Abdullah Alanazi is a distinguished IT project manager and wireless communications expert
at Aramco. With a wealth of experience spanning over 12 years, he has successfully overseen
and delivered diverse IT projects, showcasing his expertise in the network infrastructure,
security, and automation. Abdullah holds a master’s degree in telecommunication engineering
from the university of southern California and an MBA from King Fahd University of petroleum
and Minerals. He has a keen interest in emerging technologies and trends in the domains of IT
and wireless networks.
John Cumming II ARTEMIS – Head of business Development for the Workboats sector
John joined Artemis Technologies following a career serving as an Infantry officer in the British Army
where he planned, lead and managed overseas deployments and operations. Latterly John lead a
team in an innovation hub for specialist users where he managed multiple technology projects and
successfully brought novel technology from the R&D stage to operational deployment.
John holds qualifications in project management, risk management, corporate finance and is a
chartered manager with CMI. He is an experienced sailor and mountaineer and paraglider.
John is Head of the workboats sector within the business development team; he works across
Offshore Wind, Crew Transfer and Port operations.
Kim Haaning II Port-Safety – Co-Founder & Managing Director
Kim Haaning has +30 years global experience in the maritime industry. His background includes a couple of decades working for A.P.Moller – Maersk and Viking Life-Saving Equipment with postings in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Having founded Port-Safety in 2017 Kim is the Managing Director of the company focused on saving lives.
This is achieved by innovating solutions to improve safety along quay walls, and at the same time the ambition is to do so with a CO2 footprint as low as possible. Kim has an eMBA from IMD in Switzerland.
For the conference Kim will be bringing no less than two game-changing, world premiering product innovations.
Both are aimed at saving lives and reducing the CO2 footprint.
Paul Marks II UK Hydrographic Office – Head of UK Data Partnerships
As Head of Ports Partnering and Engagement at the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), Paul is responsible
for developing and maintaining partnerships with UK data suppliers including ports and harbours.
On behalf of the UKHO, Paul works to facilitate and improve data exchange for the benefit of both parties.
Paul has worked at the UKHO for 18 years and has extensive experience and knowledge of marine geospatial
data from seabed to surface. Paul joined the organisation as a cartographer and has since worked in various
roles within the business including Research and Development Engineer, Seabed Mapping Product Manager
and Concept Development Manager.
Leveraging his experience, Paul currently specialises in engaging with ports and harbours to help build a safe,
efficient, and thriving port sector. This includes collaborating with partners to further the UKH’s understanding
of the evolving needs of ports, establishing new opportunities for collaboration, and supporting the development
of new data standards.
Coen Eggermont II RHDHV – DMA expert
Coen Eggermont is an expert in ship hydromechanics and Product Owner of RHDHV’s Smart Mooring.
His focus lies on the motions of moored ships in ports and coastal areas. He obtained is MSc in Hydraulic
Structures Engineering from the Delft University of Technology. At Royal HaskoningDHV, he is an expert in
the field of Dynamic Mooring Analysis and its integration with digital tooling and software. Coen focusses
on the translation of results from computational models to actionable insights for port authorities and terminal
operators. He has published papers on safe mooring of vessels and design optimisation.
Captain Matthew Easton II ISPO – Pilot, Chair IUG of ISPO / Bridge Resource Manaament for Pilots
Evgeny Marakasov is a dedicated systems engineer and project manager with many years of experience in managing complex shore-based systems.
Currently, he is a Technology Consultant at Rim Systems, specializing in Vessel Traffic Management (VTS/VTMS), Coastal Surveillance (CSS) and C2I, Offshore Monitoring Systems (OMS) and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). He has been personally involved in over 40 projects,
predominantly VTS/VTMS, Maritime Domain Awareness, and GMDSS, all over the world, with a particular concentration on the Middle East, Black Sea, Caspian region, East Africa, and South Asia.
Evgey Marakasov II Rim Systems – Technology Consultant
Evgeny Marakasov is a dedicated systems engineer and project manager with
many years of experience in managing complex shore-based systems.
Currently, he is a Technology Consultant at Rim Systems, specializing in
Vessel Traffic Management (VTS/VTMS), Coastal Surveillance (CSS) and
C2I, Offshore Monitoring Systems (OMS) and Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS). He has been personally involved in over 40 projects,
predominantly VTS/VTMS, Maritime Domain Awareness, and GMDSS, all over
the world, with a particular concentration on the Middle East, Black Sea, Caspian
region, East Africa, and South Asia.
