2023 Speakers

Carleen Lyden Walker is the Chief Evolution Officer of SHIPPINGInsight, leveraging off her experience as a marketing and communications professional in the commercial maritime industry with over 40 years of experience.  She specializes in identifying, developing and implementing strategic programs that position SHIPPINGInsight as the most effective forum for shipowners and solution providers to advance optimization and innovation in the maritime sphere.  In 2015, Ms. Lyden Walker was appointed a Goodwill Maritime Ambassador by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). She is a member of WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association), the Connecticut Maritime Association, WIMAC (Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean) and is a Past-President of the Propeller Club Chapter of the Port of NY/NJ. She was also elected to the Board of Trustees of  Tall Ships America Foundation, Northeast Maritime Institute, and the New Era Academy (Baltimore Harbor School).  Ms. Lyden Walker is also CEO of Morgan Marketing & Communications, Co-Founder/Executive Director of NAMEPA, and Founder of both CARIBMEPA and the Consortium for International Maritime Heritage.  In 2010 she was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the United States Coast Guard, and in 2014 a Public Service Commendation for her work on World Maritime Day and AMVER, respectively.  She held a USCG Captain’s license.

Christopher J. Wiernicki is Chairman and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Chairman of ABS’ Affiliated Companies. Mr. Wiernicki has over 35 years of extensive commercial, government and international experience in marine and offshore design, operations, infrastructure and safety management, ports and bunkering, digitalization, cybersecurity, and clean energy transition. He is a serving member of the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), which advises the White House on how to reduce risks and improve the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors. 

Angelica Sogor is an experienced maritime professional, with 13 years of experience in maritime operations, safety, training and development, and regulatory compliance.  

 She began her career designing and managing maritime training courses and professional development programs, including technical and non-technical training for regulatory compliance and custom client needs. She then gained experience in operational vessel management and regulatory compliance (including health, safety, security, and environmental) with cruise ships and privately owned passenger vessels. 

 She currently works as a Manager, Marine Safety & Training at Carnival Cruise Line in Miami, Florida. At Carnival, she has an essential role of implementing and verifying regulatory safety and training procedures and programs, as well as managing emergency response preparedness. She creates and manages shipboard emergency response procedures; implements crew training, drill, and assessment programs; and supports passenger safety through implementation of the onboard guest safety briefing process.  

 She holds a B.A. and M.S. in Marine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami (Miami, FL, USA) and a M.S. in Education (with graduate certificates in Teaching the Adult Learner and Leadership in Technology) from Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA).  

David Cummins is President of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate the transition of waterborne transportation in Canada and the United States toward net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  

Prior to his current role, Cummins worked as an executive with Shell with more than 35 years’ experience covering many locations around the world as well as many diverse businesses and skill areas.  Cummins was Shell’s Commercial and Business Development Manager for Shipping & Maritime, Americas, and before that served as Vice President of Shell Korea Limited, managing relationships with Korean shipyards and heavy industry. Cummins previously contributed to Shell’s success in technical management, global strategy development, commercial deal making, new business development, strategic customer account management, divestment and portfolio deal teams, capital project planning & execution, and change management/corporate redesign.

Cummins is a frequent speaker with various organizations on topics including Shipping Sectoral Decarbonization, Global/International Account Management, Strategy Development, Negotiation/Deal Making and Cultural Differences between Western and Asian Countries. In his personal time Cummins is an avid golfer and photographer and is also sole proprietor of a timber tract operations company in the US. 

President of Triworld Shipping, Inc. in Armonk and currently responsible for the Group’s activities in USA for the drybulk fleet. 

Licensed Master Mariner (unlimited tonnage) with a long list of higher education programs under his belt: 

• MS in Transportation Management from SUNY Maritime, Fort Schuyler 
• MBA from Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY 
• Executive Education program from Harvard Business School 

And the latest – Basics of Angel Investing from the Ann & Bill Payne ACA Angel University.   

Over 40 years of ‘hands-on’ experience in the dry bulk sector which included sailing on ocean-going ships of over 100,000mt DWT and current shore based experience in brokerage, ship management, ship finance and investor relations.   

On the Board of Directors of ASBA. 

Monika has amassed fifteen years of valuable professional experience in the maritime and financial technology sectors. Her journey commenced in 2008 at MSC, where she undertook various leadership and client-facing positions. This tenure provided a solid foundation for her subsequent role as Director of Operations at a prominent paper trading company. In 2019, Monika ventured into the fintech industry and rapidly ascended to the position of Director of Client Success.

Throughout her career, Monika has excelled in leading client relationships, fostering high-performing teams, and collaborating closely with clients and technology to devise innovative solutions. These endeavors have been instrumental in driving business growth, scalability, and revenue generation. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing strong partnerships, coupled with her profound expertise in both maritime and financial technology sectors, positions her as a trusted advisor and strategic ally for clients striving to accomplish their business objectives.

