Speakers and Moderators

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ROBERT DOUGAN • TOURISM AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA

S3: Keynote • Bouncing Back: Global Tourism and Trends

Rob’s role is to work with the Executive Leadership Team to help make Tourism Australia a more effective organisation for the Australia tourism industry. Since starting at Tourism Australia in 2019, Rob has written and delivered strategies for the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires and helped navigate the organisation through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Prior to working at Tourism Australia, Rob had a 15-year career in advertising that included leading the strategy for key campaigns for Tourism Australia that were produced by Clemenger including Restaurant Australia, Aquatic and Coastal, and Undiscover, amongst others.

ROB PENNICOTT • PENNICOTT WILDERNESS JOURNEYS, AUSTRALIA

S2: Keynote • The Leading Edge: Creating Unforgettable Customer Experiences

Robert is the owner of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which he founded in 1999. Today the family business operates 7 tourism experiences in Tasmania and 1 in Victoria. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys now operates 18 vessels, employs 100 staff and hosted over 120,000 visitors in the past year. Rob passionately promotes the importance of sustainable tourism, and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is 100% Carbon Offset and an Advanced Ecotourism Certified operator. The business always exceeds world’s best practice standards for efficient fuel, energy and water use. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has won 12 Australian Tourism Awards and 28 Tasmanian Tourism Awards with Rob recognised as an Australian Tourism Legend in 2014.

SPEAKERS AND MODERATORS GÖTZ BECKER • FRS, GERMANY

S9: Ferry Leaders Panel 1

Götz Becker, born 1967, is CEO of the FRS group of companies (Förde Reederei Seetouristik GmbH & Co. KG). Today, FRS is one of Europe’s leading ferry specialists, having grown from a regional ferry operator to an internationally active business group operating 55 vessels with more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Götz has been with FRS since 1994, CEO since 2005. In 2015, he joined the OPC committee of Interferry, since 2019 Götz became Chair of Interferry‘s OPC committee. One year later, he joined the DNV•GL committee. Götz has been member of the board of directors of Interferry since 2016.

MATHILDE BERGERSKOGEN • ABB, NORWAY

S7: An Electric Future / Topic • Making the System Work: Considerations on Integrating Large Battery Systems on Ferries Mathilde Bergerskogen currently holds the Technical Sales Support Specialist position for Onboard DC Grid™ with ABB Marine & Ports. In this role, she oversees the engineering and development of solutions for DC marine power plants, ensuring they are robust and safe. She is based in Oslo, Norway, and has a Master of Science in Electric Power Engineering from NTNU, specialising in power electronics and electric power conversion. With her comprehensive technical knowledge and unwavering enthusiasm, Mathilde plays an integral role in shaping the landscape of the marine sector and contributing to the global movement towards sustainable maritime solutions.

ERIK BOMBARD • CATALINA EXPRESS, USA

S9: Ferry Leaders Panel 1

Erik Bombard has been employed by Catalina Express since 2002 and has worked in every department throughout the company since then. Erik currently holds a United Stated Coast Guard 100-ton Master’s License which he received in 2007, Radar Endorsement, and an FCC Radio license. Erik’s current position is Vice President of Operations which oversees the vessel, ticketing, and call center operations, as well as customer service. Mr. Bombard is also the Facility Security Officer for Catalina Express since 2015. Erik has represented Catalina Express in a number of Industry activities including Interferry and the Passenger Vessel Association.

KOK KEN CHIN • RINA SINGAPORE MARINE, SINGAPORE

S11: Reducing Environmental Impact / Topic • Sustainability in the Marine Industry

Kok Ken Chin is the Business Development Manager at RINA Singapore Marine. He joined RINA in 2013 as a marine surveyor and auditor, carrying out classification and statutory services for both ships in service and ships under construction. Kok Ken received his B.Eng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and MSc in Offshore Technology, both from the National University of Singapore. He is currently a co-opted council member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES) and also a member of the Working Group on Electric Harbour Craft Charging System under the Singapore Standardization Programme.

MIKE CORRIGAN • INTERFERRY, CANADA

S1 • Opening Ceremonies; S13 • AGM; S18 • Closing Ceremonies; Moderator for all sessions on day one, and Sessions 13–18 on day two.

