Speakers 2025
Frederik ERDMANN
Moderator and contributing correspondent Shippax
Frederik Erdmann is a Shippax correspondent since 1996 and professionally involved with shipping since 1999 when he joined the German port agency network, Sartori & Berger, on a vocational training program. After his graduation as Shipbroker & Liner Agent and subsequent studies of Business Administration, Frederik held various positions with Sartori & Berger until 2010. After a period of working for the Flensburg Chamber of Commerce, he belonged to the management team of Wyker Dampfschiffs-Reederei, a leading German domestic operator, from 2015 to 2021, with responsibilities among others for Safety/Security as well as for Environmental and Quality Management. He then became self-employed under the brand of Frederik Erdmann Maritime Consulting, specialising in Passenger Ship Management, Quality and Environmental Management, Risk & Resilience Management, Emergency Management, related crew education/training as well as all aspects of Dangerous Goods Transportation. Frederik is a permanent visiting lecturer at the Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, teaching in the Maritime Transport, Nautical Sciences & Logistics as well as the Ship Operation Engineering degree programs. He regularly contributes to maritime business publications in the UK, Scandinavia and Greece, and is a member of the Tourism Committee as well as the Transport & Infrastructure Committee of the Flensburg Chamber of Commerce. After a decade of activity in municipal politics, June 2023 saw Frederik being elected Mayor of Rügge, the municipality which he is living in. His professional involvement in the shipping sector is complemented by a genuine passion for maritime history and ferry design, with a particular focus on ships built between the 1950s and the 1980s. His private collection encompasses ferry-related literature, numerous technical documents of ships, as well as a collection of ship models. Other interests of Frederik include motorcycling and, somewhat more exceptional, agricultural aviation.
Alan LAM
Co-moderator and correspondent and analyst Shippax
Based in Hong Kong and Austria, Alan Lam is a freelance journalist and maritime transport business researcher. He has been collaborating with Shippax since 2010, regularly contributing articles to both its monthly and yearly publications. He also writes for other shipping publications worldwide and compile customised market reports for investors, lenders, and suppliers.
Angelica ANDREASSON
Crewing and project management Stena Line Maritime Academy
Angelica combines a deep understanding of educational challenges with business strategies to make the maritime industry more attractive to younger generations.
Her work focus on creating a smooth transition from education to employment and strengthens the connection between Stena Line and Swedish maritime schools. By this, she creates a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for Stena Lines Swedish-flagged vessels.
With an innovative approach she leads the Stena Line Maritime Academy to bridge the classroom and the vessels, helping students to develop the practical skills and mindset needed.
This include tailoring training and helping educational programs to adapt to real-world demands, Angelica and her teams ambition is to ensure students to enter the workforce with not only the necessary skills and knowledge, but also with curiosity and enthusiasm for the industry.
Angelica has, as a leader in different positions, sought, discovered, tested and found new effective strategies and activities to engage young talents. Now, she and her team continues to fine-tune and enhance these approaches together with educational partners in the maritime industry.
She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people, especially those who have struggled in traditional education, to find new paths to success. In her daily work she can see first hand, how the right support empowers young people to find their place. Not only in the marine industry, but also in the World....
Björn ANTONSSON
Regional CEO Asia-Pacific (APAC) Candela
As the Regional CEO for Asia Pacific at Candela, Björn is spearheading the company's expansion across the dynamic region and driving the adoption of electric hydrofoiling boats and ferries. With extensive experience in technology, automotive, and finance, he has a strong track record of leading market expansion and business transformation.
He has held senior executive leadership roles across Europe and Asia with blue chip companies such as BMW as well as with start-ups, driving innovation and strategic growth.
At Candela, Björn is focused on accelerating the shift to sustainable waterborne mobility, working with governments, hospitality leaders, and maritime operators to introduce zero-emission transport solutions to markets in Asia-Pacific.
John ARKOUMANIS
Co-founder and CEO A-Ships Management S.A
Ioannis Arkoumanis, born July 1978, is the co-founder and CEO of A-Ships Management SA.
He holds a Bsc in Transport and Shipping at London Guildhall University and a Master in Business Administration (Maritime Management) at the University of Leicester.
