Speakers 2020/2021
Philippe HOLTHOF
Lead moderator and Senior Advisor & Editor-in-Chief Shippax
Philippe was born the son of a master mariner who commanded ferries of the Ostend-Dover Line. This accounting for an early interest in the maritime industry in general and ferries in particular, Philippe soon started to collect data and with his first pocket money took up travelling on ferries all over Europe to study the ships, their operators and ports.
After completing an education in (maritime) logistics management, he embarked on a career as a freelance author and started to write for Shippax in the mid-nineties. The work for Shippax has seen Philippe travelling on a wide variety of ferries and interviewing many decision makers in the industry. This culminated in Philippe being appointed senior advisor at Shippax and, more recently, also taking up the position of editor-in-chief.
A member of the DNV GL Ferry Committee, Philippe is also a guest lecturer at the Thomas More Institute in Mechelen, Belgium, for a bachelor’s degree course in tourism.
Jörgen PETTERSSON
Co-moderator
An experienced moderator, writer and speaker with first hand experience from different shipping areas.
Jörgen has over the years taken part in several Shippax-conferences, as reporter. Today he is the Publisher of Ålands Sjöfart, a magazine and website that covers shippingnews in Swedish. As being an Åland resident knowledge of the daily life in shipping comes as natural as a mother tounge! Jörgen worked as a News Editor for many years and is nowadays, since 2011, Member of the selfgoverned Åland Parliament. As a Rapporteure on Integrated Shipping for Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) Jörgen follows international shipping on daily basis.
As his hobbies Jörgen lists international sport and his involvement as chair for International Island Games Association. Jörgen is a keen hunter, he plays squash as often as possible and seldom turn down a chesschallenge. Jörgen lives in Mariehamn, married with three children.
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.
Jesper AAGESEN
Director, Head of Sustainable Fleet Projects DFDS
Jesper Aagesen has 25+ years of experience within the shipping business and graduated as a Naval Architect, M.Sc, from The Technical University of Denmark in 1997. He started his career working as a Project Manager for the ship design company and in 2005 he joined the Newbuilding Department in A.P. Moller – Maersk as General Manager undertaking the project management of newbuilding projects. In 2010 Jesper Aagesen joined Lloyd's Register and held various roles including the role as Area Consultancy Manager.
In 2015 Jesper Aagesen joined DFDS A/S establishing and heading the newbuilding and major conversions department being responsible for executing DFDS' extensive newbuilding programme with 11 vessels being built in Germany and China. In addition to the newbuilding prgramme, the department has been in charge of conversion projects like lengthening, scrubber installations and ballast water treatment plant installations. Since 2021 Jesper Aagesen has been heading the new department "Sustainable Fleet Projects" taking care of newbuilding projects, conversion projects and long-term initiatives within sustainable shipping incl. sourcing of alterative green fuels.
Furthermore, Jesper Aagesen holds a Diploma in Economics from Copenhagen Business School and a Diploma in Ship Management.
Guillermo ALOMAR
Fleet Director Baleària
Mr. Guillermo Alomar is a Master Mariner. Most of the professional career was onboard ferries on the Spanish Mediterranean area. In 2000 he became Fleet Manager of ferry shipping company “Umafisa”, based at Ibiza Island, and offering inter-island and mainland ferry services.
He is BALEARIA’s Fleet Manager since 2005 and member of the Executive Committee of BALEARIA. He manages the Fleet Department, the Technical team and the Captains.
He is member of ANAVE Board of Directors (Spanish Shipowners Association).
Involved from the beginning on Balearia LNG projects and retrofits, LNG newbuilding and LNG operation.
Adam BENGTSSON
Founder and co-owner North Sea Handling
Adam Bengtsson is the founder and co-owner of North Sea Handling. The company has just in 5 years rapidly grown in to a global supplier providing the maritime industry with market leading solutions within cargo and passenger access equipment and energy efficiency solutions.
His long experience of global businesses within the maritime segment are focused on engineering and management related challenges connected to cargo handling appliances such as RoRo equipment. Mr. Bengtsson started his career at TTS in Gothenburg and advanced to VP Technical at TTS head office in Bergen.
In the year 2015 he left TTS and together with his partner Roar Roksvåg they founded what today is North Sea Handling.
North Sea Handlings key words in their everyday work is innovation and long-term-philosophy and together with their customers they aim to push boundaries for maximum value creation. In his speech Mr. Bengtsson will share some insights about North Sea Handling, their strategies, future thoughts and how they have maintained sustainability while growing rapidly.