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 to his position of CEO of Interferry extensive executive experience in the ferry industry, most recently as the CEO of BC Ferries, one of the world’s largest ferry operators.

DR. ASHLEY COUTTS • BIOFOULING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD, AUSTRALIA

S12: Improving Sustainability in Existing Vessels / Topic • Elevating Sustainability Through Proactive Maintenance and Biofouling Management

Ashley has over 20 years of experience researching and managing biofouling and Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS). For the past ten years, Ashley has been involved in all aspects of biofouling and IAS management ranging from undertaking desktop risk assessments, developing educational and training material, assisting with policy development, and testing the efficacy of biofouling/IAS treatment technologies to undertaking vessels inspections for IAS either at dry-dock or supervising commercial divers or remote operated vehicles. In total and counting, Ashley has undertaken over 1,200 vessel inspections ranging from small ocean-going yachts to the largest vessels/infrastructure in the world.

LIAM DOWLING • FULLERS360, NEW ZEALAND

S8: Passenger Vessel Features / Topic • Hybrid System Configuration and Optimization

Liam Dowling is a seasoned maritime professional with 30+ years of experience. He has a wide-ranging background including at-sea operations, fleet and asset management, surveying, project management, and consultancy across the commercial and super-yachting sectors. Currently, Liam holds the position of Head of Innovations and Asset Development at Fullers360, the largest ferry operator in New Zealand. With his visionary leadership, Liam drives operational excellence, ensuring Fullers360 remains at the forefront of innovation, and runs the green-tech asset development and delivery programme.

BERNARD DWYER • TT-LINE/SPIRIT OF TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

S1: Opening Ceremonies; S15: New Builds – Large Operators; S18: Closing Ceremonies

Mr. Bernard Dwyer has been the Chief Executive Officer TT-Line Company Pty. Ltd. since November 3, 2014. Mr. Dwyer serves as a Director of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, a member of the Brand Tasmanian Board and a member of the Tasmanian State Government’s Access Working Group. He has significant experience in the Tasmanian tourism sector, working prior to TT-Line for 14 years in various senior management positions with the Federal Group, including nearly nine years as its Director of Tourism. During his tenure at Federal Group, Mr. Dwyer oversaw the development of the Saffire property on the east coast and assisted in developing the Federal Group’s tourism portfolio under the nationally awarded Pure Tasmania brand.

MICHAEL EAGLEN • EV MARITIME, NEW ZEALAND

S7: An Electric Future / Topic • Auckland’s Better Ferry Future

Michael Eaglen is a naval architect and chartered engineer with a long and varied marine industry career. He established EV Maritime in 2019. EV Maritime is a cleantech design, engineering, consultancy and technology company headquartered in Auckland New Zealand, which pro-actively developed a 24-metre 25-knot long range battery electric fast ferry, of which two are now under construction in New Zealand for Auckland Transport. EV Maritime recently signed a strategic partnership with Australian shipyard McMullen & Wing and is also working with shipyards in the USA and Canada to help catalyse capability development in electric ferry manufacture around the world.

PAULA GILL • FERRYHAWK / HAWKINS FAMILY GROUP, AUSTRALIA

S5: Elevating Ticketing and Booking / Topic • Optimizing Operations and the Customer Experience

Meet Paula, the dynamic sales and marketing manager at the Hawkins Family Group. With her passion for ensuring outstanding customer experiences, she plays a pivotal role in every aspect of the business. Among the group’s various ventures, Moreton Island Ferries, the largest business unit, faced a crucial need to revamp its processes, particularly those centered around ticketing and passenger, vehicle, and freight bookings for their 60-meter RORO vessel, Micat. Paula will delve into the intricate details of the customer booking and ticketing processes, discussing the concerns faced by the company and the ingenious solutions they employed to overcome them.

RONNY MORIANA GLINDEMANN • FRS IBERIA/MAROC, SPAIN

S18: Closing Ceremonies

Ronny Moriana Gl demann is the Co-Managing Director, alongside Tim Gädecken, at FRS Iberia/Maroc, a subsidiary of the FRS. Prior to joining FRS Iberia/Maroc in 2016, Ronny held executive positions within the German and Danish retail markets. Established in the year 2000, FRS Iberia/Maroc stands as the sole ferry company that currently operates in all the ports along the Strait of Gibraltar. The company operates five high-speed catamarans, two classic car ferries, and one RoRo ferry. The company proudly holds the top position in the ferry traffic market between Spain and Morocco, demonstrating profound expertise in both fast ferry operations and freight transportation.