Captain Yoss Leclerc II LCI – Logistro Consulting International
Captain Yoss Leclerc has over 35 years of experience in the maritime world. Port operations, logistics,
transportation and technology are many of the areas he has shared his expertise.
During his career at sea, Captain Yoss Leclerc was specialized in gas carriers and oil tankers. Ashore,
he has had the opportunity to work and collaborate in the strategic development of several major
Canadian Port Authorities, such as, Port Metro Vancouver, the Port of Montreal and the Port of Quebec.
Throughout his many years in the maritime sector, he used his experience to develop strategic, tactical,
and sustainable operational solutions in response to a multitude of complex and diverse problems related
to safety, security, decarbonization, environmental protection and the human factor.
The position as President of the International Harbour Masters’ Association has enabled him to work on
various international maritime issues with Canadian governmental organizations such as Transport Canada
and the Canadian Coast Guard, and international organizations such as IMO, ILO, IPA and IALA.
As President & CEO of Logistro Consulting International, Capt. Leclerc has been involved in a myriad of
programs and projects around the globe that offered him the unique opportunity to understand the idiosyncrasies
of many countries, regions, maritime industries and ports. Hence, he has the ability to develop tailored solutions
for different issues or challenges not withstanding sustainable development and optimization.
As far as technical studies are concerned, Yoss has been involved in a myriad of projects in collaboration with
international recognized institutions such as WB, IMO’s MASS Correspondence Group, the BugWright2 Senior
Advisory Group (World Maritime University) and the PIANC International Working Groups
As far as academia is concerned, Capt. Leclerc, has been teaching at the Marine Institute of Memorial University
(Newfoundland), with the Canadian Royal Navy and provided lectures at University Laval (Quebec). Yoss has also
published several studies related to maritime domain and is both a peer reviewer with the International Regional
Science Review Academic Journal and member of the National Research Council Canada (e.g., Enabling MASS
in Canadian Waters).
Yoss holds a Master Certificate (FG), a BSc., a Master of Business Administration with specialization in logistics
and transportation. He is currently undertaking his Ph.D. in Maritime Studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
He is focusing on the effects and advancements of digitalization in the maritime domain.
Yoss also sits on several Board of Directors, including the Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board and the
International Sailor Society of Canada. He is also involved with Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association’s
mentoring program.
Prema Bhautoo II DHI – Head of Digital Port Services
Prema is a senior marine engineer with 15 years’ experience and a specialist MBA in Maritime & International Logistics. With a background in numerical modelling of dynamic moored vessel behaviour, Prema has several technical publications in this field. Fuelled by an interest to apply technology to better understand and resolve challenges in the maritime space, Prema has been a leading part of tech collaborations with Federal level organisations such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority & the Danish State Pilotage agency; to global operators such as APMT and ICTSI; and individual ports & terminals across the world. Day to day Prema’s team works closely with maritime operators to identify weather based risk and helps to evaluate risk mitigation options using science based decision support. Prema’s key skillset is the ability to translate highly technical information into actionable, operational advice, driving stakeholder understanding, acceptance and institutional change.
Vikesh Dhanpat is an experienced professional with a decade of history working in the maritime industry. He has worked on various innovation and technical projects at container terminals ranging from the Americas, Middle East, Europe and Asia. In addition, he has worked for Maersk Line, the largest container shipping company, combining his in-depth knowledge of terminals to help improve the supply chain for global customers. He is now the Regional Product Manager EMEA for MoorMaster at Cavotec, supporting various terminals to automate the mooring process at their facilities. Vikesh has a Master of Science in engineering from the Technical University of Delft.
Khashayar Saravandi-Rad II FREQUENTIS – Vice President
Khashy Saravandi-Rad is Vice President Maritime and has been responsible for the Maritime business at Frequentis since 2012. He worked as consultant for network and data base solutions before he joined Frequentis over 25 years ago. Khashy started with TETRA development, project management and new business development for TETRA solutions. With an increased level of responsibility since 2005 he changed to the Maritime department and implemented several projects. His experience of the last two decades in communication, information, and control room solutions he uses to focus on further growth of the Maritime Business Unit worldwide. Mr. Saravandi-Rad holds a master’s degree in computer science from the Technical University in Vienna. He has 2 children, in his free time he enjoys activities like jogging, mountain biking, sailing, and travelling.