Dario BOCCHETTI
Head of Energy Saving, R&D and Ship Design Grimaldi Group
Dario Bocchetti (45,mechanical engineer) is currently Head of Grimaldi Group Corporate "Energy Saving Division" which has the function and task related to Energy, Performance, R&D, Innovation, Decarbonization and New Ships Design.
He is president of Energy Saving and Environment ALIS sub-committee, member of the executive committee of CSA (Clean Shipping Alliance), member of the board of MARTE Scarl, member of ESSF (European Sustainable Shipping Forum), technical advisor of Maltese delegation at IMO MEPC (Maritime Environmental Protection Committee), member of the executive committee GIA (Global Industry Alliance) at IMO (Intenational Maritime Association), member of the Board of Igoumenitsa Port Authority.
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.
Christer BRUZELIUS
Senior Partner & Project Owner Gotland Tech Development AB / Rederi AB Gotland
As a senior partner with Gotland Tech Development, Christer drives innovation in shipping, enabling the industry to become more sustainable by advancing the technical solutions of tomorrow. Gotland Tech Development was launched in 2021 by Rederi Gotland to drive technical development by building partnerships with leading maritime companies. Christer Bruzelius has more than 20 years of experience in senior management positions, as CEO and MD, for shipping companies in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. For 9 years, Christer was the CEO of Destination Gotland (part of the Rederi Gotland Group), which operates the RoPax ferry traffic between the island Gotland and mainland Sweden. During his time as a CEO, Christer led several initiatives to place the company at the forefront in sustainability, including adding two RoPax-ferries powered by natural gas and biogas to the fleet.
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.
Martin CARLSSON
Project Manager Fire Safety Stena Teknik
Starting a marine career in beginning 1990’s as deck hand in Stena Line, Martin has ever since had his hart with RoRo and RoPax vessels. After serving in various vessels, studies at Nautical Academy and a Naval Architecture degree he went for a first post graduate role at Lloyds Register HQ R&D team. Martin was 2011 appointed VP Design of RoRo equipment supplier TTS Marine, operating the design and technology team through the car carrier boom of 2013-2016 and with business development preparing for the following mega- and expedition cruise newbuilding booms. In the cruise peak he continued working in project leading roles delivering passenger access, experience and logistic equipment to cruise ship yards/owners.
Since 2019 Martin works with Stena Teknik on fire safety of RoRo and RoPax ships, participating with operators view in fire safety research projects such as German Albero project and EU Horizon 2020 financed LASHFIRE project. He supports Swedish Shipowners Association, Swedish Flagstate, and EMSA in developing future fire safety regulations and is deeply involved in setting new standards for transporting vehicles with alternative fuels.
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.
Christian DAMSGAARD
Head of Naval Architecture, KNUD E. HANSEN
Christian holds 20+ years of experience with tailor-made design of ships, for worldwide clients. Christian has extensive experience with development of a high variety of vessel types from initial idea into Concept, Tender, Contract and Basic Design. In the past 10 years Christian has been lead designer on numerous projects; among others the SHIPPAX award winning designs in 2015 for the Ro-Con Atlantic Star and in 2013 for the Ro-Ro Bahri Abha.
Matteo DELLA VALLE
Matteo Della Valle is the GNV Passengers Sales and Marketing Staff Director since February 2021. After the Degrees in Economics at the University of Genoa, He got a PhD in Economics at the same University and afterwards a Master of Science at the Paris School of Economics. After a period of teaching at the University, he worked in the Revenue Management Department of Costa Cruises as Market Analyst. In 2015 he joined GNV as Business Development Manager and in 2017 he also became Trade Managers Coordinator and achieved a Sales&Marketing Executive Master at Bologna Business School. In January 2021, he has been appointed as GNV Sales&Marketing Director. He is Marketing Lecturer at the University of Genoa, novelist wannabe and a tennis crazy fan but weak player.
Stefano DE MARCO
Knut FJELLHEIM
CTIO Head of Research & Development Department Telenor Maritime
A founding member of Maritime Communications Partner (MCP), now Telenor Maritime and 100% owned by Telenor since 2006. Knut has more than 25 years’ experience within the technical mobile and data communications industry, and is a driving force of the 3rd wave of digital innovation at sea.