Roy Bleiberg is the Vice President of Business Development for North America for the American Bureau of Shipping and has over 30 years of global marine and offshore experience with ABS.  He is responsible for business development and account management for all North American marine markets.  He has in-depth knowledge of class and regulatory requirements and has held various leadership positions with ABS, including most recently Vice President of Engineering and Director of Global Gas Solutions.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering Systems. 

Dorothea Ioannou is the Chief Executive Officer of the Managers of the American P&I Club, the only marine liability not-for-profit mutual domiciled in the United States. The Club being one of only 12 of its kind in the world making up the International Group of P&I Clubs, she is the first female CEO to lead an International Group club in the Group industry’s 168-year history. Holding a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and a B.A. from CUNY, her career spans over 30 years, almost all of it in Marine Insurance. After joining the American Club in 2005 as a Claims Executive she swiftly rose to Claims Manager, Regional Business Development Director, Global Business Development Director, Chief Commercial Officer, then Deputy Chief Operating Officer in 2020 when she was also appointed Secretary of the Club’s Board of Directors. Winner of the 2017 Lloyd’s List Global Next Generation Shipping Award, the 2022 Seatrade Maritime Diversity & Inclusion Award, and International Personality of the Year at the 2022 Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards, Dorothea is active in the maritime industry and has held positions such as VP of WISTA Hellas, Chair of WISTA International Nominations Committee, served on the Piraeus Marine Club Board and the Board of Governors of the International Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Piraeus and a member of the Propeller Club Port of NY/NJ.

Dr. Jason Zuidema is Executive Director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). NAMMA is an association representing seafarers’ welfare organizations in more than 55 ports around North America. The goals of the organization include professional development and networking for its members, but also providing a common voice for seafarers’ welfare to increase collaboration with ports, government, labor, and the wider maritime industry. Dr. Zuidema has been involved in the seafarers’ welfare since 1997 and previously taught at Montreal’s Concordia University. He currently serves also as General Secretary of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), is vice-chair of the Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, is a trustee of ISWAN, and is the producer of the Ship Welfare Visitor Course online for the UK’s Merchant Navy Welfare Board. Dr. Zuidema lives in Montreal with his wife and three children.

Joseph Gross is the Manager of Dry Cargo Vessel Operations at d’Amico Shipping USA in Stamford, CT.  Mr. Gross joined d’Amico in December 2013. A US Coast Guard licensed Master Mariner, he has over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, both at sea and ashore.  Coming ashore in 1997, he spent two years working in vessel operations at Charles R. Weber Company, followed by eleven years there as a spot tanker broker.  From 2010 until 2011, he worked as a dry cargo broker at John F. Dillon & Company, and from August 2011 to December 2013 as a ship broker on the projects desk at Maersk Broker America, Inc.   Mr. Gross graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 1991 with a Bachelors degree in Meteorology & Oceanography, and a US Coast Guard Unlimited Third Mates License.  Mr. Gross was the President of the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) from 2016 until 2020, and is a member of Senator Christopher Murphy’s (CT) Long Island Sound Advisory Council. 

Mr. Andersen has over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry with a focus on propulsion systems and machinery.  He has a MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington and started his career at a marine engineering company in Seattle.  

In 2005, he joined DNV Maritime Technical Advisory Group based in Norway.  Since 2010 he is based in Houston, Texas and is currently a Business Development Director for DNV Maritime, Region Americas.  In this role, he is focusing on alternative fuels, environmental compliance, energy efficiency, and novel technologies in shipping.    

He is a member of the SNAME M-16 Panel on Propulsion Shafting and is on the North America Environmental Protection Association (NAMEPA) Board of Directors.  

Peter is a shipbuilder, naval architect and marine surveyor with 40 years experience in the maritime industry and is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. Starting his career at UK shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft as an apprentice shipwright/metalworker and later as a naval architect in the ship design department.

After a period with Lloyd’s Register specializing in yachts and passenger ships, Peter worked with the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency where he was involved in the implementation and expansion of the large yacht code and directly responsible for the development of LY2. He joined the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as a marine surveyor where he was instrumental in developing the Register as the world leader in large yacht registration and more recently has played a lead role in the development of the REG Passenger Yacht Code, first published in November 2011.

Peter is a regular panelist at innumerous maritime events and regularly contributes to articles on regulatory matters in industry publications. He is a well-respected authority on matters related to the construction and regulation of ships and large yachts.

Peter has a Law Degree from the University of London and completed the LPC with the University of Law and has subsequently been involved in the development of legislation and providing advice on international maritime regulatory matters.

Peter founded Southgate Maritime Inc in 2018 and is currently serving a Regional Director, Americas for the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands and is responsible for the Authority’s technical operations in the region.

Captain Robert Hughes previously served as Genco’s Chief Operations Officer from January 2019 to March 2023. Captain Hughes has over 25 years of experience in the shipping industry both at sea and ashore, with a focus on vessel and cargo operations, customer relations and strategic planning. Captain Hughes holds a Bachelor for Science degree from the US Merchant Marine Academy, a Master of Business Administration from Molloy College, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College, and actively maintains a US Coast Guard Master of unlimited tonnage any oceans license. 