Andreea Hronec II FREQUENTIS – Strategic Product Manager
Andreea Hronec is Strategic Product Manager and Domain Sales for the Frequentis’ Maritime product
suite MarTRXTM. She has been working within the Frequentis Group for more than 3 years focusing
on the Incident Management System for Search and Rescue operations and has been appointed in
September 2022 to support the strategic product management for the entire Frequentis maritime
product portfolio. Understanding the mission-critical responsibilities of the customers and enabling
them to perform time-effective operations and save lives with the support of a state-of-the art system
is her passion and key mission at Frequentis.
Prior to Frequentis, Andreea accumulated 10 years of experience in international Sales and Business
Development, following her studies in International Management and Marketing at the University of Vienna.
Milembe Mateyo II Amsterdam-IJmuiden – Harbormaster
Milembe Mateyo is state harbormaster for the Amsterdam-IJmuiden region since 2019. She started her career as an urban planner in the same region and switched to the Port of Amsterdam in 2009. Her interest is the logistics of shipping and the role that harbors play in the development of a region. Amsterdam evolved around the shipping industry 750 years ago and will continue te do so the coming centuries. Within the Port of Amsterdam she had different roles, starting as a manager in vessel traffic control to harbormaster the past 4 years. Her special interest is the cooperation between private and public stakeholders to enhance safe, efficient and sustainable shipping operations.
Sarah Cockroft II OceanWise – Oceanographer
Sarah is an experienced oceanographer with 15 years of experience of collecting and managing
metocean data. She has spent the majority of her career working in the coastal and offshore wind
sectors from the perspective of metocean data acquisition, analysis, interpretation and advice. She
progressed within Fugro (Emu) from graduate to management level and brought that experience
and eye for detail to OceanWise in November 2023. At OceanWise Sarah has quickly become and
essential member of the team and draws on her wide range of skills to manage the day to day running
of the Monitoring Business Stream including project management, business development, site visits,
installations and the ongoing management of the growing monitoring team.
Tommy Mikkelsen – Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure – Managing Director
The Managing Director of Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure’s Navigation and Piloting operations in
Denmark, Tommy is a dedicated technology enthusiast with a profound commitment to advancing
modern piloting systems over the past few decades. Bringing over 25 years of experience in the marine
industry and a background in software engineering, Tommy is the visionary creator of the Trelleborg’s
SafePilot Piloting System – a globally recognized market leader among portable pilot systems.
Nancy Scheijven – Tidalis – Managing Director EMEA
After starting of as a consultant in public services, Nancy joined Rijkswaterstaat in 2010. After being Director in Human Resource Management and Communication, she switched to assetmanagement and after that in 2017 she became the Director of Vessel Traffic Management and Watermanagement for Rijkswaterstaat in the Netherlands. In 2023 she joined Tidalis. She became a supplier whereas she formerly was the client for VTS-systems at Rijkswaterstaat. She is looking forward to put her experience as a client and as a former HR-director to the maritime traffic management in European, Middel East and African markets.
Björn Coster – Kongsberg Norcontrol – Market Manager for VTS & Port Systems
Björn Coster has a MSc degree in Electrical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. He has worked with projects internationally in several companies and joined Kongsberg Norcontrol in 2011. In Kongsberg, Björn first worked as a Project Manager for maritime surveillance projects world wide before taking the role as Managing Director for Kongsberg Norcontrol’s entity in Singapore. In 2021 he took on the roles as Market Manager for VTS & Port Systems.
Simon Mortensen – Seaport OPX Pty Ltd – Vice President Ports and Terminals
Mr Mortensen is a Principal Coastal Marine Engineer with 17 years experience in supporting Port and Maritime Industry with safe and efficient solutions for operating large commerical vessel in restricted water ways and at berth. As Vice President for DHIs Global Ports and Terminal division he is leading a global team located in offices across 7 countries which services ports with operational NCOS ONLINE services across 5 continents and technical advisory services across 6 continents. His extensive work to date with port operators and maritime authorities has created a new generation of phyicis based desicision support services that awarded him the Engineers Australias Most Innovative Award in both 2016 and 2018 as well as the AAPA Lighthouse Award in 2021.