Ever at the forefront of new technology, Knut continues to facilitate the growth of Telenor Maritime’s business according to company strategies and objectives. He is leading and optimising the Research & Development department at Telenor Maritime to create new sustainable business opportunities for our customers and partners worldwide.
John GARNER
Managing Director JG Maritime Solutions Limited / Regulatory Affairs Liaison Interferry
John has over forty-five years’ experience at sea and ashore and has spent over thirty years in the ferry industry, moving ashore in 1994 with Stena Line. John was Fleet Director of P & O Ferries Ltd, from 2004 -2019, and Executive Board Director with full responsibility for all health, safety, environmental and marine aspects.
As founding director of JG Maritime Solutions Ltd, John has provided advice to three ferry newbuild projects, maritime training projects and decarbonisation projects as well as conducting the Inmarsat Global Status of Ferry Digitalisation Report.
John is a member of the UK Chamber of Shipping Supervisory Board, a former Interferry Director, the current chair of the Interferry Regulatory Committee and Lloyds Register Technical Committee and provides regulatory liaison on behalf of Interferry in the LASH FIRE project.
Ingemar GUSTAVSSON
Director ACTEMIUM
Born in a shipyard on the Swedish island Orust, Ingemar Gustavsson is brought up within spitting distance of the sea. Therefore it is not surprising that he is interested in the shipyard and shipping industry.
Ingemar Gustavsson has been the CEO and founder of Processkontroll Elektriska since it was founded in 2001. In 2012 it was acquired by the VINCI group, the biggest construction company in the world, and the company is today often seen under the VINCI brand name Actemium, well-known all over Europe.
In his speech Ingemar Gustavsson will tell the story of how the company became the leader in Scandinavia when it comes to shore connections. He will specifically focus on the latest invention - all-in-one solution where a HVSC or LVSC plant is put in a movable container that can be used in any port. By connecting to the electricity grid, the ship can switch off its auxiliary machines. This leads to reduced air emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and sulfur oxides and an improved local environment. It can all be calculated quite precisely and the advantages are obvious: less noise, less pollution and - not the least - less costs.
Tobias HAACK
CEO HADAG and Alstertouristik
Tobias is CEO of HADAG and Alstertouristik in Hamburg since 2018 - responsible for a fleet of 26 ferries on the river Elbe and 18 sightseeing boats on the Alster lake.
Recently he joined the Supervisory Board of HSVA – the Hamburg model basin.
After he studied naval architecture in Duisburg, Germany he moved to Hamburg to work on his Ph.D..
Before he took the helm of HADAG he enjoyed the Pacific Northwest as CEO of the Victoria Clipper (a FRS company).
Shipyard experience in the design team of Flensburg shipyard and being responsible for Sales at Rolls-Royce (now Kongsberg) in Germany and Poland are two more cornerstones in his career in the maritime industry.
Daan HERBES
Vertical Market Manager Carrier Building Solutions Group
Daan Herbes is the Vertical Market Manager for Carrier Building Solutions Group, the global enterprise account organization of Carrier. The Building Solutions Group works with the Marine industry and brings solutions to market across the organization. This includes Carrier HVAC, Marioff Fire Suppression, Autronica Fire & Gas detection, Onity’s digital locks and the automation & healthy Indoor Air Quality solutions by Automated Logic. With Carrier’s concept of ‘’Healthy Buildings’’ Daan’s focus is on working with ship owners & yards to provide smart solutions that matter for people and planet. With these solutions we help shipowners in Covid times to increase the passenger occupancy through providing insight & improvement into Indoor Air Quality and passenger flow management systems on board. Daan holds a BA and has worked for various multinationals where commercial solutions & marine supply have been a central theme.
Kilian HOFFMANN
Kilian Hoffmann started sailing at a young age in the merchant marine, he earned a degree in Nautical Science from the Maritime Academy in Rostock- Warnemünde, Germany, and is therefore a licensed Officer of the Watch. After his time at sea, he started working at REINTJES GmbH as a Sales Engineer, where he was responsible for Ferry and Yacht applications and sales of Hybrid Systems.
After that station he successfully build up the international and German presence for EST Floattech and joined recently TESVOLT.
TESVOLT is a German SME with a clear vision to supply „Energy – anytime and anywhere –We shape freedom.” Meaning to bring affordable and reliable ESS in every corner and every segment in the world.
TESVOLT has a solid track record in supplying the Norwegian and German maritime industry with Energy Storage Solutions with focus on modularity, safety, and low cost of ownership.
