Speakers 2022
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.
Rickard TERNBLOM
Co-moderator
Now a management consultant and advisor, Rickard Ternblom stepped down from the role as the Fjord Line CEO last October after mothballing operations in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. That followed a six year stint during which a successful turn-around was performed, where records on top- and bottom level results as well as passenger- and freight volumes where stated in 2019.
Since starting out as a Management- and Legal Accountant within the Stena Line Group in the mid-nineties, Mr Ternblom has held 7-8 different positions within Stena during the years, including being shipboard as an Onboard Services Manager for four years, later Route Director Norway and several other roles.
Being involved in the ferry shipping business since the 1990’s truly makes Mr Ternblom being able calling himself a “Ferry person”. The passion for creating excellent customer experiences in combination with running efficient operations must be one of the telling tales of Rickard Ternblom.
Privately Ternblom enjoys time in his coastal cabin, riding his off-road motorcycle and being at sea in his pleasure craft in all weathers.
Carl BILDT
Former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden
Carl Bildt is Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, contributing columnist to Washington Post as well as columnist for Project Syndicate. He serves as Senior Advisor to the Wallenberg Foundations in Sweden and is on the Board of Trustees of the RAND Corporation in the US.
He has served as both Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden. March 2021, Mr Carl Bildt was appointed WHO Special Envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator).
Subsequently he served in international functions with the EU and UN, primarily related to the conflicts in the Balkans. He was Co-Chairman of the Dayton peace talks on Bosnia and become the first High Representative in the country. Later, he was the Special Envoy of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to the region.
Jim ANDERSON
Director of Vessels Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited
Jim was appointed Director of Vessels in April 2016. Jim is a Chartered Engineer; a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Jim has over 35 years’ experience in the maritime industry; working in senior management roles for shipbuilders, ship owners and design consultants.
Aleksander ASKELAND
Chief Sales Officer Yara Marine Technologies
Aleksander has worked for the broader Yara group since 2016, starting in the Industrial segment for the Environmental Solutions business unit, then managing the Animal Nutrition business unit. Prior to joining Yara, Aleksander worked four years as Director for Sales & Business Development for Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani in Svalbard and before that, six years for the Boston Consulting Group. Aleksander holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts from Oxford University.
Jens BALTSERSEN
Senior Project Manager DFDS
Jens Peter Baltsersen has been employed by DFDS since 2017 as Senior Project Manager – Naval Architect, and has after completing the new building project of 6 large Ro-Ro vessels for the company (Jinling Shipyard, Nanjing, P.R.C.) now been assigned as PM for the PGV2025 project – to ensure that DFDS has a green vessel operating in 2025.
Prior to joining DFDS, Jens Peter Baltsersen have had positions in Maersk (also PM for newbuilding projects), Lloyds Register (Senior Surveyor in Charge) etc., altogether 29 years in the maritime industry in Denmark.
Parallel with the professional career, Jens Peter Baltsersen has during the last 20+ years been an active expert on stability issues, assisting DMA at both IMO and EU matters and is presently having the role as Stability Chair within Interferry.
Mathias BERNANDER
Chief Marketing Officer Port of Kristiansand
Mathias Bernander is the Chief Marketing Officer at the Port of Kristiansand. He has held that position since 2018. Prior to 2018 he served in the port as the Public Relations Manager.
The Port of Kristiansand is Norway's second largest ferry port, and offers 5 sailings per day to the Port of Hirtshals in Denmark and three weekly departures to Eemshaven, NL. Bernander has been in charge of the new strategy plan for the port setting out an ambition to be Norway most modern and environmental friendly ferry port. He has also held key roles in the Norwegian Port Association such as chair of the public relations committee.
Bernander has in addition to his work in the Port of Kristiansand held several prominent elected positions. He has been a member of the Agder county council transport committee, deputy member of the Norwegian Parliament, board member of the regional public transportation company, AKT and member of the North Sea Commission transportation group. Today he holds elected positions as the chair of the committee for industry, climate and environment in the Agder country council, member of the European Policy Forum for the Norwegian government and as a delegate for the North Sea Commission general council.