MIKE GRAINGER • LIFERAFT SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA

Moderator for Sessions 10, 11, and 12

Mike Grainger is a founding shareholder and the Managing Director of Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA), a Tasmanian based manufacturer of Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) and large capacity liferafts for the international passenger ferry, mega yacht and defence market. LSA is recognized as a world leader in design, development and sales of MES with global exports accounting for 98% of turnover. He is Chairman of the TT-Line Company Ltd Board. TT-Line is the Tasmanian Government owned operator of the “Spirit of Tasmania” passenger, vehicle and freight vessel ferry service between Tasmania and mainland Australia. He is currently a member of the DNV International Ferry Committee.

TUOMAS HÄKKINEN • NAPA, FINLAND

S14: Optimizing Operations and Safety / Topic • Beyond Fuel Reduction: Sustainable and Efficient Ferry Operations without Losing Sight of Safety

Tuomas Häkkinen is the Account Director, Ferry and RoPax, Safety Solutions of NAPA. With a Master’s in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Aalto University, he started working for NAPA in 2012 as a technical consultant, moving on to project delivery and service management before becoming the account director in 2022. Tuomas has worked closely with both large and small cruise and ferry owners and operators – often acting as an extended arm of their Operational Safety team, and consulting and advising them on a day-to-day basis to manage ship stability and reduce operational risks from onboard as well as from the shoreside.

JAVIER HERBON • CBG SYSTEMS, AUSTRALIA

S10: Safety and Regulatory / Topic • The Role of Passive Fire Protection in Battery Fires

Javier is Managing Director of CBG Systems which develops, manufactures and supplies niche marine technologies including lightweight structural fire protection systems, Moonraker Antennas and signature management for defence projects. Over more than 45 years the company has developed leading edge lightweight insulation solutions primarily for the High Speed Craft market but has now developed insulation system that bring those benefits to the steel shipbuilding sector. Javier began working with INCAT in 2007 during which time he obtained a Masters in Business Administration specializing in Maritime and Logistics from the Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania.

RODNEY HUMPHREY • DNV, AUSTRALIA

S11: Reducing Environmental Impact / Topic • HSC Code to Light Ship Code

Rodney Humphrey is Principal Surveyor at DNV in the greater Sydney, Australia area. His education includes a diploma in Naval Engineering from TAFE Footscray, a Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture) from UNSW, and a Masters in Business Administration (Technology Management) from Deakin University.

JAY INSLEE • WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNMENT, USA

S17: Ferry Leaders Panel 2

Jay Inslee is a fifth-generation Washingtonian who represented the 14th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives, was elected to Congress in 1992 and 1998, and was elected governor in 2012. He is currently the longest serving governor in the United States. During his time in Congress, Jay became known as a forwardthinking leader, especially on issues of clean energy and climate change. As governor, he has helped put Washington state at the forefront of climate action and is helping lead numerous subnational partnerships. Since 2013, the state has passed nation-leading policies to transition to 100% clean electricity, cap carbon pollution, electrify transportation, and more.

PHIL KORDIC • MTU / ROLLS-ROYCE, GERMANY

S16: Operator Spotlight / Topic • Safeguarding the Future

Phil Kordic has been enthusiastically working in the engine and propulsion system branch of the maritime industry for almost 30 years. Phil is responsible for sales of mtu propulsion systems for Ferry & Offshore applications in EMEA, based at the Rolls-Royce Solutions Headquarters in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Within this role he is also actively involved in various internal and external projects aimed at reducing the CO2 footprint of the maritime industry by utilization of alternative energy sources and modern propulsion systems.

TOM LOEFLER • HULLBOT, AUSTRALIA

S12: Increasing Sustainability in Existing Vessels / Topic • Saving Fuel Through Frequent Robotic Hull Cleaning

Tom is an inventor, industrial designer and tech innovator on a mission to use robots to improve ocean health. As CEO and cofounder of Hullbot, he focuses on product vision and company leadership. Hullbot develops underwater drone platforms that can inspect, map and interact with submerged structures. Prior to founding Hullbot Tom had a career as an industrial designer bringing new products from idea to reality. Tom gained experience in developing product concepts and prototypes across various industries including transportation, medical devices, scientific equipment, architecture and consumer products.