He is fascinated by the history of shipbuilding, the commercial and private use of seagoing vessels, and the development of global commodity flows, which are directly linked to the evolution of ship design. “Coming from the ‘operator’ side of the gangway, I now have the chance to be part of the next phase of evolution in ship design and its future consequences as a supplier for the shipbuilding industry”, Hoffmann says.
The European ferry industry will face many changes over the next few years. Energy storage systems are especially effective when combined with other technologies, so strong local partnerships and agreements with other equipment manufacturers will be vital soon. The challenge and the focus lie on helping owners in Europe to comply with emissions regulations.
It is therefore vital to not only act as a supplier in Europe, but also to promote the technology, knowledge, and requirements for energy storage technology. We offer the market not only turn-key solutions, but also technical training, alternative financing concepts and support and advice on how to implement lithium polymer batteries in their ships and vessel concepts, which could be comparable to the introduction of marine diesel engines over 100 years ago.
Morten HOLM
Director Global Sales & Marketing Eknes
Morten recently joined the Eknes Team and will be responsible for Global Sales and Marketing. His time will be equally divided between focusing on strengthening our position within existing customers, agents and markets, as well as identify possibilities for implementing the top-quality products from Eknes into other areas.
Working in various positions in different companies and branches since 1995, Morten has a long track record within sales and marketing. He has extensive experience in finding good solutions for customers as well as building long term relations.
He has experience from international business through several of his previous employers, and since 2012 he has been mostly working within Maritime Industry.
He commuted for several years as Sales and Marketing Manager for the UMOE Schat-Harding / Harding Safety production facility in The Czech Republic. Then, through his own company, worked as a consultant for different companies in The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Norway, and has lately also been working for the Langset Group, the owners of Langset Yard Services, Langset Maritime and Norwegian Marine Interior among others.
He values honesty and quality, which is a perfect match for Eknes that has a long history and tradition for producing tailored, high-quality furniture’s with an overall focus on sustainability, local affiliation, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Camilla Caroline HORN
Interior Architect CCH Design
WORK EXPERIENCE
2021 - Interior Architect at CCH Design
2017- 2021 Interior Architect, Head of interior Design: Steen Friis Design A/S
2004-2017 Interior Architect: OSK-ShipTech A/S
1999-2004 Interior Architect: Knud E. Hansen A/S
1997-1999 Interior Architect: Claus P. Horn, Architects
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
1994-1997 Spatial design: Interior Design Dept. the Danish Design School
1995-1996 Exchange student : Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Experience includes consultancy assistance to ferry operators in connection with newbuilding and conversion, Services provided include:
- Interior design
- Exterior styling
- Preparation and modification of General Arrangements
- Specifications
- Supervision / inspection at shipyard and workshops
- Signage / Corporate identity
- Graphic design
Marcus HÖGBLOM
Vice President of Global Sales ABB Marine & Ports
Marcus Högblom is heading the Passenger ship segment ABB Marine & Ports, the leading supplier of electric propulsion systems for merchant vessels. Joining ABB Propulsion product business unit in 2009 Mr Högblom has been working with building ABB successful track record for electrical propulsion starting with Azipod propulsion but now also extending to cover next generation integrated solutions for power convection, automatization, digitalization, energy storage and service offering.
An experienced marine professional with a long experience in management, business development, project management, sales and marketing and. Mr Högblom holds a degree of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Helsinki Institute of applied sciences.
Prior to joining ABB Marcus had a 14 year long carrier in the field of fire safety with Marioff Corporation and United Technologies where he held various positions the most recent as General Manager for the Marine and Offshore unit.
Cecilia KINNISON
Interior architect Kinnison Design
Cecilia Kinnison, interior architect at Kinnison Design which specializes in marine design for newbuildings and refurbishments. (2006- today) Prior to this she worked for Tillberg Design (1983-2006). Originally from Tucson, Arizona but moved to Sweden in 1982 after graduating from University of Arizona with Bachelors of Science Interior Design degree.
Grit LADAGE
European RDI project manager Center of Maritime Technologies gGmbH in Hamburg, Germany.