Miranda Sagel – Port of Rotterdam – Deputy Harbour Master
Miranda’s career within the Division of the Harbourmaster started 15 years ago when she had the privilege to be the first female manager of the Division, responsible for the sedepartment Patrol Vessels, with tasks in supervision, enforcement and calamity abatement. Since then she has continuously expanded her expertise in managing operational departments in the organization. In 2016 she started as manager of the Harbour Co-ordination Centre and since 2023 she is Deputy Harbourmaster. Her background before she started working for the harbourmaster lies in Human Resources, organizational development, people- and change management. So she doesn’t have this typical nautical profile which you may expect from a harbourmaster, but her somewhat divergent perspective is of added value and highly appreciated.
BEN VAN SCHERPENZEEL – ITPCO – Director Nautical Developments, Policy and Plans
Ben van Scherpenzeel, director nautical developments, policy and plans Port of Rotterdam He has spent 15 years at sea: · 3 years on tankers and reefer vessels as a deck officer · 12 years on cruise vessels as a deck officer, staff captain, and project manager of new build programs He joined the Port of Rotterdam in 2004. His present responsibilities are optimization of port operations, port information, including being Chairman of the International Taskforce Port Call Optimization, Chairman Shipping Advisory board North Sea, Project Officer of the International Harbour Master Association and Vice-Chair of the IMO GIA Low Carbon Shipping group – work stream Ship Port Interface
Lisa Lamont – Belfast Harbour – VTS Supervisor
Bringing over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, I currently hold the position as VTS Supervisor at Belfast Harbour. Recently earning my Harbour Masters Diploma, I am committed to refining my expertise and skills in this ever-evolving domain. Driven by a dedication to excellence and a passion for diversity, I actively support gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated roles. By encouraging an inclusive workplace environment, I aim to inspire the upcoming generation of maritime professionals to pursue their passions fearlessly, breaking down barriers along the way
Olga Davletalieva – Head of Ports Advisory Services – Wärtsilä
Port Digitilization and Optimization professional with extensive hands-on experience in the Port and Maritime Industry. She has focused her career on providing business expertise, developing Ports strategies, leadership development and managing project at all scales. Over the past 24 months, she was responsible for the successful delivery of Port Optimization solutions for Tanger Med Port Authority, Associated British Ports, Southern Ports and many more ports around the globe. Olga currently serves as the Head of Ports Advisory Services, focusing on the Port’s efficiency with a portfolio of existing market-leading solutions and expanding on the maritime services by building strategic partnerships, diversifying operations, and bringing innovative solutions to the marine sector. Olga is a solution-driven leader and industry advocate of Port Call Optimization and Port Digitization strategy. She is passionate about the expansion of digitalization and JIT with the end goal of reducing the impact of Ports on the environment.
Cécile Zanette – CEO – MSM OCEAN
Cécile Zanette joined MSM as a Business Development Manager in 2016 working mostly with North American, European, African and Asian markets. With a Master’s degree in International Business and Negotiation, Cécile has extensive experience in managing international projects and relationships. During her time in MSM, she has received extensive training on Aids to Navigation solutions and has been in charge of leading the design, development and implementation of several beaconing projects over the world including custom-design complex projects. In addition, since 2020, she is the CEO of MSM’s Oceanographic Division, MSM Ocean, where she works with her team as well as external collaborators, to develop solutions, including floating (data buoys) and onshore systems, to measure and transmit meteorological, oceanographic and environmental parameters for different applications. She also has specialized knowledge on MSM’s Tsunami Early Warning Systems.
David Yeo – CEO – Innovez One
David Yeo is the founder and Group CEO of Innovez One, a Singapore-headquartered global provider of digital solutions for some of the world’s busiest ports, pilotage and towage operators. A tech pioneer, David has 20 years of experience in maritime digitalisation and is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise port operations and maritime supply chains more broadly. As Innovez One’s CEO, David leads a team that has developed marineM, a port management software which uses machine learning to automate and optimise the scheduling and resource allocation for the entire port ecosystem, encompassing nautical services, berth allocation, and cargo handling operations. After digitalising the Port of Singapore’s pilotage and towage operations in 2004, Innovez One has deployed its digital solutions in some of the world’s busiest ports, boosting the efficiency and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ports globally, from South East Asia to the Middle East and Europe. David graduated in Computer Science from the University of New South Wales, in Australia.