Equipped with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Art degree in Teaching from Sacred Heart University, Molly has established herself as a dedicated science educator. Molly’s deep-rooted passion for marine and environmental science was sparked in her youth growing up on Long Island Sound. In her role as MPSEC Director, she leads the strategic efforts to promote maritime education in our nation’s primary and secondary schools through partnerships and resource sharing.

As the Education & Outreach Director for the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), Molly spearheads NAMEPA’s education and outreach initiatives around public and student environmental stewardship and marine environmental awareness for maritime personnel. With a primary focus on developing and implementing comprehensive programs, she engages participants on mission-driven initiatives, grant-based projects, and informative programs in collaboration with diverse audiences including the public, students, and both shoreside and offshore maritime personnel.

Molly is also a secondary science teacher and Adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University.

Morten Arntzen currently is the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Team Tankers International Ltd, a major operator of chemical tankers, and serves as Senior Shipping Industry Advisor to Macquarie Bank.  He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Maine Maritime Academy and sits on the Advisory Council of American bureau of Shipping (ABS).

He has been involved in the global shipping industry continuously since 1980 in a variety of capacities: credit analyst, banker, underwriter, arranger, advisor, investor, board member, speaker and chief executive officer.  He has worked for or with companies all over the globe, thru several shipping cycles and in all the major shipping segments (tankers, dry bulk, container, cruise, offshore, barges, LNG carriers and car carriers).    

He built and reshaped several businesses during his banking career and actively participated in 2 major bank mergers (Manufacturers Hanover with Chemical bank and Chemical Bank with Chase Manhattan Bank) where he ran the global transportation finance businesses; transformed American Marine Advisors from an arranger of loans to a multi-product shipping investment banking boutique specializing in restructuriong; and successfully diversified Overseas Shipholding Group from a pure operator of crude tankers in the spot market to a company with multiple product lines, including an LNG business and the biggest JOnes Act tanker operation.  He has served on the Board of Directors of a number of companies and institutions, including Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Chiquita Brands International, Essar Shipping, IM Skaugen, TBS Shipping and Guardian Navigation.

Bart Kelleher is Chief Financial Officer for Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE: ASC).  He has over 25 years of progressive experience in the maritime, finance, energy, and industrials sectors. Most recently from 2016-2022, Mr. Kelleher held executive roles with Chembulk Tankers, an owner and operator of stainless-steel chemical tankers, serving as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer.  Prior to that from 2010-2015, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Principal Maritime Management which owned and operated a fleet of Suezmax crude carriers and chemical tankers; he also functioned as acting Chief Financial Officer during the company’s start-up and initial growth phases.  In addition to his executive experience in the maritime transportation sector, Mr. Kelleher has held roles in investment banking, commercial banking, equity research, and capital markets in the maritime and energy-related industries at Bear Stearns and HSH Nordbank.  Earlier in his career, he served as a deck officer onboard US-flag crude oil tankers and held management positions in both the cruise industry and with a leading naval architecture firm.  Mr. Kelleher holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MS in Ocean Systems Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a BE in Naval Architecture from New York Maritime College.  Mr. Kelleher serves as a Director of Element 1 Corporation, a developer of methanol to hydrogen technology, and as an Advisory Board Member to OrbitMI, an innovative technology firm offering advanced AI-based fleet performance management solutions.

Linda Kongerslev is currently Director – Global Engagement & Sustainability at OLDENDORFF CARRIERS, where she has been working for the dry bulk owner & operator since 2000.

 Linda has a commercial background with long-term experience in dry bulk chartering. She was active in Oldendorff’s transshipment projects for many years, including three years as General Manager of their Abu Dhabi office, and has recently joined Oldendorff’s sustainability and industry engagement department.

John D. “Jack” Noonan is a maritime industry professional with 40+ years’ experience.  He had served as President/CEO of Chembulk Tankers from 2007 until his retirement in December 2017.  He subsequently formed, Binnacle Maritime LLC which provides advisory services within the shipping, ship finance and related maritime services industry.  

Jack is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy where he earned a B.S. in Marine Transportation and a USCG Unlimited Tonnage License as 3rd Mate. Additionally he was commissioned as Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, ultimately being promoted to Lieutenant. Following graduation in 1978, he sailed with the US Flag Tanker Fleet of Texaco, advancing his USCG License to Chief Mate.   

From 1984 until joining Chembulk in 2007, Jack served in operations, chartering and commercial management roles with chemical tanker owner/operators Stolt-Nielsen and Clipper Tankers USA.  He also spent eight years as a shipbroker with independent brokerage firm SPI Marine USA.   

Jack’s membership in professional associations includes the Connecticut Maritime Assn., the Marine Society of New York, the American Bureau of Shipping, Northeastern Chemical Association and the North American Marine Environmental Protection Assn.  