Over the past 6 years, Grit has been working as communication and dissemination manager on various research and innovation projects dealing with current issues in shipbuilding, like the investigation of alternative fuels (LEANSHIPS) and the development of lightweight solutions (RAMSSES). The most recent project on her agenda is the project LASH FIRE (Legislative Assessment for Safety Hazards of Fire and Innovations in Ro-ro ship Environment) that is developing maritime fire safety solutions along the fire chain to improve fire safety of ro-ro vessels. Ms. Grit Ladage holds a diploma in International Management and Foreign Economics.
Stein Ruben LARSEN
SVP Sales Norwegian Electric Systems
Stein Ruben graduated from the The Royal Norwegian Naval Accademy in 2001. He has held various technical positions in the navy until 2007, when he started his career in Rolls-Royce Marine as VP Business Development. From 2007 his focus has been on environmental friendly propulsion solutions. Stein Ruben started in Norwegian Electric System in 2015, and has been part of the company’s transformation towards being the world leading supplier of electric/hybrid propulsion systems.
Ivan S. LARSEN
CCO Fayard
Ivan S. Larsen is heading the commercial activities at FAYARD A/S, one of North Europe’s largest maritime hubs for Conversion, Retrofits, Maintenance and Service for the Marine, Offshore and Wind segments.
Joining FAYARD A/S in 2013 Mr. Larsen has been working with building FAYARD’s successful maritime track record for servicing vessels of all kinds. The service portfolio of FAYARD is wide and focuses especially on the retrofitting and conversion of vessel for energy efficient operation and compliance.
An experienced marine professional with a long experience in management, business development, project management, sales, and marketing. Mr. Larsen holds a B.Sc. (hon) from the Technical University of Denmark, a B. Com from the University of Southern Denmark and is Navigator from the Royal Danish Naval Academy.
Prior to joining FAYARD A/S Mr. Larsen have since 1983 been in management positions within the maritime industry in Companies like Wilhelmsen Maritime Technology, Callenberg, Semco Marine, Desmi, Svendborg Yard and Danish Navy.
Erik LEWENHAUPT
Head of Sustainability Stena Line
Erik Lewenhaupt, started in shipping when he joined tank and bulk operator Nordström & Thulin in 1996. He has since held several positions in chartering, communication and sustainability. Erik spent five years heading Stena Bulk’s operation in Singapore, after that he was Head of External Communication for Stena AB. Since 2016 he has been Stena Line’s Head of Sustainability, leading their transition to green and sustainable shipping.
Florent MAES
CEO CLdN
Since 2020, Florent Maes has taken the role of CEO at CLdN and is responsible for the group’s roro shipping, ports and land logistics operations.
Florent has worked for CLdN group since 2006 and is a board member since 2015. He holds a Masters degree in Engineering and degrees in Business Management and Corporate Finance.
Andreas MALMKVIST
General Manager - Shaftline Propulsion Systems
Andreas is leading the Product Management division for Kongsberg Shaftline Propulsion Systems including Kamewa Propellers, PROMAS , Rudders and gearbox products. Andreas joined the company 2006 and has worked on a broad span of various positions (from detailed system calculations to sales and project management), and today manages several groups of technical engineers. Andreas has through his years within the company developed a special interest and expertise for ferries and theirs propulsion system. Andreas has a master degree from Chalmers University of technology in Gothenburg Sweden. Currently positioned in Kristinehamn, Sweden.
Michael MAVROPOULOS
CEO Liknoss Group
Michael Mavropoulos is the CEO of Liknoss Group, a technology company in the Travel & Tourism sector and member of the North Star Group. He has a vast experience in leadership roles in the fields of Tourism and Logistics with multinationals such as TUI, Hilton and UPS. His most recent position was Regional Director East Mediterranean at TUI Destination Experiences. He is actively involved in the Tourism community and has served as board member of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).
Robin MERUS
Head of Passenger Vessels and European regional sales Evac Group
Robin Mérus is Head of the Passenger Vessel segment as well as responsible for European Sales at the Marine division of Evac Oy. Evac is the world’s leading provider of integrated water and waste management systems, as well as corrosion-protection systems, for the marine, offshore, and building industries. He started at Evac Oy in year 2019 as a Business development manager where after he moved to the Marine Sales department focusing on the Water and Waste Management solutions for Passenger vessels.
Robin graduated in year 2000 and holds a Bachelor degree in mechanical automation. Since graduation he has been involved in sales and marketing, gaining experience and knowledge of the maritime industry. Before joining Evac he was working 11 years as Head of the Sales department division at Marioff Corporation Oy, a leading developer and innovator of high pressure water mist fire protection, supplying solutions worldwide under the HI-FOG® brand.