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.
Torsten BUSSOW
Managing Director, Electrical & Power Systems Business, Wärtsilä
Dr. Torsten Bussow manages Wärtsilä's electric & power systems business which includes electric drive solutions such as diesel-electric, hybrid, zero emission, shaft generator and shore connection systems. He has been bringing new technologies, often around digital innovations, into shipping for over 13 years as business unit director in DNV GL and Wartsila. Before that he ran digitalisation and strategy transformation projects in a global consultancy brand.
Roberto CHIESA
Head of Business Development Marine GF Piping systems
Roberto Chiesa has over 18 years of experience in the maritime industry and a deep knowhow of piping onboard. Responsible for business development of the Cruise and Ferry industry within GF since 2012 and in constant contact with classification companies (IACS) to enlarge the application scope of thermoplastic piping systems onboard. During the last two decades, the supported ferry operators and shipyards around the globe in converting from traditional materials to new, corrosion-free piping technologies.
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.
Laurent DUPUIS
VP Product Management ShorePower Cavotec
In his role, Laurent, pilots the business strategy and the product roadmap for Cavotec’s ShorePower and e-vessels charging solutions.
Laurent has over 15 years of experience in the electrical manufacturing industry with a diverse skillset in Innovation, Engineering, Marketing and Sales. He specializes in developing and delivering innovative, digital and energy efficient solutions to customers.
Before his Product Manager role, Laurent served as Global Account Manager, Marine Segment Director and Technology & Innovation Director in a global and market leading electrical equipment manufacturer.
He holds a M.Sc. degree in Innovation & Engineering from MINES ParisTech, France.
Sebastian EBBING
Technical Advisor Climate, Marine fuels, Innovation and Funding German Shipowners’ Association
As Technical Advisor at German Shipowners'Association, Sebastian Ebbing provides profound technical expertise to the ongoing regulatory developments on EU and IMO-Level.
With his background in nautical science, marine engineering and international maritime management he is dedicated on regulatory climate-protection affairs, the maritime energy transition incl. the development of alternative climate-neutral fuel strategies, digitalization and innovation projects in shipping.
Sebastian Ebbing´s technical expertise is accompanied by experience in fleet performance management within a globally operating shipping company.
The German Shipowners' Association (VDR) is a leading professional association within the German business community. It was founded in 1907 by the regional shipowners’ associations in order to enable them to have common and uniform representation of their interests. Today, the VDR represents the German maritime shipping segment not only in Berlin and Bonn, but also in Brussels, London, Geneva and at global level. With its over 150 member companies from different shipping sectors, the association represents the German shipping industry, which currently boasts the world’s fifth-largest merchant fleet. As an employers’ association, it conducts collective bargaining and social partner negotiations.
Sebastian Ebbing is founding- and board member of the “Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Logistics” situated at Jade University of Applied Science, where he is lecturing on Maritime Technologies with special focus on climate neutral shipping and alternative propulsion technologies.
Håkan ENLUND
EVP, Sales and Marketing Rauma Marine Constructions
Håkan Enlund graduated as M.Sc. (Applied Mechanics) from the University of Oulu, Faculty of Technology. His career started 1981 with the performance yacht builder Baltic Yachts. Within the Hollming group he was the key person in establishing the new Materials Technology Division, where he took on the management responsibility for the fairing hulls of the MIR I and II deep-sea submersible research vessels project. Mr. Enlund has in his 35 year carrier in the Shipbuilding Industry, carried management responsibilities for car and passenger ferries as well as special vessel technology development and sales. He is one of the key executive persons in Rauma Marine Constructions Oy since the new shipbuilding company’s beginning in 2014. Mr Enlund holds positions of trust as board member of Interferry, chairman of the DNV Ferry Committee and advisory board member of the Aalto University, Research Centre of Excellence for Arctic Shipping and Operations.
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.
Adam FLYNN
VP of Engineering Seachange
Adam started his career in Silicon Valley, building eCommerce giant Wish from nothing to a multi-billion dollar company. After a sabbatical to sail the Pacific, Adam’s passion for sailing and ocean sustainability brought him to Seachange, where innovative designs with a step-change improvement in efficiency make decarbonisation of high speed ferries the more profitable solution.