Jack is serves on the Board of Directors of McAllister Towing Co., the Seamen’s Church Institute Board of Trustees and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Board.  

In 2017, Jack was recognized by the Connecticut Maritime Association as Commodore for its annual shipping industry symposium.  Additionally that year he was named U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumnus of the Year. 

Mr. Jeff Lantz is the Director for Commercial Regulations and Standards for the U.S. Coast Guard.  His responsibilities include the development of U.S. maritime safety, security and environmental protection regulations and policies for shipping and the U.S. merchant mariner credentialing program.  He leads for the U.S. in the development of international safety, security and environmental protection standards at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and represents the U.S. at the IMO in many capacities including as head of delegation to both the Maritime Safety Committee and Marine Environmental Protection Committee.

Katherine is a 2022 Duke of Edinburgh Award recipient for her accomplishments in sports, arts, and voluntary service.

In his current role, Rich is responsible for overseeing all onboard and shoreside environmental operations for a fleet of 24 (27 by the end of 2024) ships deployed in North America, Europe, Caribbean and Australasia.  He also evaluates new technologies, establishes newbuilding specifications, develops company vision, strategic initiatives and sets policy for all sustainability and environmental stewardship activities.

Rich Pruitt also served as Vice President, Safety and Environmental Stewardship at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. He was responsible for evaluating new technologies, establishing newbuilding specifications, developing corporate vision and strategic initiatives and setting policy for all sustainability, environmental stewardship, situation/crisis management, injury prevention, maritime safety, and management systems programs for the corporation.  He also served in various other roles at RCL during his tenure from May 2003 until November 2016, including Director, Public Health and leading RCL’s humanitarian relief efforts following the Haitian earthquake in January 2010.

Prior to joining Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Rich served in the United States Air Force and the United States Coast Guard. From 1980 to 1990, Rich was an Air Force airborne Russian linguist and Airborne Mission Supervisor, assigned to various units and the National Security Agency. He also served in various national security and marine safety positions with the United States Coast Guard from 1990 to 2003.

He has earned an Environmental Master of Business Administration degree from Florida Atlantic University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from National Louis University and an Associate’s degree in Russian Interpreting from the Community College of the United States Air Force.  Rich is currently a Guardian Ad Litem in the 17th Circuit and is actively engaged in various industry, charitable and environmental organizations.

Jonathan Arneault is the CEO and co-founder of FuelTrust, a GreenTech SaaS startup solving the hardest and most impactful challenges across the shipping fuel industry – a $500B market annually.

An engineer, executive, and entrepreneur, Jonathan has led product development, engineering, marketing, business development, support, sales, and M&A. Jonathan’s adventuresome career includes senior positions at Netscape, AOL, INet Solutions, Mercator, Ascential Software, and IBM. He serves on the boards of various universities, federal and state government programs, and non-profits, as well as an advisor to several venture capital firms and tech startups.

Fred Finger is Senior Vice President, Head of Operations for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) Group. As such, he holds a pivotal role overseeing all aspects of vessel, port, and terminal operations.

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier is the largest U.S.-flag Ro-Ro carrier and a leading provider of logistics solutions and government services. The company’s U.S.-flag Ro-Ro vessels are enrolled in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) with the U.S. Maritime Administration and U.S. Transportation Command.

Fred’s journey with ARC Group began in August 2009 when he joined as the Vice President & General Manager of Operations, leveraging his rich experience, including 7 years at sea and 25 years in various operational capacities at Maersk Line, Limited. His remarkable dedication and expertise led to his promotion to the role of Senior Vice President, Head of Operations in January 2021.

Fred is an alumnus of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he laid the foundation for his maritime career. He further solidified his credentials by obtaining an Unlimited Merchant Marine Master’s License.

Beyond his impressive career achievements, Fred Finger is an active contributor to the maritime community. He is a respected member of numerous industry associations and committees, including the National Defense Transportation Association, The Navy League, the American Bureau of Shipping, the DNV North American Committee, and the Lloyd’s Register North America Advisory Committee. Notably, he has served as the Chairman of the Overseas Security Advisory Committee Maritime Security Working Group, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing security in the maritime sector. Fred Finger’s unwavering dedication and vast knowledge make him an indispensable asset to the maritime industry, and his leadership continues to drive excellence in operations at ARC Group.

Michael G. Roberts is a senior fellow with the Hudson Institute’s Center for Defense Concepts and Technology and a nonresident senior fellow with the Center for Maritime Strategy of the Navy League of the United States. Mr. Roberts founded and directs the American Maritime Security Initiative, which is focused on the national and economic security concerns raised by China’s growing dominance of the commercial maritime industry.

Mr. Roberts first became involved in transportation regulatory issues in 1979 when he was assigned to the Transportation Section of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. He has remained involved in transportation legal and policy issues for most of his career as a lawyer and lobbyist in Washington, DC. Roberts was a senior executive with a leading American shipping company, serving from 2008 as general counsel and leadership team member for Crowley Maritime Corp. Roberts’s responsibilities included liaising with the Pentagon, Coast Guard, Maritime Administration, and other government agencies on maritime security matters. He also served as president of the American Maritime Partnership, a leading maritime trade organization, for two years through the end of 2021.

