and compliance requirements. His key areas of expertise encompass dynamic positioning, teaching/training methodologies, simulation techniques, and MARAD compliance, positioning him as an invaluable asset in the maritime industry.
Captain Christine Hafen
Christine Hafen is a highly accomplished Master Mariner with over 20 years of experience in the offshore drilling industry. Her remarkable career includes making history as the first female Captain for Transocean in 2013 when she assumed the role of Ship Master of the Discoverer India deepwater drillship. Christine's journey in the maritime sector is characterized by her versatile expertise, having held every position on a deck/marine crew from Third-Mate to Dynamic Positioning Operator to Captain, all while maintaining a "boots on the deck" attitude. Beyond her operational roles, Christine has also served as an Expert Witness, Consultant, Auditor, Instructor, and Safety Engineer, showcasing her multifaceted skill set and dedication to the industry's excellence.
Throughout her career, Christine has held pivotal positions with renowned companies such as Transocean Offshore Drilling and Rowan Drilling Company, where she served as Master. She has also fulfilled roles as Ballast Control Operator, Dynamic Positioning Operator, and Chief Mate with various drilling companies, overseeing all phases of vessel operations, from new build commissioning to stacking operations.
Christine's professional credentials include being a USCG Licensed Master Mariner and Offshore Installation Manager (In Continuity), demonstrating her commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and regulatory compliance. Although her Nautical Institute Certified Dynamic Positioning Operator certification has expired, her expertise in maritime and offshore safety, offshore drilling, regulatory compliance, vessel operations and maintenance, ISM compliance and safety management systems, and vessel classification remains unparalleled. With a proven track record of excellence and a deep understanding of industry best practices, Christine Hafen is a trusted leader and expert in the maritime and offshore sectors.