Since the beginning of his career (1996-2017 European Seaways / 2018 onwards with A-Ships Management SA) Ioannis has been making his way through the family business in leading positions in several departments (Sales, Technical, DPA-CSO and Operations). He also holds a Seaman’s Book with some years of sea service recorded from his early years in the family business.
Both European Seaways and A-Ships Management always focused in the operation and management of Ro-Pax ferries, either by operating ferries in own routes (Italy-Greece and Italy-Albania) or by offering tonnage on charter to other ferry operators (Spain, Italy, Faroe Islands, Red Sea etc).
One of the most important experiences recorded is the GOLDEN BRIDGE project back in 2019, a vessel which was purchased from Korea and was repositioned to Greece to carry out a very challenging conversion which lasted more than 6 months.
The GOLDEN BRIDGE project is considered a very important landmark for the further development of the Company.
Björn BLOMQVIST
CEO Eckerö Group
Björn Blomqvist was appointed CEO of the Eckerö Group in 2004. Before joining Eckerö he worked for the airline company SAS and the industrial group Munters. Mr Blomqvist holds an MSc in Economics and Business Administration from the Swedish School of Economics in Helsinki. He has studied and worked in Finland, Sweden and Germany.
In addition to his work heading the Eckerö Group, Mr Blomqvist is also active as chairman of the board of the Finnish Shipowners’ Association and a member of the boards of the Swedish Maritime Employers’ Association, the Swedish Confederation of Transport Enterprises and the European Community Shipowners´ Association.
The Eckerö Group is active in ferry and roro shipping in the Baltic under the brands Eckerö Linjen, Eckerö Line and Eckerö Shipping. Group turnover in 2023 was 222 M€ and number of employees 850.
Anders BORG
Former Swedish minister of finance, financial advisor
Leading economic policy maker as long-serving Minister of Finance in Sweden and president of the Ecofin Council. Former advisor to the Finnish Government, the Governor of the Riksbank and to the then Prime Minister Carl Bildt.
Torben CARLSEN
CEO DFDS Group
Torben Carlsen was appointed President & CEO of Danish Ferry & Transport Group DFDS from 1 May 2019. He joined the company in 2009 as CFO and was, among other things, responsible for DFDS’ acquisition of Ferry and Transport Group Norfolkline in 2010 as well as other acquisitions, digitisation of DFDS and major change projects. Torben has a broad and international managerial background, with leading positions in Switzerland and the USA, primarily within the airline industry. In addition to this comes experience from private equity. He holds an MSc in Finance and various board positions in the finance and shipping industries.
Matteo CATANI
CEO GNV
Matteo Catani, born on November 8th, 1978, was appointed CEO of Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) in 2016. Previously he served GNV in different positions, lastly as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.
Mr. Catani joined GNV in 2007 after previous experiences within the Danone Group, a multinational company leader in the food-and-beverage industry, where he had held different business planning related positions.
In GNV Mr. Catani has assumed roles of growing responsibility, ranging from finance and controlling to revenue management and business development, and then getting commercial and marketing executive responsibility.
Mr Catani is board member and treasurer of AssArmatori, Italian Association of Shipowners, where he coordinates the Short Sea Committee, and member of the Comité Directivo (Executive Committee) of ANAVE, the Spanish Association of Shipowners. He is a member of the Stakeholder Adivsory Committee at various Italian Port Authorities, as a representative for the Shipowners and the Shipping Industry. He also serves different educational bodies and international associations related to the shipping sector.
Mr. Catani holds a bachelor's degree in Economics at The University of Genova and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) at the The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Robert CLIFFORD
Chairman Incat
Robert Clifford, founder and Chairman of the Incat group of companies has been credited with pioneering the world’s high-speed vehicle/passenger ferry industry.
Over more than five decades he has steered Incat to progress from boats to small commercial ferries through to very large ocean-going vehicle carrying wave piercing catamarans for which Incat is now world renowned.
The vessels delivered to date operate on marine distillate or LNG however Incat’s research team now focus on low emission fuels with the goal of zero emission vessels.