David Levy is the Chief Marketing Officer at OrbitMI.  He joined the firm in 2019 after the company’s spinoff from Stena Bulk. David focuses on go-to-market activities, partner relations and customer success management.  In addition, he has been instrumental in advancing OrbitMI’s innovations related to sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions.

CDR Frank Strom is the Chief, Systems Engineering Division at the Coast Guard Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG). He has spent his entire 17-year Coast Guard career in the Prevention program, focused on improving the safety of commercial vessels and facilities through inspections, plan review, and regulatory development.  He holds a master’s degree in engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and has been stationed in New York, California, and Washington, DC.

Bethann Rooney was appointed the Director of the Port Department at The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in May 2022.  She oversees the management, operation, and ongoing development of the major marine terminal facilities in the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest and busiest seaport on the East Coast of North America.  As the Port Director, she is responsible for managing a nearly $400 million annual budget, advancing major capital programs, increasing cargo and passenger volumes, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all of the Port’s programs and fostering safe, secure, sustainable, and innovative practices focused on strengthening the Port’s contribution to the regional economy.

Throughout her 31-year career, Rooney has distinguished herself as a leader in port operations, maritime transportation, and global logistics.  Ms. Rooney regularly networks with a wide range of customers, partners, and stakeholders and has a proven track record of collaborative, inclusive, and transparent leadership. Since joining the Port Authority in 1993, she has held a series of management positions with progressive responsibilities including operations, leasing, property management, intermodal transportation, and technology planning.  In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Bethann was named the first ever Manager, Port Security, a position she held for 14 years, developing, and managing best-in-class port security and emergency management programs.  Beth then broke new ground once again and assumed a newly created senior role focused on port performance, efficiency, and goods movement after she created the framework for the Port’s Council on Port Performance.   In April 2019 Ms. Rooney became the Port’s Deputy Director and was instrumental in finalizing the Port Master Plan 2050, helped lead the Port through pandemic related growth of more than 35% and gained  approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers to further deepen the Port’s navigation channels to 55-feet.

She is a graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College with a Master’s in International Transportation and a Bachelor’s in Marine Transportation. She is also an Accredited Marine Port Executive (AMPE) from the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives, recipient of the US Secretary of Transportation’s 9/11 Medal and two-time recipient of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Distinguished Public Service Award.

John Eaton is the General Manager for Weather Routing Services at StormGeo with nearly 25 years of experience in the maritime industry.  John is responsible for supporting StormGeo’s routing and voyage performance services to ship owners, managers, pool operators, and charterers. In addition, John serves as an account manager for the Americas where he works closely with clients to ensure they are getting maximum value from StormGeo’s best in class decarbonization solutions on route optimization, emissions, and fleet performance.  John has served various roles at StormGeo, starting out as a route analyst before moving into voyage performance and finally client services, where he has served in a management role for the last 10 years.

John’s passion for the weather and the ocean began at a young age growing up surfing and fishing on the Jersey Shore and then later attending Plymouth State University to study Meteorology and Climate. John’s professional career started out in New York as a forecaster for film production and professional sports teams before he moved into marine forecasting in the late 90’s.  John is now based out of the Bay Area in California.

Samantha Weckesser graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in May 2023 with a B.E. in Industrial and Systems Engineering and is continuing her education at Stevens with an M.E. in Systems Engineering. Sam’s passion for maritime shipping began when she was a research intern at the Maritime Security Center in 2021 where she had the opportunity to analyze U.S. Coast Guard data regarding hazmat container inspections. Seeing a need for improvement in the current system, she continued this research as her senior capstone project. She was able to develop a preliminary machine learning algorithm to predict whether a shipping container is likely to fail a U.S. Coast Guard container inspection. Her team earned first place at the Ansary Entrepreneurship Competition over 125 competing senior design teams. She then went on to compete in TechUnited’s Better Capital Conference pitch competition where she also earned first place. In the summer of 2023, she interned with USCG Sector New York to continue developing the algorithm. She plans to implement the algorithm within Sector NY this fall. Her goal is to expand her software within the U.S. Coast Guard then start a company to help shippers and ocean liners make better decisions when it comes to their cargo.

Lourdes Evans is the Digital Services Sales Manager- Maritime Simulation at Kongsberg Digital.  Based in Connecticut, USA.  Lourdes brings over 20 years’ experience in maritime and software solutions.  Today, she leads the Digital Services sales team promoting our K-Sim Connect digital platform and our cloud-based simulation solutions that improve maritime training and seafarers competencies and enhance safety and efficiency in operations at sea.  Lourdes is also a CMA member and the Co-President of the WISTA-CT Chapter. Lourdes holds a bachelor’s degree in Air Transportation Management from the University of New Haven and a MBA from the University of Connecticut.