Alain MEYLAN
Interior Designer AIA Architectes
Date of birth : 1st April 1963
French
Married - 3 children
EDUCATION
- 1983 4-year design degree : top school ‘’école supérieure BOULLE’’ diploma
- 1985 2-year technical and design degree : top school ‘’école supérieure BOULLE’’ diploma
WORK EXPERIENCE
- From 2000 AIA Architectes Company
Interior Designer
Naval Project Manager
- From 1987 to 2000 Pierre-Yves ROCHON Company
Interior Designer
Export Project Manager
Niclas MÅRTENSSON
CEO Stena Line
Niclas Mårtensson is holding the position as CEO of the Stena Line group since 2016. Mr. Mårtensson has over 10 years’ experience of working in different senior positions within Stena Line, including responsible for commercial and operational activities in both Germany, Poland and Sweden. 2013 he became the Chief Operation Officer and later heading the position as Deputy CEO.
He has worked in different industries and companies within hospitality, transportation and manufacturing, both in Europe and Asia.
Niclas Mårtensson is in the boards of a number of Stena companies and also in the German-Swedish chamber of commerce, The West Sweden Chamber of Commerce and has been the consul of the republic of Poland in south Sweden. Since 2020 he is a member in the Swedish Government Electromobility Commission with the aim to increase the electrification of transport.
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
Bruce PETER
Professor of Design History at the Glasgow School of Art
Bruce Peter is Professor of Design History at the Glasgow School of Art. He has a life-long interest in merchant ship design and passenger shipping operation and has written extensively on these subjects. His latest maritime publications are a history of the Danish liner, ferry and logistics company, DFDS, and a history of Tor Line, which DFDS purchased in 1981. He is also currently working with colleagues in Finland on a history of Finnish shipbuilding, has written for the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) a book about the design of the Kappel propeller and is assisting the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to curate an exhibition about ocean liner travel.
Roberto PREVER
CEO NAOS Ship and Boat design
Through several experiences as draftment and boatbuilding during the Faculty studies, he was initially employed at Maierform Trieste once graduated in Naval Architecture (Msc.)
In 1993 founded NAOS Ship & Boat Design, starting as responsible of CAD design, Finite Analisys, Solid modelling, Computational fluid dynamic.
Since 1993 the years he made several basic design of vessels, and became known for hullform design, Naval Architecture and Hydrodynamic, as well as basic design for Ro Ro and Ro Pax vessels.
He is presently the CEO of NAOS, with Head office in Trieste with a staff of 12 Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
He is partner of ScandiNaos in Sweden, and founded a branch office in Barcelona in 2016. Together with the affiliate company “Anemos” in Split, the staff reach a total number of abt 30. Project manager for several new ship design, ranging from 300 to 30.000 GT, but mostly known for the Visentini series and the Stora Enso series.
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.
Ulf SANDEVÄRN
Marketing Manager Port of Karlshamn
Ulf Sandevärn has more than 35 years in Shipping. The taste for Shipping came even earlier during summer breaks as a Telex Operator and Chartering assistance at Salén Shipping Co. in Stockholm. Presently Marketing Manager at Port of Karlshamn since more than 20 years. Before that Sales & Marketing positions at ACL, Maersk Line, Sydkraft (now E.ON) and partner in family shipping consulting business J. A. Sandevärn & Son (JASON) AB. The theoretical background includes a Bachelor in Economics with specialisation in Logistics, Diploma in Marketing of Services at IHM and a Diploma in Shipping at London School of Foreign Trade.
As head of Marketing & Sales at Port of Karlshamn, Ulf has a interesting task to develop new business activities in a growing major port and logistics hub in Sweden. Facing the growing emerging markets in East, Karlshamn has a totally new strategic position with many opportunities. In August 2021, the expansion of the ferry port in Karlshamn will be completed, in order to accomodate for the new very large RoPax-vessel, which now are being built for DFDS.
Ulf SIWE
Communications Officer Sea Traffic Management, Swedish Maritime Administration
Ulf has a M.Sc. and a long experience from the IT industry. He joined the maritime world at the Swedish Maritime Administration in 2013 and has had leading roles within the Sea Traffic Management (STM) initiative since. He is currently project manager of STM BALT SAFE. Ulf is the author on several scientific papers on e-Navigation and IT-infrastructures, as well as an appreciated presenter at conferences.