Brian FULTON
Head of Business Support at CMAL and Executive Director of the Scottish Maritime Cluster
Joining CMAL in early 2021, Brian brings more than 30 years’ experience in the Maritime Sector having started his career with Caledonian MacBrayne in the late 1980s while working towards his degree in Accountancy at the University of Glasgow. Following graduation, he worked in a variety of roles in the sector including Operations Director and Regional Management.
Most recently Brian has undertaken the roles of Port Director and non-Executive Director with Solent Gateway Ltd, based in Marchwood port, the UK’s main military logistics supply port, successfully overseeing the transition from a military port to a commercially focussed port.
Brian also created the role of Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement for CalMac Ferries Ltd, setting up the CalMac Community Board. He led the operations team in the successful bid for the latest west coast ferry contract and, as Operations Director, he has represented CalMac internationally at conferences and on the Board of the Interferry Operators Policy Committee.
Brian has recently completed an MBA with distinction from the University of Strathclyde Business School specialising in Leadership Studies. He is an Executive Director with the Scottish Maritime Cluster and Head of Business Support for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL).
Steffen GAU
Marine New Construction Lloyd's Register
Steffen's established experience in ship new construction and consultancy from working at university institutes, marine gearbox manufacturer and marine classification society. In his marine new construction role Steffen works with shipbuilders, ship operators and naval architectural consultants.
Through his involvement in new construction concepts, projects and contracts with European shipbuilders and boatyards he is knowledgeable about project definition, ship design procedures and shipbuilding process planning. In addition, he works with industry partners and academia on national and international research and development as well as joint industry projects.
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.
Jan HANSES
CEO Viking Line
President and CEO of Viking Line since 2014 and joined the Company in 1988.
Born in 1961
Executive Vice President, Viking Line Abp 2005–2014
Deputy CEO, Viking Line Abp 2008–2014
General Counsel and Head of Human Resources, Viking Line Abp 2005–2014
Director, Legal Matters, Viking Line Abp 1990–2005
Lawyer, SF Line Ab 1988–1990
Circuit Court Clerk, judicial circuit of Mustasaari (Korsholm) 1987–1988
Chairman of the Board, Viking Rederi AB
Chairman of the Board, Viking Line Skandinavien AB
Chairman of the Board, Finlandshamnen Stuveri AB
Member of the Board, Försäkringsaktiebolaget Alandia
Member of the Board, Försäkringsaktiebolaget Liv-Alandia
Member of the Board, Finnish Shipowners’ Association
Member of the Board, Sjöfartens Arbetsgivareförbund
Member of the Board, Ålands Tidnings-Tryckeri Ab
Member, Bimco Documentary Committee
Member, Law Committee, Swedish Shipowners' Association
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.
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.
Michael Rosenlund LANGBALLE
Head of Transport & Logistics Port of Hirtshals
Head of Transport and Logistics at the Port of Hirtshals since 2021. Been a part of a development team of since 2019, with focus on Multimodal Transport.
Have been at the Port of Hirtshals since 2005 in different positions, mainly in Port Operations as a Port Officer and have also been in charge of the Port Operations.
Responsible for the port security as the PSO (Port Security Officer)
Background:
Educated as a Master Mariner in 1991, Started as an officer in the Maersk Company and afterwards in the Ferry Company Mols-Linjen until 2005
The Port of Hirtshals is a major ferry and RoRo port in Denmark with up to 9 daily sailings to different ports in Norway and three weekly sailings to Faroe Island and Iceland. Port of Hirtshals is also a part of Ten-T Core network on the ScandMed Corridor.
Robin MEECH
Managing Director Marine and Energy Consulting
Robin Meech is Managing Director of Marine and Energy Consulting, an independent consultancy established in 2001 focusing on the marine industry with a particular interest in the bunker sector. The company’s work frequently centres around providing insight into the future marine operating environment. This is particularly relevant at this time of immense changes: as we accommodate the impact of 2020, react to the devastating economic contraction due to the pandemic and as we plan for the decarbonisation of marine transport. These issues are paramount in strategic decision making.