Captain Mohan Muppidi is a Master Mariner who started his sea career with Shipping Corporation of India in 1974.  Captain Muppidi got his command in 1984 and sailed on various types of vessels, tankers, bulkers, and container vessels. He joined OMI in 1988 and sailed till 1992, having had the privilege of being in command of OMI’s ULCC, TT Settebello.  Captain Muppidi moved to the US in 1994 as Port Captain with OMI and reached the position of Vice President Safety and Quality in 2004.  He joined TORM Tankers in 2007 when OMI was sold and subsequently worked with Heidmar. Captain Muppidi was with Fleet Management from 2012 till August 2023. 

Cynthia A. Hudson is CEO and founder of HudsonAnalytix, Inc., a global maritime risk consultancy serving the maritime transportation sector, headquartered in the Philadelphia region in the United States, and with offices across the United States and in Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

In 1986, Ms. Hudson founded what became HudsonAnalytix to provide emergency response, maritime project management and maritime consulting services to maritime transportation interests; oil and energy, vessel owners/operators and insurers for more than 100 oil and hazardous material response incidents. Ms. Hudson led the firm into maritime security for ports and vessels providing port vulnerability security assessment work at hundreds of ports and facilities worldwide and in 2016 expanded the HudsonAnalytix cyber security initiative to design and deliver cybersecurity and cyber risk management solutions to maritime clients and provide cybersecurity expertise to governmental agencies. Most recently, Ms. Hudson has overseen HudsonAnalytix’s efforts supporting ports and port terminals in their ongoing digital transformation, guiding the implementation of digital solutions to help them reach new levels of efficiency, throughput, and resilience.

Well-known and highly regarded throughout the maritime transportation industry for her work and contributions in her field, Ms. Hudson was honored by the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Committee on Ports with the 2016 Maritime Award of the Americas: Outstanding Women in the Maritime and Port Sector. Ms. Hudson serves on a number of Industry Boards, such as, the American Caribbean Maritime Association and the Maritime Academy High School in Philadelphia. She is President of WISTA Delaware River & Bay Chapter and a Director of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA and has been a speaker, panelist, and moderator at conferences across the globe.

David has broad experience in all phases of engineering and ship management. In addition to extensive engineering experience aboard tankers, David was previously Managing Director of V-Ships USA and Technical Director for Suezmax owner Principal Maritime. He is now responsible for overseeing Ridgebury’s engineering and technical group and working directly with ship managers, with particular focus on value-added activities surrounding performance optimization, capital investment and drydock efficiency. 

Founded in 1994, S&F is an insights firm that leverages customer feedback in the innovation and product development process. He facilitates ideation and innovation sessions with cross-functional teams and utilizes a wide range of research-based approaches to guide new product development, including identification of targetable segments, idea screening and product optimization, and customer experience. He has published on issues impacting data quality; is an advisor to the Harvard Business Review’s Analytic Services unit; and advises companies on go-to-market strategy. Prior to founding Surveys & Forecasts, he led research and innovation teams at Unilever and P&G.

Marcela is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, earned from Universidad Mayor de San Simon in Bolivia. With almost 20 years of diverse experience in the corporate landscape, she has established herself as a versatile and accomplished individual.

Notably, she served as a Territory Sales Manager for the Northeastern United States with the world’s largest tobacco company, worked in Customer Support and Logistics for one of the leading consumer goods corporations in the U.S., and later demonstrated her project management expertise through her involvement in the SAP Project Cordillera, unifying processes and establishing platform best practices across the Americas.

Currently, at NAMEPA, Marcela holds a pivotal role in several significant projects. She is instrumental in the development, successful implementation, management, and promotion of the NAMEPA Maritime Sustainability Passport® Program. Collaborating closely with subject matter experts in the maritime industry, Marcela has played a key role in creating innovative solutions to address pressing environmental, social, and governance challenges within the maritime sector.

Jan-Willem van den Dijssel is an accomplished business leader with over 25 years’ experience in the grain and maritime trading industry.  In his current role, Jan-Willem is responsible for Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business across the Americas.

Jan-Willem joined Cargill in 1996 as a grain trader in Chile.  He successfully held grain trading roles in Cargill’s corporate headquarters in Minneapolis and in Miami.  In 2004, Jan-Willem moved to the Panamax desk of Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business in Geneva, Switzerland before he became manager of the Americas Handy desk.

In 2011, Jan-Willem joined the New Jersey office as Americas Commercial Manager and was promoted to his current role of Americas Lead in 2014. He moved the Ocean Transportation team to Miami in 2021.

In January 2018, Jan-Willem was named as Cargill’s board representative of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association.  He arranged Cargill’s lead sponsorship and completed all 6 Seamen’s Church Institute Mountain Challenge events in support of mariners.

Ramesh Bhat has over 40 years of experience specializing in shipbuilding, technical management, operations and crew management. He brings a global perspective and experience building high performance teams in complex organizations on any role he serves, and emphasizes strategic focus, collaborative partnerships and bold actions.