Heather COMBS
CEO Ripple Operations
Heather Combs is the CEO of Ripple Operations, where she leads the company's mission to revolutionize Crew Success in the maritime industry. With decades of experience as a global executive, Heather has built a reputation for driving growth through the strategic alignment of product development with market strategies, encompassing sales, marketing, business development, and operational functions.
Heather's expertise spans B2B professional services, SaaS, and technology solutions, with a proven track record of scaling businesses through organic growth, mergers, acquisitions, and integration. Her technical acumen and passion for solving complex challenges have fostered innovation and operational excellence across the organizations she leads.
A champion for workforce readiness and lifelong learning, Heather is committed to the transformative power of digital technologies in creating meaningful change. She is steering Ripple Operations to become the leading partner for cruise and ferry operators, delivering solutions that streamline operations, enhance crew management, and support the industry's ongoing digital transformation.
Mike CORRIGAN
CEO Interferry
Mike Corrigan is CEO of Interferry, the trade association that represents the worldwide ferry industry. Mike’s focus leading Interferry is to ensure that it continues to be the voice of the worldwide ferry industry in matters of safety and operational best practices, is the industry’s voice with regulatory agencies such as IMO, and that the trade association’s value continues to grow for existing and new members. Mike brings extensive executive experience in the ferry industry, most recently as the CEO of BC Ferries, one of the world’s largest ferry operators. Before joining BC Ferries, he held various senior management roles at WestCoast Energy’s operations across Canada. Mike holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Victoria where he was awarded the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award for the business school.
Phil DELANEY
Commercial Director Wightlink
Phil is responsible for sales, retail and marketing at the leading cross-Solent ferry company and is always looking for ways to grow the business by improving customer care. He has a comprehensive background in transport, having worked at GWR, Flybe and Trainline before joining Wightlink in 2022. Phil's first job was as a professional rugby player with Leicester Tigers.
Frederik GERHARDT
Lead Naval Architect RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden)
Educated in Germany and New Zealand, Frederik has more than 20 years of experience in naval architecture and fluid mechanics.
Since 2022 he has been responsible for developing RISE's new business area of Wind-Powered Ships.
Eric GREGOIRE
CEO Scandlines
Eric Grégoire joined Scandlines as CEO in July 2024 and comes from a position as CEO of Goodpack Pte Ltd. in Singapore.
Kadri HAUFE
Vice President, Digital Transformation Nortal
Kadri Haufe is a driving force behind digital transformations across Scandinavia and Europe. Specializing in maritime, port, and ferry industries, Kadri leverages her extensive experience in consulting to lead innovative initiatives that redefine operational efficiency and customer experiences.
Kadri represents Nortal, the world's leading e-government consultancy and executer, with a remarkable track record of success in delivering pioneering solutions.
Nikias IOANNIDIS
Business Development LMG Marin
The connection to sea and to the ferry world started at a very young age for me.
My "Greek summers" always included good Cycladic time...and ferries always were the first step to the Islands.
30 years on, I managed to turn this childhood affair into a job that is also a passion.
At LMG Marin I am mostly in charge of identifying markets, developing relationship with partner shipyards and ultimately to promote the LMG Marin brand in the ferry industry.
Before stepping in to the ship design industry I worked for 7 years within the line management of French container carrier CMA CGM.
Gjermund JOHANNESSEN
Managing Director Norwegian Ship Design
Mr Johannessen has had a career of over 20 years as a ship designer and naval architect. He believes that the best value solution is always the most energy efficient one, a mantra he takes together with an unyielding commitment to a safety first and forward looking approach to vessel design and engineering. The success of this philosophy is borne out by his large book of returning customers.
Håkan JOHANSSON
CEO Gotlandsbolaget
Born: 1972
Position held since: 2012
Education: Studies in business administration at Jönköping School of Economics and English at Stockholm University.
Other assignments: Chairman of the board of Almi Företagpartner Gotland Aktiebolag and Visby Köpmansgille. Board member of Svensk Rederiservice Aktiebolag, Seably AB, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Alandia Försäkring Abp.