MECL advises governments, international agencies, oil companies large and small, the ship owning and operating community as well as the supply side of the bunker sector. The emergence of an even wider range of fuels and identifying the routes to their take up are presenting unique questions particularly for those making strategic decision where MECL is being retained to help add confidence and insight.
Robin Meech has particular insight into the regulatory environment regularly attending IMO meetings as well interacting with EU regulators. He has acted as an advisor to IMO of environmental issues and studies.
Robin Meech is co-author of the book entitled “Bunkers – An analysis of the Technical and Environmental Issues” and is a past chairman of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).
Roman MORGENSTERN
Marketing and Project Director Ukrferry
Was born in the family of chief engineer who spent over 40 years at sea.
Roman graduated Odessa Maritime University shipbuilding dept. but works mainly in operation and administration of shipping business creating from the very first steps Ukrferry, which became the biggest ferry company of the Black Sea.
His position is covering wide range of activities from marketing, strategy planning to development and start-up operation of company routes and projects.
He is managing chartering, S&P, ship's conversions, M&A, partnerships, investors and governmental relations and others since middle 1990-th.
Roman is one of the founders of Ukrferry and is one of the present company shareholders having particular experience in development and operation of ro-ro/ro-pax and cruise ferry lines in Black Sea region through more than 20 years period.
One of his babies is Odessa Maritime Encyclopedia - comprehensive book published by Ukrferry in 2013 to retain maritime traditions and heritage of Odessa city.
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.
Paavo NÕGENE
CEO Tallink Grupp
Chairman of the Management Board since 01.05.2018, Chief Executive Officer.
Secretary-General, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia, from 2013 to 2018. General Manager of Vanemuine Theatre, Estonia from 2007 to 2012. Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of the Art Museum of Estonia, the Estonian Film Institute, Estonian Drama Theatre and Vanemuine Theatre. Member of the Supervisory Boards of Estonian Public Broadcasting, Estonian National Opera, the Gambling Tax Council. Graduated from the University of Tartu, Estonia, in 2012 with a degree in Journalism and Communications.
Carsten NØRLAND
Carsten Nørland was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Scandlines in 2021.
Carsten came from a position as Senior Vice President International in Royal Unibrew, heading the group commercial agenda.
Before his seven years at Royal Unibrew, Carsten held senior management positions with responsibility for all commercial activities at Copenhagen Airports, following positions as Sales Director at Flüggerand Masterfoods/MARS Inc.
Carsten has experience from international infrastructure companies as well as extensive commercial knowledge within sales and marketing –particularly within retail and consumer goods.
Carsten Nørland was born in 1969. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Economics and Business Administrationfrom Copenhagen Business School.
Max OLSON
CEO and founder Seachange
Max is the CEO and founder of electric hydrofoil builder, Seachange, and here he leads the build of the world’s first hydrofoiling RoPax ferry in New Zealand. This build is currently underway and represents a new era of sea crossing, as it enables emission free high-speed sailing in open water conditions over range.
With a career founding successful hardware start-ups, Max is passionate about environmental sustainability and has a natural affinity with the ocean. His role also encompasses CTO responsibilities at Seachange, and he is a leader in practical engineering solutions to decarbonise the maritime industry which are both economical and sustainable.
Linus OLSSON
Managing Director Rederi AB Ventrafiken
Linus has worked for Rederi AB Ventrafiken for about ten years. The last four years as Managing Director, but he previously had the position as Operational Manager for the company. He received his Master Mariner degree at Marstal Navigational School and Business Knowledge at EFL Executive Education. Linus is still active as a Master Mariner on the company's vessels.
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
Spiros PASCHALIS
CEO Attica Group
Spiros Paschalis is the CEO and an Executive member of the Board of Directors of Attica Group, a leading maritime group based in Greece that operates 32 vessels in the Greek domestic market and on the Greece-Italy routes through the brands of SUPERFAST FERRIES, BLUE STAR FERRIES and HELLENIC SEAWAYS. He is also the General Manager of AFRICA MOROCCO LINK (AML) operating since June 2016 connecting Morocco and Spain.