He set up Advanced Strategic Solutions LLC providing maritime advisory services to companies with maritime assets. He previously served as Maritime Technical Director for New York based Hedge fund where he oversaw 15 vessels including construction of 6 Newcastlemax bulk vessels in China. Prior to that he served as a Chief Technical Officer for a US flag owner / operator and Technical Director of a US public listed company where in he played a critical role in transforming the company’s assets from 6 Supramax vessels to 56 vessels in a span of 10 years.

Overall, he was instrumental in building a total of 45 dry bulk vessels, ranging from Supramax to Newcastlemax bulkers, from contract stage to delivery, in Japan and China.

Bhat holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and in Marine Engineering. He also holds an advanced degree of MS in Maritime Management from Loeb-Sullivan School, Castine, Maine.

He is a member of the DNV North American Shipowners Committee.

Jason Kelly serves as Executive Vice President of Moran Shipping Agencies and is a co-founder and Board Chair of Sea Ahead, a Boston based bluetech startup venture platform and incubator. An active member of the maritime community, Jason volunteers with ASBA (Treasurer), the Chamber of Shipping of America, the Dean’s Advisory Council, URI Graduate School of Oceanography, Chair, Providence Harbor Management Commission, and member, Mystic Aquarium President’s advisory board.  Jason holds an MBA from Middlesex University in Shipping & Logistics and a Bachelor of Business from Boston College. Jason is a passionate advocate for innovation in commercial shipping and smart-ocean planning, strongly supporting industry best practices in safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

Graeme has extensive experience in the world’s largest technical consultancy organizations.  Proven history of developing new business streams and providing both technical and digital solutions to complex customer problems in marine and energy renewables. Passionate about leveraging cutting edge technology to drive strategic initiatives and customer value. Currently a business development manager with StormGeo bringing modern solutions to the shipping segment.

Cate Moran is Senior Chartering Manager for NYK Bulkship (Atlantic) NV, a subsidiary company within the NYK Group of companies. NYK is a global logistics solution provider offering ocean, land and air transportation, and is on a mission to contribute to the well-being of society through the safe and responsible movement of goods. NYK aims  beyond the present scope of our enterprise to co-create future value with stakeholders based on ESG management. Cate started her career in shipping with a degree in Marine Transportation and International Business, followed by a several year stint at sea as a deck officer on both multipurpose vessels and product tankers. She started in the operations department at NYK and has grown through various operational and commercial roles. At NYK she’s responsible for chartering within the Atlantic, particularly focusing on the handy-ultramax sector as well as forest. She also is one of NYK’s ESG Navigators, whose role is to advance ESG management, supporting both bottom-up and top-down initiatives.  

Arlie Sterling is President and co-founder of Marsoft Incorporated and serves on the board of the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition. The Blue Sky Maritime Coalition is dedicated to accelerating the pace of decarbonization of the North American maritime industry. Arlie was elected as a Member of the American Bureau of Shipping in 2022.

Sterling has lectured at the university level on the dynamics of the shipping markets and investment and chartering decisions under uncertainty. He advises shipowners, investors and financial institutions regarding the development and execution of effective investment, chartering and risk management strategies.

Recently, he has led the development of Marsoft’s carbon market practice, including a collaboration with the MIT SeaGrant Design Laboratory to create models of vessel performance and the impact of retrofit investments in terms of reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. He leads Marsoft’s work with carbon registries and with market-makers in the carbon space.

Sterling has an S.B. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an M.S. from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in Applied Economics (concentration in finance and macroeconomics) from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Olmedo is the Decarbonization Technologies and Retrofit Sales Manager for Wartsila North America. He brings more than 18 years of propulsion integration, engine performance, and sales & customer excellent expertise in the maritime sector. Olmedo has extensive experience in global sales and leadership development across a variety of industries from Fortune 500 companies, shipyards, and private equity firms. In his current role as Sales Manager at Wartsila, Olmedo leads the decarbonization efforts with global merchant customers as well as the implementation of propulsion solutions for more efficient and profitable customer operations. Olmedo holds a degree of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of New Orleans and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.

Randy Giveans is the Executive Vice President of Navigator Gas US and Head of Investor Relations and Business Development in North America. Prior to joining Navigator, Randy Giveans was the Senior Analyst and Group Head of the Energy Maritime Shipping Equity Research Group and a Senior Vice President at Jefferies. He covered 32 energy maritime shipping companies that transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, LNG, LPG, dry bulk commodities, and containers. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, he was named to Institutional Investor’s (I.I.) All-America Research Team, and in 2018, he was named an Institutional Investor All-America Research “Rising Star.” In 2021, Mr. Giveans was a Top 5 stock picker across all sector analysts according to TipRanks, and in 2018, he was ranked as the #1 Stock Picker for Shipping in the Thomson Reuters Analyst Awards. Randy has appeared on CNBC, Bloomberg TV, BBC, and Yahoo Finance, and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fox Business, CNN, Business Insider, and Bloomberg. Prior to joining Jefferies in 2011, Randy worked as a Senior Financial Analyst in the Corporate Finance department at Continental/United Airlines. Mr. Giveans received a Bachelor of Science in Finance/Economics from Spring Hill College and an MBA in Finance with an Energy Specialization from the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.