Andreas KROHN
Chief Technology Officer Expian
Andreas Krohn is a seasoned IT professional currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Expian where he oversees all technological operations. His career began in programming and evolved through roles as a Product Manager and Project Manager, eventually establishing himself as an API specialist.
Prior to his tenure at Expian, Andreas was Head of IT at Forsea Ferries where he was responsible for IT strategy and implementation, IT and OT security. Andreas has personal experience of understanding the pain points Ferry Operators face and their requirements of a ticketing solution.
Andreas's diverse experience and leadership makes him a key figure in the IT and Digital sectors, driving innovation and growth across various organisations, in particular the ferry industry.
Johan LARSSON
Sales Director Echandia
Johan Larsson is the Sales Director at Echandia, Sweden's leading supplier of safe maritime battery systems.
With over 20 years of experience in energy-efficient solutions and emissions reduction, he has led large-scale electrification projects across various industries.
His expertise extends to high-demand sectors, including navy vessels and major public transportation systems, driving transformative change in sustainable energy.
Tim MOONEY
President/Owner Fire Island Ferries, Chairman of Interferry
Tim Mooney is president of Fire Island Ferries, Fire Island Water Taxi and Fire Island Terminal, responsible for providing ferry, water taxi, freight and parking services originating from their Long Island, New York facility and servicing the communities of Fire Island, a 32 mile-long barrier beach. With a fleet of 25 vessels they provide transportation and related services to over 1 million passengers a year. Tim has a BS/BA from Nichols College in economics and computer science and started his career in the computer industry. He spent 25 years working with IBM, Wang Laboratories and Parametric Technology Corporation. In 2003 Tim left the computer industry to join his father to help run Fire Island Ferries. Since joining his father, he and his staff have worked to implement many new systems in support of websites, ticketing, freight billing, parking and advertising creating numerous incremental ridership and revenue opportunities for the organization. Tim has served on the Interferry Board since 2013.
Angelika NIEDER
Shipbroker and managing owner Macholl & Specht GmbH
After an apprenticeship with Hamburg shipowner H. Schuldt she has worked in a liner agency in New Orleans for a year before joining Macholl & Specht GmbH in 1990, and became sole managing owner in 2003.
Angelika has been working as a shipbroker for sale & purchase, newbuilding contracting and chartering of day-passenger vessels, ferries, fast ferries, ROROs, RoPax and cruise ships for 35 years, and is based in Hamburg, Germany.
Apart from her activities in her company she is also honorary treasurer of the Hamburg based shipowners and shipbrokers club (Reeder- und Makler Club) and honorary chair of the board of Mercy Ships Deutschland.
Achille ONORATO
Vice chairman Moby S.p.A and CEO Moby S.p.A
Mr. Achille Onorato, the eldest son of Vincenzo Onorato, represents a fifth-generation shipowner. He graduated in Business Administration at Bocconi University in Milan. He later received his Master in Logistics and Transport Infrastructure at Bocconi.
Even before his degree, he already participated actively in the business of the company, working on board of ships of the fleet of the family alternately to studies from the age of 13 years old until the end of university, spending on board a total of more than three years. He then later started to work in the commercial area of the group and then became the Hospitality and Onboard Services Director of the company Moby SpA.
On January 2012 he became the CEO of the company Toremar, first public shipping company that was privatized in Italy, achieving a radical turnover, revolution and innovation of the company.
Mr. Achille Onorato has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Moby and Tirrenia – CIN since 2015 and he has also served as the sole director of both companies from its formation until its conversation into a joint stock company and the subsequent appointment of the Board of Directors.
On July 2015 Mr. Achille Onorato has become the Vice Executive Chairman of Moby SpA and subsequently in April 2016 he became the Chief Executive Officer and in the same time he still keeps the position of Vice Executive Chairman of the company. Mr. Achille Onorato is also the Vice Chairman of Assarmatori, the most representative Italian ship owner association.
In addition to the shipowner's family tradition, just like his father, he has also the passion for sailing on regattas.