ROB MAHER • AUSTRALIAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY (AMSA), AUSTRALIA

S10: Safety and Regulatory / Topic • Advancements in Autonomous Technology within the Australian National System

Rob is an experienced professional with a diverse background in maritime brokerage, operations, construction, and engineering. In 2015, Rob joined AMSA, where he played various roles in the domestic vessel division during the development and implementation of the National System transformation. Following that, he led a team of 12 as the Head of Technical within the operations division for 5 years, overseeing AMSA’s 300-strong accredited marine surveyor workforce and delivering National System services. Currently, Rob serves as the Principal Naval Architect within the Vessel Safety Unit. Passionate about integrating technology and people, Rob actively explores the potential of emerging technologies for the maritime and regulatory industries.

NICLAS MÅRTENSSON • STENA LINE, SWEDEN

S17: Ferry Leaders Panel 2

Niclas Mårtensson has held the position as CEO of the Stena Line Group since 2016. He has over 13 years’ experience of working in different senior positions within Stena Line, including responsibility 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. As the CEO, the focus is on customers- and employees experiences, digitalization and sustainability. Niclas is on the boards of several Stena companies and also in the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce and The UK Chamber of Shipping.

AZAHARA MARTINEZ • PRESSREADER, CANADA

S6: Seamless Voyage – Elevating Customer Experience with Accessible and Universal Entertainment

Azahara Martinez is an accomplished and dynamic leader who has found her true passion in the hospitality and maritime industries. She holds a prominent position as the head of the commercial maritime division at PressReader, the world’s largest all-you-can-read global digital content platform. Azahara is dedicated to delivering a wide range of offline and online solutions utilized by renowned transportation operators such as Baleària, Irish Ferries, and Air Canada. With a genuine dedication to customer satisfaction, Azahara helps companies grow, innovate, and establish a distinctive presence in the highly competitive market, solidifying her status as a thought leader in the field.

CHRISTOPHE MATHIEU • BRITTANY FERRIES, FRANCE

S9: Ferry Leaders Panel 1

Christophe Mathieu was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Brittany Ferries in April 2016. He has worked with Brittany Ferries since 1992 in various roles including work in the Finance, Operation, Marketing and Revenue Management Departments, Group Business Controller, Strategic Development Director, Group Strategy & Commercial Director and Member of the Executive Board. Christophe has a Master in Management Science from Paris 1 University, and has completed the International Executive Program through INSEAD. Christophe has been an Interferry Board Member since 2010.

MATT MCDONALD • SEAROAD FERRIES, AUSTRALIA

S16: Operator Spotlight / Topic • Searoad Ferries Operations Overview

Matt is the CEO of Searoad Ferries – Australia’s busiest car and passenger ferry service – operating between Queenscliff and Sorrento. Matt has expertise and experience in maritime operations, strategic planning, business development, marketing, and communications. Appointed CEO of Searoad Ferries in January 2011, Matt has transformed the once traditional transport business into a flourishing tourism operation moving around one million passengers and 300,000 cars each year. In recent years Searoad Ferries has established new initiatives including online bookings, packaging, retail, food, and beverage offerings, and has undertaken major upgrades infrastructure, facilities, and vessels.

SHANE MCMAHON • STRAITNZ / BLUEBRIDGE COOK STRAIT FERRIES, NEW ZEALAND

S17: Ferry Leaders Panel 2

Shane McMahon was appointed as CEO of StraitNZ in February 2023. Before joining StraitNZ, Shane spent five years as CEO of Airwork Helicopters, the largest general aviation business in New Zealand. Prior to Airwork, he was COO of private equity owned NZ Bus for 8 years, which was New Zealand’s largest public transport company.