Alan STEWART
Director SMC Design
Alan Stewart has 23 years’ experience in marine architecture, designing and project managing the interiors of Cruise Ships and Passenger Ferries.
As a graduate in Interior Architecture in the 90’s, Alan joined SMC Design and has since worked on the interior design and brand development of both newbuild and refit projects for many of the world’s leading cruise brands. Alan’s vast portfolio of clients include Viking Cruises, DFDS, Cunard, P&O, & NCL to name but a few. Alan’s passion and drive for innovative design have seen him rise to his current position of Company Director. His design experience combined with his industry knowledge have led him to work on numerous ship designs for multiple brands covering the globe.
Peter STÅHLBERG
Managing Director Wasaline
Peter Ståhlberg is a master mariner with a long background in the marine industry. He graduated from Maritime School in 1986, combining his studies in Merchant School and got his Maritime Officers licence and Diploma in Business and Administration the same year.
Peter Ståhlberg was appointed as Fleet Manager at NLC Ferry in April 2013 and became Managing Director in December 2014.
Prior to becoming a landlubber in 2013, Peter sailed 22 years as Captain in all waters on Passenger and Cruise ships, with the speciality of the Captaincy in Polar waters with 5 seasons in Antarctica, and a few seasons in the Arctic and Alaska. Peter has also been involved in many new projects with new shipping lines and commencement of new routes, combined with rebuilding and newbuilding projects in the Cruise Industry.
Peter lives in Vaasa, Finland, and is now back in his hometown after many years abroad. Now acting as Managing Director on the same route between Vaasa – Umeå as he started as a deck boy in 1980. Peter has a great passion to develop the traffic and concept to an own niche in the market and to lead the team ashore and on board with the say – “talent is something – attitude is everything”.
Esa TAKKINEN
Sales Manager North Europe NAPA
Esa Takkinen has been working at NAPA in various roles since 2013. In 2017 he took up his current role as Sales Manager for North Europe. His current responsibilities are to sell and promote NAPA-Onboard products including for example Loading Computer, electronical logbooks and Voyage Optimization software’s.
Before his sales role he worked as Technical Consultant where he got to know the technical side of NAPA products well.
He has an M.Sc. degree in Naval Architecture from Aalto University where he specialized in passenger ship safety and damage stability calculations
Brian THORSTED HANSEN
CEO Fjord Line
2021 – CEO Fjord Line AS
2006-2020 – Vice President, DFDS A/S
2017-2020 - VICE PRESIDENT - HEAD OF BUSINESS UNIT GROUP PASSENGER, DFDS A/S
2012-2017 - VICE PRESIDENT - HEAD OF B.U. PASSENGER & GROUP MARKETING, DFDS A/S
2006-2012 - VICE PRESIDENT - SALES, MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION, DFDS A/S
2002-2006 – MANAGING DIRECTOR – GLOBAL REFUND SVERIGE AB & GLOBAL REFUND DANMARK A/S
1996-2002 – DIRECTOR, SEB KORT AB
Kjetil Dent TRANBERG
Vice President Sales Corvus Energy
Kjetil D. Tranberg joined Corvus Energy in January 2019.
Before joining Corvus Energy, Kjetil held senior management and technical roles within various companies operating in the Norwegian commercial marine industry.
Kjetil holds a Masters degree in Marine Engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Max VAN SOMEREN
Technology Development Manager Austal
Max van Someren leads the team developing MARINELINK-Smart, Perth-based shipbuilder Austal’s revolutionary digital system for improving ferry efficiency and comfort. Max also recently led the launch of MARINELINK-Fleet, the world’s first fleet operations tool designed specifically for ferry operators. MARINELINK-Fleet delivers a live, integrated view of a ferry fleet’s operating environment, schedule, and comfort and fuel performance. Max is a naval architect by background who has spent his career working on the application of new technologies to the maritime industry.
His diverse range of experiences have included the development of novel designs for commercial and naval vessels; advising shipbuilders internationally on the development of ship design and construction technology; developing future underwater warfare concepts for the UK ministry of defence and (most recently) leading the establishment of Austal’s digital technology initiative.
Max graduated from the University of Southampton in the UK with a First Class Degree in Naval Architecture. In his early career he worked on the design of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier, the Independence class littoral combat ship and a variety of other commercial and defence high speed craft. Max then spent three years working for First Marine International, a globally recognised consultant in shipyard design and operations, where he advised over 20 different shipyards internationally on techniques for improving operational efficiency.