Ingrid Römers – Port of Rotterdam Authority – Senior Advisor
Ingrid Römers, Sr. Advisor Port of Rotterdam Authority, project leader U-Space Airspace Prototype She has an MSc degree at the Erasmus University Rotterdam with as major "International Economics and Business Studies" and as minor “Maritime & Port Economics”. At the Port of Rotterdam she is responsible for the portfolio of drone usage and drone traffic management in the port. She started getting acquainted with drones in port operations in 2014 as partner in an Interreg cross border project where she was the co-author of the end-publication ‘to drone, or not to drone’. Since then she introduced the use of drones in the ports’ supervision processes. And in a broader perspective is supporting the use of all levels of drone operations by companies within the port area. In ports there is a very wide use of drones thinkable; from maintenance/inspection/observation/measurements/ calamity abatement to the transport of packages, cargo and passengers. Logistics in ports is key and drones may make logistics in future more efficient and sustainable. At the same time a port is an area with lots of critical and vital infrastructure; oil terminals and tankers, refineries, chemical sites, storage places for dangerous cargoes etc. The Port Authority is responsible for the safety in the port, on the water and on land. Drones add a new dimension to this; “Rotterdam, the safest port to fly” is one of the pillars of drone innovation. Another pillar is the U-Space Airspace prototype, a two year project to introduce an Unmanned Traffic Management system for digitized airspace management at the VLL, the Very Low Level airspace.
Laurent Dupuis – CAVOTEC – VP of Product Management ShorePower
Laurent Dupuis, VP of Product Management ShorePower at Cavotec, spearheads business strategy and product development for the Ports & Maritime Division, including ShorePower and e-vessel charging solutions. With 20 years in electrical manufacturing, Laurent excels in innovation, engineering, marketing, and sales. Formerly holding roles such as Global Account Manager and Technology & Innovation Director, he brings a wealth of experience. Laurent holds a M.Sc. in Innovation & Engineering from MINES ParisTech, France, showcasing his commitment to excellence.
Mohamed RAFOUK – Tanger Med Port Complex – Chief Pilot
Mr Mohamed RAFOUK’s maritime experience began in 1990 as a Seagoing Officer before he was graduated as Sea going Captain after years at sea. He was Maritime Pilot since 1999 in different ports and maritime environments in the Kingdom of Morocco He joined Tanger Med port in 2006 and was a key figure of the embryonic pilotage organization, piloting the first 400m LOA Emma Maersk on the port’s official opening in July 2007. He continues to pilot and train pilots to this day. Currently, he is Chief Pilot at Tanger Med Port Complex and the Director of Simulator Training and Development, a role he had held since the TMMS inception in 2011. It is worth mentioning that, as Maritime Expert he personally directed and actively participated in the achievements of various maritime structuring projects and studies for many African ports. Many of the studies were conducted in the TMMS and some others were completed at reputable European marine simulation centres bringing his own expertise in cooperation with key personal from the top global maritime companies.
Anthony Van Damme – Waves Group – Master Mariner
Following a career at sea, Anthony worked as a Marine Pilot, a Marine Superintendent for a large ferry company and later as a Harbour Master.
As Marine Superintendent, he actively participated in the process of bringing new vessels into service, ensuring that the ship’s procedures were implemented correctly, and they passed their mandatory drills and inspections.
Prior to joining Waves Group, Anthony was Divisional Harbour Master with ABP overseeing the marine management and compliance of three ports whilst restructuring operations. As part of this restructure, he developed a unified safety management system covering the three ports.
Anthony has first-hand experience in evaluating and overseeing the installation of a new Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System.
Since joining Waves, Anthony has worked on a number of high-profile cases including cable damage, allision, fire investigations and personal injury claims. He has been appointed as joint expert for a case in the Danish court as well as appearing in front of the Commercial Court of Rotterdam as Expert witness.
In addition to the litigation work, Anthony is frequently attending major projects as Marine Warranty Surveyor and has experience in Heavy lift operations, positioning of barges and installation works.
He is passionate about using new technology to bring innovation to the shipping and port industry.
In addition to his seagoing qualifications, Anthony has an MBA and is qualified as a Company Security Officer, Port Facility Security Office and Designated Person Ashore. He has extensive experience as a compliance auditor for ports and ships.