He is the Vice President of the Greek Passenger Shipping Association (SEEN) participating as an elected member of the BoD since 2009. In February 2014, he was elected as a member of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping representing the Passenger Shipping sector.
Being part of the passenger shipping industry as from 1996, he has a 25 year experience holding previously the position of Authorized Director and CEO of the well – recognized brands BLUE STAR FERRIES and SUPERFAST FERRIES respectively.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the American College of Greece and he further extended his financial educational background in London where he graduated from Cass Business School (City University) holding an MBA degree in Finance.
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.
Athanasios PORFYRIS
CEO Igoumenitsa Port Authority S.A.
Athanasios Porfyris is CEO of Igoumenitsa Port Authority S.A., since October 2019.
Igoumenitsa Port is a major hub in the Adriatic Sea Region, geographically is the closest sea connection from Greece to Italy and an important link for passenger and freight flows for Western Europe via the Orient - East Med TEN-T Corridor.
Mr. Porfyris is a Civil Engineer in the field of design and construction of infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects & especially photovoltaic systems and sustainable development activities.
Luke PRETLOVE
Technical manager Austal
Luke Pretlove is a naval architect with over 16 years' experience in high speed ferry design and aluminium shipbuilding. Luke is based in the UK and is a member of Austal's R&D team, which is focused on decarbonisation, advanced hull forms, motion control, manufacturing efficiency, autonomy and data science.
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.
Jens Meinhard RASMUSSEN
CEO Smyril Line and Skansi Offshore.
In 2006, Jens Meinhard Rasmussen joined Skansi Offshore as CEO. In 2008, Mr Rasmussen joined the Board of Directors of Smyril Line and from 2011 to 2021 he was Chairman of the Board.
in 2021, he became CEO of Smyril Line. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board, Shipowners of the Faroe Islands and Board Member of ICS, Faroe Islands.
Mr. Rasmussen began his career as a Marine Officer, finishing his Masters Examination in 1997. Mr. Rasmussen also holds a degree of law (LLM) from the University of Copenhagen.
Johan ROOS
Director of Regulatory Affairs, Interferry
Johan Roos is the Director of Regulatory Affairs for the trade association Interferry. He holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Between 2011 and 2019 he ran the Interferry Brussels office and currently oversees all of Interferry’s involvement with the International Maritime Organization and the European Union. Johan works in close relation with the European Community Shipowners Association, the International Chamber of Shipping and other maritime interest groups.
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.
Mårten SCHEI-NILSSON
Area Manager DNV
Mårten is an Area Manager in DNV, one of the world’s leading classification societies, where he is heading the maritime operations in the Nordic countries except for Norway. Having work with DNV for the past 12.5 years he has held several positions within approval, classification development and management. Before taking over as an Area Manager in May 2021 he most recently worked with fire safety and lifesaving appliances and has through that work come across several of the most pressing safety challenges the ferry community are facing.
Mårten is driven by working with safety and to collaborate with the maritime industry on its path to net-zero emissions. He holds a master’s degree in Naval Architecture from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
Peter SCHILD
Director Marine Fuels Proman
In his current role, Peter leads Proman’s work along the full length of the clean shipping supply chain.
Peter has worked for the Proman family of companies since 1992. As a mechanical engineer and Project Manager, he has overseen a number of Proman’s world-scale methanol and ammonia plants, including the construction and commissioning of the then world’s largest methanol plant, M5000 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Prior to taking up his current role, Peter was Project Management Director in Proman’s Dusseldorf office, responsible for acquisition and project development work for Proman projects around the world.
Peter holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Hochschule Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences.
Eivind SOLVANG
Technical Department Manager Norled
Eivind was appointed Technical Department Manager at ferry and express boat company Norled in 2020. He has previously held positions such as Project Manager and Superintendent. Eivind holds a nautical education degree for Teknisk fagskole in Stavanger, Norway. He worked as captain on several Norled ferries before joining Norled’s technical department.