TIM MOONEY • FIRE ISLAND FERRIES, USA

S13: Interferry 2022 Annual General Meeting

Tim Mooney is president of Fire Island Ferries, Fire Island Water Taxi and Fire Island Terminal, responsible for providing ferry, water taxi, freight and parking services originating from their Long Island, New York facility and servicing the communities of Fire Island. With a fleet of 25 vessels they provide transportation and related services to over 1 million passengers a year. In 2003 Tim left the computer industry to join his father to help run Fire Island Ferries. Since joining his father, he and his staff have worked to implement many new systems in support of websites, ticketing, freight billing, parking and advertising creating numerous incremental ridership and revenue opportunities for the organization. Tim has served on the Interferry Board since 2013, and is currently chairman.

ALESSANDRO MORACE • LIBERTY LINES, ITALY

S16: Operator Spotlight / Topic • Safeguarding the Future

Alessandro Morace represents the 3rd generation of Liberty Lines shipowners, an Italian shipping company, founded in 1993 by his father Ettore and grandfather Vittorio. Today Liberty Lines is the leading company for the fast maritime passenger transportation in Italy and Alessandro is strongly committed in reorganizing the Company to make it a champion of innovation and sustainability. In Liberty he operates as Strategic Controller with the aim of business accounting reorganization and budgeting. Now he is a permanent member of the Company Board and works directly with the Managing Director. He’s in charge of administration, finance, and strategic supervision.

SEAMUS MURPHY • SAN FRANCISCO BAY FERRY (WETA), USA

S8: Passenger Vessel Features / Topic • The Launch of “Sea Change”

Seamus Murphy is the Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), which operates the San Francisco Bay Ferry service throughout the region. Murphy has been recognized as a leader focused on building strong coalitions that can effectively advocate for solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges. He is a recipient of Mass Transit Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” award and is a key player in local, regional, state and national efforts to sustain, improve, and expand public transportation for all who depend on it.

KESAVAN MURUGANANDAN • ARUP, AUSTRALIA

S7: An Electric Future / Topic • Electrifying Maritime Transport

Kesavan Muruganandan is a senior electrical engineer with Arup based in Melbourne, Australia. He has 10+ years’ experience in the design of electrical systems for buildings and infrastructure projects. He is passionate about the development of sustainable energy systems for a net zero carbon future and is currently exploring solutions for battery recharging and shore power implementation in ports. Kesavan has a Master of Science degree in Construction Economics Management from UCL, London and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Computer Systems from Monash University, Melbourne.

NELL PAYNE • NRMA, AUSTRALIA

S9: Ferry Leaders Panel 1

Nell is responsible for the NRMA Marine portfolio which encompasses Manly Fast Ferries and Fantasea cruising in Sydney Harbour together with Gordon River Cruises in Strahan Tasmania. The NRMA Marine operations include Public transport and day-based sightseeing and tourism products. With the restart of operations in the post-COVID world, Nell and team have been championing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the fleet and is proud to have Battery operated and Diesel/Electric hybrid vessels as part of the fleet. She is passionate about safety, engagement and developing her people, Nell’s collaborative style is focused on operational excellence, customer experience and customer insights.

SUPAPAN PICHAIRONARONGSONGKRAM • CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT, THAILAND

S17: Ferry Leaders Panel 2

Mrs. Supapan is the Chairperson of Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Co., and Supatra Boat Co. which together have a fleet of over 90 vessels and transport over 12,000,000 passengers a year along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Chao Phraya Express Boat, currently the group company core business, is currently in the process of modernizing its fleet by replacing wooden boats with air-conditioned aluminum catamarans. The company is doing in-depth research on changing its fleet into electric vessels to comply with the government green environment policy. She currently serves as a director in the Interferry Board of Directors.

MATTHEW PORTELLI • VIRTU FERRIES, MALTA

S17: Ferry Leaders Panel 2

Matthew Portelli is the Managing Director of Virtu Holdings Limited, a family-owned, ship owning company, established in 1945. He joined the Group in 2007 and is an executive director of Virtu Ferries Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Virtu Holdings. Virtu Ferries operates high speed ferries between Malta and Sicily, Spain and Morocco, Venice and Adriatic ports, and between the two main islands of the Maltese Archipelago. Matthew has a major role in the Company’s operations with an interest in the group’s present and future environmental responsibilities. Virtu has diverse shipping interest including offshore bunkering, ship management and STS fendering operations.