JEAN MARIE KOFFI – PMAWCA – Secretary General
Mr Jean Marie KOFFI is the current EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF PAPC and SECRETARY GENERAL OF PMAWCA (Port Management Association of West and Central Africa). Being a Specialist in International Cooperation, Maritime Trade and Port Management, He has more than twenty (20) years in the port and maritime sector, a good part of which was spent at the Port Authority of Abidjan where he participated in several works, particularly in the competitiveness of the Ports of Côte d’Ivoire. Today in his capacity as Secretary General of PMAWCA, he leads several projects on the sustainable management of ports and member organizations with the aim of making them more competitive
MICHAEL MAGEE – RAK Ports – Harbour Master
Michael joined RAK Ports in July 2015 with the mission to structure marine operations to the highest standards and a vision to realise new business opportunities for the port. Captain Michael Magee is a First Class Master Mariner and Harbour Master of RAK Ports. After 15 years commercial seafaring with the British Merchant Navy, he joined Forth Ports PLC in 1997 filling the roles of Harbour Master, Towage Manager and VTS Manager. During this time he amalgamated VTS operational systems, implemented the Port Marine Safety Code and developed safety initiatives for Towage and Maritime Operations. Latterly Michael created Forth Ports Cruise Tendering Operations and initiated Forth Anchorages with both ventures securing high revenues for Forth Ports. Unique projects include international delivery of hull blocks for government commissioned Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers and construction planning for the new Forth Road Bridge.
NIELS VANLAER – Port of Antwerp-Bruges – Harbour Master
Since January 2023, Captain Niels Vanlaer is Harbour Master of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Following a career at sea and executive positions at one of the leading gas tanker shipping companies, in which he dealt with various aspects of ship management and maritime safety and security in often challenging environments, Niels became Business Continuity Manager for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in 2019. In that role, he led a small team of experts supporting the Harbour Master division in developing risk analysis and ensuring the overall safety of the port and its users.
Today, he complements his previous role in the preventive aspects of safety and security with the enforcement authority that comes with his role as Harbour Master to actively pursue the actions and changes required to ensure the operational readiness of the port at all times.
Niels is also a PhD researcher in the field of organizational resilience of critical infrastructures. Research that blends in perfectly with his job as Harbour Master at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
He is a strong believer of building bridges and developing mutual understanding to come to pragmatic but well-founded solutions that ensure a safe environment to conduct operations.
CAPTAIN DAVE WATKINS – CHIRP – Deputy Director Maritime
Dave enjoyed a 28-year career at sea, commencing in 1976 with a cadetship at Ellerman and City Liners. He eventually obtained his Master’s CoC with Panocean Anco in 1987. His last 12 years at sea were spent in command of various ships, including VLCCs, Cape Size, Container ships, and General cargo feeder ships.
Dave worked for 30 years at the China Navigation Company Pte. Ltd (CNCo), spending the last 14 years in Hong Kong and Singapore as Fleet Safety Security and Environmental Manager and DPA before retiring from CNCo as Fleet Quality Assurance Manager and DPA. During this time, Dave’s team were awarded the Lloyds List Asia safety award and were finalists in the Lloyds List Global safety awards.
Throughout his career, Dave has been an active participant in the maritime community. During his time in Hong Kong, he served on the Hong Kong Victoria pilot’s examination board, was a member of the Pilots’ Advisory Committee, and held the position of Vice President of the Hong Kong Nautical Institute. In 1997, he obtained his Pilot’s licence for the port of Jebel Ali, Dubai. In addition to his role as Deputy Director with CHIRP Maritime, Dave is the Networking and Communications Director for Befrienders Worldwide, a global emotional support organisation, further demonstrating his commitment to global connections and community service.
ISABELLE RYCKBOST – European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) – Secretary General
Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) since 1/08/2013. Before taking up this function, Isabelle has been working as Director of the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) and Senior Advisor of ESPO for four years.
She studied Law (University of Namur and KULeuven) and European Law (UCL Louvain). Before joining EFIP, she worked in EU Public Affairs for almost 20 years. After a short period at the European Commission (DG Agriculture), she worked in an EU Public Affairs consultancy. In 1994 she started working in the European Parliament, as a political assistant and between 1999 and 2009 she was the political assistant of Dirk Sterckx, where she was mainly active in transport and port-related fields. She is co-author of the handbook “Zo Werkt Europa” (1st edition 2007, 2nd edition 2010, 3rd edition 2015).