Summary of Current Position in the Company:
- Moby CEO and Vice Executive Chairman
- Chairman of the BoD of Toremar
- BoD Member of San Cataldo
- Chairman of Agemar and Renzo Conti srl
Mary Ann PASTRANA
Chairperson Archipelago Philippine Ferries
Mary Ann Ibuna Pastrana is the Chairperson of Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC), the company that owns and operates the FastCat fleet. Holding a post-graduate diploma in Executive Maritime Management from the World Maritime University and a Master’s Degree in Maritime Education & Training from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Mary Ann strongly leads their organization alongside her husband, Christopher S. Pastrana. With her relentless quest for learning, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Maritime Affairs at the World Maritime University.
Moreover, she is passionate about serving in various advocacies, which include serving as a Vice President of Women in Maritime Philippines, a Vice-Chair of the Advisory Group of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, a board member of Worldwide Ferry Safety Association, an active member of Interferry and a previous board member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Philippines. Mary Ann is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, avid traveler and a lifelong learner.
Barbara POLI
Chief Information & Technology Officer GNV
Graduated with honors in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan, she began her career in the Accenture Strategy group, gaining significant experience in the areas of corporate strategy, business organization and marketing, in particular in the Media and TLC sectors, managing complex change and innovation projects. In 2012 she joined RINA, Certification & Engineering Company, assuming responsibility for the Corporate Organization area and the Information Systems area, with the title of Chief Information Officer. Since 2019 she has been CIO in GNV, an MSC Group company and leader in the transport of freights and passengers in the Mediterranean. In GNV she is managing the company's digital transformation journey.
Marcus RISBERG
CEO Destination Gotland
Marcus Risberg (born 1975) joined Swedish domestic ferry operator Destination Gotland as CEO in March 2021. Marcus has extensive experience from passenger ferry industry through a long career in Silja Line and Tallink Grupp. Between 2015 and 2021 he held the position as Managing Director at TallinkSilja AB. Prior to this he worked within the industry in various finance roles such as Chief Controller and Finance Director at Silja Line and later TallinkSilja between 2002 and 2008.
During a period of six years, he left the industry and was engaged in IT and telecom working for Nokia and Microsoft. In 2014 the desire for shipping grew strong again and he decided to rejoin TallinkSilja as Sales Director.
Marcus grew up on Åland where the passenger ferry sector is a natural and integral part of everyday life.
Carsten SEEBURG
Key Account Manager Caterpillar Motoren
Carsten Seeburg has been working in various positions at Caterpillar Motoren GmbH in Kiel / Germany since 2006, specializing in medium-speed engines under the MaK™ brand. MaK™ is Caterpillar's brand for marine solutions.
Carsten has a degree (FH) in mechanical engineering and is a technical business economist. As Key Account Manager, he supports many customers operating ferries with MaK engines.
Since decades, MaK engines have been in service around the world for customers who trust in their reliability. Caterpillar provides a wide array of options to enable the decarbonization transition. To do so, Caterpillar has hugely invested in researching decarbonization opportunities, namely alternative fuels and improvements in combustion processes for multiple years. Retrofit concepts for operation with methanol have been developed since 2022 and are available for customers.
Pino SPADAFORA
Senior Director Marine Commercial RINA
Pino Spadafora currently serves in the marine sector as RINA's Global Commercial Senior Director and has been living and working in Northern Europe for 17 years to continually enhance the profile of the group throughout the region. His current responsibilities encompass group strategy and external corporate development, both commercially and technically.
In terms of group strategy, he is specifically responsible for the rollout across business streams into a global plan and ensuring consistency with the company's vision and mission. Working closely with RINA's CEO and individual business streams, his role is to identify potential partners with whom to collaborate to grow and build the business.
Pino has acquired a wealth of experience in fleet management principles, classification services, advisory services, project management, key account management and customer service, including customer retention and satisfaction. He also has excellent knowledge and technical experience of all aspects of the marine industry, including environmental and regulatory matters.
David SURPLUS
Managing Director of B9 Energy Ltd
David is a Chartered Marine Engineer and former Lloyd's Register Surveyor who moved from marine and offshore oil & gas into renewables 33 years ago to form the B9 Energy group of companies.