PACE RALLI • SWITCH MARITIME, USA

S8: Passenger Vessel Features / Topic • The Launch of “Sea Change”

Pace Ralli brings over 20 years in the clean energy and infrastructure industry, with experience in investing in, operating, and founding companies focused on the energy transition of large, ‘hard-to-decarbonize’ industrial sectors. Since 2012, Pace has served as Co-founder and CEO of Clean Marine Energy, that builds supply and distribution infrastructure of clean fuels to ships. Pace also serves as Co-founder and CEO of SWITCH Maritime, that is building the first fleet of zero-carbon vessels in North America. Pace brings a strong background in project finance, energy innovation, and transaction structuring.

BEN REED • HAMILTONJET, NEW ZEALAND

S8: Passenger Vessel Features / Topic • Hybrid System Configuration and Optimization

Ben Reed is Managing Director of global waterjet propulsion company, HamiltonJet. A chartered engineer and fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, he has lived in New Zealand for ten years and has run this ~500-person global organization for the last 7 years. With 17 years in diesel engines with Caterpillar, followed by the last ten in marine propulsion, he is a regular speaker on the challenges and opportunities in the future of marine propulsion.

MERI RIGBY • SURIKAT, SWEDEN

S4: Automating the Customer Journey / Topic • ‘Smart Port’ Solutions for the Ferry Industry

Meri Rigby has been working in the ferry industry for close to 10 years, selling IT systems to ferry operators worldwide. During this time Meri has worked with many RORO and ROPAX operations, analysing and looking for opportunities to make improvements through digitalisation and automation. Meri joined Surikat AB in 2020, where she continues to work. Surikat is a Swedish Tech company which provides IT solutions for handling all aspects of terminal operations and fulfillment for foot passengers, passenger vehicles, RORO, LOLO, rail and barge.

JEREMY ROCKLIFF • TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT, AUSTRALIA

S1: Opening Ceremonies / Topic • Welcome

Jeremy is a north-west Tasmanian who grew up on the family farm at Sassafras. He campaigned successfully in July 2002 to become an MP for Braddon in the House of Assembly. He has been instrumental in helping set up the Tasmanian Devil Research Trust Appeal, progressing the rights of asbestos victims, championing the need for water development and greater quarantine barrier controls, fighting for stronger food labelling laws and effectively representing many people across the Braddon electorate. In April 2022, Jeremy was elected Leader of the Tasmanian Liberal Party and sworn in as the 47th Premier of Tasmania.

JOHAN ROOS • INTERFERRY, SWEDEN

S10: Safety and Regulatory / Topic • Interferry Regulatory Update

Johan Roos is the Executive Director of EU and IMO Affairs for Interferry, based in Sweden. Previously he was Director of Sustainability with Stena Rederi AB. He holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. In the year 2000, Johan left DNV to join Stena Line, the ferry operator, to develop environmental management systems internally. From 2006-2011 he was in charge of sustainability issues for all of Stena’s shipping activities. Johan works in close relation with the European Community Shipowners Association and the International Chamber of Shipping and represents Interferry at the International Maritime Organization.

DUNCAN ROY • INTERISLANDER / KIWIRAIL, NEW ZEALAND

S9: Ferry Leaders Panel 1

Duncan Roy joined KiwiRail as General Manager, Interislander Operations in March 2023. The GM Operations is a pivotal role, responsible for the operational leadership of the Interislander ferries, including marine engineering, shipping operations, customer services, and shore side logistics. Duncan’s focus is ensuring the delivery of an excellent experience for Interislander’s diverse customer base of domestic and international passengers and freight customers (rail and commercial vehicles). Interislander operates about 3,500 sailings annually, transporting some 825,000 passengers, 250,000 cars, and about $14 billion of freight.

ANDERS RUNDBERG • CARUS, ÅLAND ISLANDS

S4: Automating the Customer Journey / Topic • Enhanced Passenger Interaction and Onboard Spend

Anders Rundberg is the founder and CEO of Carus, the world leading commercial IT solution provider of consumer facing solutions to the passenger shipping industry. Anders has been part of the passenger shipping industry for his whole life and it is his vision that has guided the evolution of the company’s core Reservations, Departure Control and Administration solution to todays integrated Passenger Experience Platform, that can manage all aspects of the Customer Journey to maximize the revenue and customer satisfaction. Anders is currently on the Interferry Board of Directors.