David SOPTA
President of the Management board Jadrolinija
David Sopta is president of the management board of Jadrolinija, Croatia’s largest passenger shipping company with a 100 year long tradition. He graduated as a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and has finished Postgraduate study from the Faculty of Economics and Business. Prior to Jadrolinija, he was Manager of International Affairs at an international marketing agency. During his professional career David was Deputy Minister in Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was also Board Member of the Croatian largest insurance company. Through his career he gained experience in management of foreign investments and capital projects. Furthermore, David has a large experience in business development and corporate management with high sense of initiative and entrepreneurship.
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.
Allan Sonne SØRENSEN
Partner & CEO EHRENBERG SØRENSEN Kommunikation
Allan Sonne Sørensen is CEO & Partner at the international communications agency dedicated to ferry shipping with offices in Denmark, Sweden & Germany. Drawing on his international background, Allan has worked together with clients across all markets of the agency and has experience in corporate communication for transport and hospitality companies.
With almost 10 years of experience as an advisor, Allan is determined to ensure that everyone at the agency give their best and never forget that communication only makes sense, when it makes a real difference for the business of the clients. Allan is eager on raising the bar and challenging clients on their communication.
Allan joined the agency in 2010 and has previously worked with international communication and PR for the Danish design company Vipp and the national tourism organisation VisitDenmark. Allan has a BA in Communication & Business Language and a Master Degree in International Communication.
Billy THALHEIMER
CEO REGENT
Billy is an experienced aerospace business leader and market strategist with a background in flight physics. After his MIT graduate work on advanced aircraft design, and stints at Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, Billy joined Aurora Flight Sciences, the Boeing subsidiary focused on rapid prototyping. There Billy led the flight physics team for the Boeing PAV electric air taxi before transitioning to program management and business development. Billy brings his experience leading strategy and execution across future mobility verticals including test flight, future product design, and component development to REGENT as its CEO.
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.
Robin TOMREN
Executive Vice President Color Line
Growing up in a community where the majority of the population was working in the maritime industry, the interest was formed from early days. After completing a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc from NTNU in 1998 in Naval architecture, the career has been in the maritime industry. Experiences include working in shipyards, maritime equipment suppliers and shipowners. Robin started as project manager at Color Line in 2017 for the construction of the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship COLOR HYBRID and became Director Marine Operations after project completion, followed by promotion to Executive Vice President Marine operation. Color Line is Norway’s largest ferry operator and one of the larger ones in Northern Europe, with a dominant market share for seaborne passenger traffic to and from Norway.
Roger TRINTERUD
Sales Director passenger segment Kongsberg Maritime
As Sales Director, Roger Trinterud leads the passenger segment within Kongsberg Maritime. He has a long career in the company where he started as a service engineer in 1996, worked as a project manager for conversions, sold bridge equipment in Asia and worked as a regional sales manager both in Europe and based in Singapore.
Roger was part of the team, establishing Kongsberg as a strong supplier in the Megayacht market, and has the last years driven initiatives to introduce technology derived from the autonomous development, such as automatic docking, motion prediction and situational awareness, into the passenger market.
Originally educated ships electrician, and with a degree in Mechatronics, and later a Master of Management from BO Norwegian Business School.
Roger enjoy downhill skiing in the wintertime, occasional woodworking, and he hope to finish the rebuild of his Italian Motorcycle this summer.
James UNDEN
Lead Naval Architect Kockumation
James Undén is the Lead Naval Architect at Kockumation, a Malmö-based company specializing in niche products revolving around their core knowledge in maritime software automation, acoustics and mechatronics. James’s focus area at Kockumation is the development and modernization of the loading computer software LOADMASTER X5 which is currently installed on more than 5,000 vessels in the world shipping fleet. Part of this work is making sure the program is up to date with lates rules & regulations. A major project in recent years has been the development of the LOADMASTER X5 TYPE 4 compliant with Safe Return to Port (SRtP) regulations, which have been implemented following multiple serious incidents onboard passenger vessels. This advanced type of loading computer will assist the Captain and crew to make quicker, more reliable and fact-based decisions in an emergency situation.
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.
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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