B9 has developed 10 onshore and 2 offshore wind farm projects, provided O&M services on 49 wind farms, developed industrial scale anaerobic digestion, 6 x landfill gas power stations, and is now focussed on energy storage and green Power-to-X projects to provide balancing load for otherwise curtailed offshore wind farms.
Brian THOMSON
Managing Director Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
Brian is a maritime leader with a wealth of experience working in the maritime industry around the world. With a background in naval architecture and marine engineering, Brian began his professional career with the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency before moving on to work for The Gibraltar Maritime Administration and the American Bureau of Shipping. He relocated to the Isle of Man eight years ago to work as a Surveyor for the Isle of Man Ship Registry and, in 2019, was promoted to Principal Surveyor. Brian joined the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 2021, taking up the role of Managing Director.
Markus TOMPURI
Account Director Ferry, Safety Solutions NAPA
Markus Tompuri has dedicated over 13 years to advancing safety and stability in the passenger ship industry at NAPA. His expertise is central in NAPA Safety solutions, particularly concerning ship stability, regulations, and compliance. Markus has been instrumental in liaising with class societies and regulators, advocating for shipping regulations that are both scientifically grounded and impactful. His contributions are also notable in IMO committee meetings as an expert advisor on both intact and damage stability. His work aims to enhance maritime safety through sustainable and effective regulatory changes. Markus holds an M.Sc. in Naval Architecture.
Giosue’ VEZZUTO
Executive Vice President RINA Marine
Giosue’ Vezzuto, naval architect and marine engineer, joined RINA in 1997, after having worked in a ship repairing yard of the Italian Navy.
Initially involved in the classification dept. for both ships in service and new buildings, subsequently he took up the responsibility of the fire protection drawings approval team, at the RINA engineering department in Italy. During this period, he regularly attended meetings at IACS WG/FP, ISO, and IMO.
He then moved to the RINA Marine Operations, where he developed his entire career: from being the Deputy Manager of branch office in Napoli (Italy), to Head of Singapore Office and then Country Manager for South-East Asia. He has been RINA Regional Manager for North Europe based in Rotterdam, and subsequently Regional Manager for Asia, based in Shanghai and in Singapore.
Since 2018, Giosue’ moved back to RINA HQ in Genoa, initially taking different roles at corporate level, and then, since the end of 2019, he took the overall responsibility of RINA Marine.
Fereshta YAZDANI
Technology Consultant & AI Expert Lufthansa Industry Solutions
Dr. Fereshta Yazdani is a technology consultant and AI expert at Lufthansa Industry Solutions, specializing in the Maritime Solutions department. With a robust background in AI and Robotics, Dr. Yazdani brings over 13 years of extensive experience across diverse sectors, including aviation, maritime, telecommunications, and the automotive industry. Her innovative approach and commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies have positioned her as a thought leader in the integration of AI within complex industries. Passionate about driving forward the future of technology, Dr. Yazdani is dedicated to creating impactful solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in the maritime sector and beyond.
Ronny ØKSNES
Advisor Norwegian Seafarers’ Union
Ronny Øksnes is a dedicated Advisor in the Norwegian Seafarer Union, tirelessly advocating for the rights and welfare of seafarers. He holds prominent positions as the Chair of the ITF Ferry Task Force and the Chair of the NTF Seafarer and Fishery Section. With a career deeply rooted in the maritime industry, Ronny started his career with Color Line and has lived and worked extensively on ferries. He strives to ensure a fair and equitable playing field in the ferry industry across Europe and the world. He believes that a fair level playing field benefits all parts of the ferry industry, from ship owners to seafarers and the countries that benefit from workplaces where the ferries dock.
Ronny has also been a strong advocate for equality within the industry. He believes that seafarers who work in a good environment are better equipped to handle passengers daily and respond effectively in emergency situations compared to those who suffer from social dumping and poor leadership.
Looking ahead, Ronny aims to continue his efforts towards achieving greater equality and fairness in the maritime industry worldwide. His future goals include enhancing safety standards, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering a supportive work environment for all seafarers. He is committed to ensuring that the ferry industry remains a safe, fair, and thriving sector for everyone involved.
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