KEVIN COELHO – OCIMF – Nautical Advisor
Kevin made the transition ashore in 2003 where he worked for Brunei Shell Petroleum as an Offshore Marine Operations Supervisor involved in upstream and downstream maritime operations, with responsibilities ranging from on-hire and suitability inspections for vessels in the offshore industry, serving as a Tow Master for MODU’s to Piloting and Load Master duties for vessels calling at the crude oil export terminal SBMs and LNG export terminal. Kevin then transitioned to London to work in Shell Shipping and Maritime as a Marine Facilities Advisor in the Ports and Terminals department and in a Global Maritime Assurance role.
Kevin then joined Shell Australia to work as the Terminal Team Lead onboard ‘Prelude’ FLNG and was involved with the Asset for her final 6 months in the yard through to hook-up, commissioning and start-up operations. Most recently Kevin has been working in the Maritime Security, Emergency Response and DPA department of Shipping and Maritime based in London.
In previous years, Kevin represented Shell at OCIMF in the Offshore European Regional Panel group and in the Competence Assurance Guidelines for Mooring, Loading and Lightering Masters working group.
CAPTAIN CARLOS LAZO – Tanger Alliance container terminal – Vice President
Captain of Merchant Marine, with more than 20 years of experience in the maritime and port sector between South America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.
Carlos was appointed in 2021 as Vice President of Tanger Alliance container terminal. In addition, he serves as a member of its Board of Directors.
As Vice President, he leads the growth strategy, commercial/operations strategy and continuous improvements of Tanger Alliance Terminal, with a focus on prioritizing quality of service, the vision of shareholders and the growth of his team.
CAPTAIN MOHAMED AMINE ELFATMI – Tanger Med Port – Director/Harbor Master in charge of Security Safety and Environment protection
Captain Mohammed Amine ELFATMI is a maritime professional with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His educational background is firmly rooted in the field, holding a Bachelor of Nautical Sciences from the Antwerp Maritime Academy in Belgium. He further strengthened his expertise by obtaining a Master Mariner qualification from the Higher Institute of Maritime Studies in Casablanca.
Capt. ELFATMI is the Director and Harbor Master in charge of Security, Safety and Environment protection in TANGER MED port after an extensive experience in shipping and port industry. He leads a team responsible for ensuring the security and safety of the entire port operations, with a focus on ensuring continued compliance with international regulations and fostering a secure environment for all stakeholders.
CAPTAIN KAMAL LAKHMAS – Tanger Med Port – Harbour Master
Captain Kamal Lakhmas is a true inspiration in the shipping and Port industry, with an impressive 29-year career that showcases his expertise in vessels, shipping management and ports. As the Harbour Master of Tanger Med port, the largest in Africa and the Mediterranean.
Captain Lakhmas is a lifelong learner, and his extensive education, including a PhD in Science and Technology, diplomas in Maritime Studies, and an MBA from École des Ponts Business School, demonstrates his dedication to improving industry and logistics. He has also received training from various countries, including Singapore, Finland, and Belgium, which allows him to tackle diverse challenges with confidence.
Captain Lakhmas is also fluent in four languages, including Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, which enables him to effortlessly collaborate with individuals from all over the world in the shipping industry. His remarkable achievements are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for his work, and he continues to inspire others to strive for excellence in their careers.
KRISTA FOSTER – GSTS – Director of Products
Krista brings over 20 years of IT professional experience in executive project management, product lifecycle management and business analysis. Over the past 17 years Krista has worked almost exclusively with commercial product vendors, who require her expertise in identifying business needs and determining solutions to complex business problems. Krista’s experience from both Fortune 500 and start-up organizations has helped her create a best of breed approach in any organization.
CAPTAIN JEAN-FRANCOIS BELZILE – Port of Montreal – Harbour Master
Captain Jean-François Belzile has been active in the maritime industry for more than 30 years. He sailed in different positions for several years as navigating officer and started working ashore in 2000 where he acquired extensive port operation’s experience as superintendent and planner on intermodal marine terminals. He has also held the role of Director of Marine Operations at the Shipping Federation of Canada before joining the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) team in November 2015 as Harbour Master and Director of Marine Operations.
Holder of a marine navigation diploma from Québec National Maritime Academy and a marine transport certificate from Concordia University, Mr. Belzile is a member of the Standing Committee for Safe Navigation on the Saint-Lawrence River, member of the Hydrographic Works Committee of the Canadian Hydrographic Services. He is also the Canadian representative of the PIANC Maritime Commission and co-chair of the Canadian Coast Guard e-Navigation subcommittee of the Quebec region.
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