In 2011 Max moved to Frazer-Nash Consultancy where he led the company’s underwater technology business. In this role Max successfully established Frazer-Nash Consultancy as a founding member of the UK Ministry of Defence Submarine Design Partnership, tripling the company’s revenue in the underwater technology sector over a five year period.
In 2016 Max re-joined Austal as Technology Development Manager. Today Max has specific responsibility for identifying how emerging digital technologies can help Austal’s customers transform their own operations – reducing costs and increasing revenue for ship operators. Max is passionate about bringing new technology to the maritime industry to deliver more efficient, sustainable and comfortable ships. Max’s other passion is skiing, which he struggles to indulge now that he is based in Perth, Western Australia. He makes do with being a mediocre (but improving) windsurfer instead.
Roger VIMME
Sales Director & Head of Ferry Telenor Maritime
Joining the Ferry Business department of Telenor Maritime in 2014, Roger Vimme has been at the forefront of building an extensive portfolio of communication services for an international ferry fleet of more than 100 vessels. He has contributed to evolving Telenor Maritime’s business from mobile-centric connectivity to its current digital offering.
His prime passion is how different stakeholders can cooperate and innovate by removing existing barriers for digitalisation, thereby strengthening the whole ferry industry and building value for all parties. He is an experienced maritime business professional with a comprehensive career in management, business development, and sales.
Johan WALLÉN
Chief Commercial Officer Ports of Stockholm
Johan Wallén has a background in freight forwarding and container shipping before joining Ports of Stockholm in 2018. He has been Managing Director at Team Lines Sweden for seven years, responsible for the feeder operator’s activities in Sweden and Norway. Before that he lived in St Petersburg and helped the shipping line to set up the Russian branch office.
One of the most important tasks in Johan’s position is to market Ports of Stockholm’s brand new deep sea port - Stockholm Norvik Port.
Stockholm Norvik Port is a roro and container port and opens in May 2020. It is one of the most modern ports in the world with direct access to the fastest growing region in Europe.
Per WESTLING
Managing Director Stena RoRo
Per Westling has been employed by Stena since 1985. In addition to a M.Sc. degree in Naval Architecture from Chalmers Technical University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Per is trained as an Engineer within the Royal Swedish Navy. Within the Stena group he has been project manager for several newbuildings and major conversion projects but also served for five years within the Stena Line Shipmanagement division. In 2001 he moved to Stena RoRo as Conversion Manager, took on the role of Deputy Managing Director in 2008 and subsequently Managing Director in 2011. Mr Westling is since 2013 a board member of Interferry Inc.
Andrew WILLIAMSON
Passenger Operations Manager Portsmouth International Port
Andrew is an experienced maritime professional, who has over two decades of experience in the industry. Originally a deck officer serving on boutique cruise vessels, he then moved to western channel ferry services operating form the UK to Europe. Since coming ashore in 2012, he has held operational positions in both the ferry and cruise industries. In 2015, Andrew joined the team at Portsmouth International Port as a Duty Port Operations Manager, and then in 2020 took on the newly created role of Passenger Operations Manager. He has been instrumental in the port’s development of their cruise offer, as they look to attract 150,000 cruise passengers a year by 2023. The port also has ambition to increase the number of passengers and the volume of freight using the ferry services to France and Spain that operate from Portsmouth, alongside ensuring that the lifeline services to the Channel Islands, which carry 90% of their imports, continue to run smoothly.
Per WIMBY
Project Manager Stena Teknik
With more then 30 years in the shipping business, Per has a long experience in the ferry industry. Since 1995 employed by Stena. MSC in Naval Architect from Chalmers Technical University and MBA from Gothenburg University. Various positions at Stena including: Project leader in the Newbuilding department and Technical Operations Manager at Stena Line Ship management.
Anders ØRGÅRD
Chief Commercial Officer OSK-ShipTech
One of the leading marine consultancy companies in Denmark specialising in ferry design and interiors, maritime risk assessment, the Polar Code and green propulsion technologies.
In 2010 elected Secretary General of Danish Society for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and recently recommended as fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects in London.
He holds a number of positions on international boards and committees, e.g. a member of DNV Ferry Committee and board member of Interferry, where he is active in the World Ferry Safety Committee and represents the organisation at IMO in London.
Anders Ørgård holds a master’s degree in Naval Architecture and Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark.
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