CIRO SCOPANO • E-DEA, ITALY

S5: Elevating Ticketing and Booking / Topic • Case Study: CalMac Ferries’ New Booking and Ticketing System

Ciro joined E-Dea Transport Technology in 2010 after having worked for 12 years for one of the biggest IT consulting Company as Senior Manager in the area of Technology consulting and for different industries (Oil&Gas, Telco, Public Services). Acting as a General Manager, his area of responsibility include Organization & Business Development, Client Accounting, Program Management and R&D advisory. During the E-Dea experience Ciro has provided professional services for the implementation of E-Dea’s solution for most of all E-Dea’s Customers like Grimaldi Group, BC Ferries, Scandlines and CalMac Ferries.

MASSIMO SOPRANO • INTERISLANDER / KIWIRAIL, NEW ZEALAND

S15: New Builds – Large Operators / Topic • Interislander New Build

Massimo Soprano joined Project iRex at KiwiRail in Wellington, New Zealand in 2019, leading the Ships Programme that is responsible for the design and build of the new rail enabled ro-pax ferries for Interislander. He is a Master Mariner with more than 10 years of experience at sea on tanker, dry-cargo and passenger ships. He has been involved in new build projects and managing marine operations, safety, environment and security for P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Silversea. He worked for Spirit of Tasmania in a senior management position responsible for planning and implementing large marine projects, including the refurbishment of Spirit of Tasmania I & II.

TREVOR TASKER • EMCS, CANADA

S12: Improving Sustainability in Existing Vessels / Topic • Elevating Sustainability through Proactive Maintenance and Biofouling Management

Trevor Tasker is the sole director, owner, and CEO of EMCS Industries Ltd. Since taking ownership of EMCS in 2015, the company has drawn on its impressive history of inventing the original electrolytic marine growth prevention system in 1955 in Victoria, Canada, to develop more environmentally friendly products for the marine industry with a focus on sustainability. Trevor has also guided the company to record sales revenue, acquired Hull Tender International Inc and the rights the sustainable acoustic Hull Tender technology over the last eight years where the company was nominated for, and won, the Chamber of Commerce best new product award in 2017.

SANDER VAN OOSTERHOUT • WÄRTSILÄ, NETHERLANDS

S12: Improving Sustainability in Existing Vessels / Topic • Optimizing Energy Efficiency on Ferries by Means of Energy Saving Devices

Sander van Oosterhout started 16 years ago in Wärtsilä as propeller designer and Project manager of several challenging special vessel and offshore projects. He currently heads the Propulsion Technology department and is also Director, Waterjets. He is responsible for the Waterjets portfolio and as such became involved in the ferry business. As head of Propulsion Technology, he is at the forefront of the decarbonisation journey of the shipping industry. His team works on optimising the overall vessel energy efficiency by means of optimised propeller designs, hydrodynamic research with state-of-art CFD and other complementary research and innovation activities.

JAN-WILLEM VISSERS • VOLVO PENTA, SWEDEN

S12: Improving Sustainability in Existing Vessels / Topic • A Passenger Ferry Reborn

Jan-Willem Vissers holds the position of Director Marine Commercial since April 2021. Since 2001, he has held a range of sales and management positions in Volvo Penta. With a solid background in commercial shipping, Jan Willem is responsible for marine engine sales and driving new business for professional marine users. This includes areas such as electrification, alternative fuels, and co-development of smart solutions. His motto is “Think outside the box, be creative and find solutions within the company boundaries”.

JEREMY WARD • EAST BY WEST FERRIES, NEW ZEALAND

S8: Passenger Vessel Features / Topic • East by West Electric Ferry

Jeremy was the principal founder of East By West Ferries. This successful tourism and commuter ferry operation has been operating on Wellington Harbour for 35 years. Mr. Ward has a long association with tourism and transport companies having managed the iconic Cable Car in Wellington for 7 years and City Scenic Bus Tours. For the last 10 years he has also provided independent consultancy advice and services in respect of tourism and transport to both NZ and Australian organisations . And now Mr. Ward is the brainchild behind building and operating the first electric ferry in the Southern Hemisphere.