Thomas B. Crowley Jr. has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1994. Under Crowley’s leadership, the corporation has evolved to be a global leader focused on continuously innovating to create logistics, maritime and energy solutions for the commercial and government sectors. The company has embraced its future-inspired  purpose – “Bravely advancing what’s possible to elevate people and planet” – to forge a growth strategy bolstered by technology, committed to sustainability and anchored by integrity and safety.

Crowley has sparked an evolution of the organization to become a forward-thinking brand with a culture focused on creating new businesses in emerging markets, such as offshore wind, advanced energy and alternative fuels, as well as end-to-end solutions around the world. This includes a promise to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 across all its scopes – a commitment that leverages added value based on partnerships to market solutions to decarbonize the industry and communities. In 2021, Crowley endowed the University of North Florida to create the Crowley Center for Transportation and Logistics as a world leader in research, education and industry engagement.

His stewardship has led to honors including the United Seaman’s Service prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award. Crowley serves on the Board of Directors of the World Shipping Council, the Florida Council of 100, and as an advisory board member at the University of Washington Foster School of Business, where he earned a business finance degree.

Gancheng Sun is the Strategy Manager at Amogy. She joined Amogy 2 years ago as employee #10, and is responsible for strategic analysis of the market fundamentals, aligning go-to-market strategy focuses, and fundraising activities. Prior to joining Amogy, Gancheng worked with commercial real estate project finance at CBRE. Gancheng holds a Master degree of Business Management from Duke University and a Bachelor degree of Finance at Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

Jonathan Chia has spent the past 15 years consulting corporations on strategy and communications. Advising on situations that span from surviving corporate scandals to navigating the tricky waters of innovation vs. intrusion of privacy. Jonathan has consulted companies the likes of GE, Google, Microsoft, NewsCorp and many more blue-chip companies on technology communications.

In the maritime industry, Jonathan has responded and advised clients on some of the largest incidents to happen on U.S shores. As well as advising clients during an incident, Jonathan helps prepare clients with training, scenario planning and drills with the entire incident response chain.

Jonathan also leads the technology team at Crisis Pigeon to ensure that the platform is utilizing the best tools and tech available today.

Prior to joining MTI Network, Jonathan headed up growth at the startup DRL, and prior to that was lead strategist at the management consultant Co:collective.

Andrew Hayes, founder and CEO of HUB systems, is using his decades of experience in property, finance, law and planning to develop a range of transportation, goods movement, and storage systems. Utilizing the most energy-efficient, highest-throughput technology available, HUB’s mission is to provide the essential public infrastructure for the 21^st Century.

Andrew received a BA and a JD from Columbia University and an LL.M. from Harvard Law School. Over a 25-year legal career that began at Cravath, Swaine & Moore and included being a founding partner of Boies, Schiller & Flexner, Andrew was involved in a series of billion-dollar disputes and transactions in various industries including airlines, banking, electronics and telecoms, oil and gas exploration, property development, and power generation.

Having seen firsthand how promising inventions (particularly hardware) could be delayed or derailed before getting to market, Andrew began to incubate cleantech startups whose IP had the potential to significantly improve our built environment.  After two rounds of angel funding, HUB systems has grown into a network of alliances, patents and prototypes for a range of energy-efficient solutions from e-bikes and packages to trucks, trains, and containers.  Now, with plans in hand to build a prototype garage in a local shipyard, HUB is looking to combine that with a prototype of a much more efficient STS crane – the first of several planned innovations to dramatically improve the throughput of port logistics operations, while reducing their carbon footprint.

I have a proven track record of expertise in spearheading marketing, sales, and business development operations.

Over the last two decades, I have assumed pivotal roles within senior management teams, successfully driving business transformation across diverse industries.

My professional motivation stems from the aspiration of transforming dreams into reality.

Outside of my professional endeavors, I prioritize spending quality time with my family. Additionally, I engage in activities such as running, playing the drums, and pursuing hiking adventures in mountainous terrains.

Duncan Wyse joined Kongsberg Digital Inc. in early 2023 as the Head of Growth. Americas. Based in Houston, Duncan’s goal is to simplify sustainable shipping by driving the growth of KDI’s Coach solutions across the Americas.

Duncan graduated from the business school of Strathclyde University and has since led in commercial roles selling SaaS and enterprise software into Oil and Gas and Marine markets. He also has experience in the M&A function on primary search, valuation, and integration projects. His career has been international, with a with a demonstrated history in breaking foreign markets for SME’s, Duncan has built business units from the ground up whilst living and working across 3 continents.

Roberto Llames (Roberto) is the President of Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (ESI), a technology management and consulting firm and President of the SMART Development Institute (SDI), an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit firm for smart community enablement.

In 1999, Roberto established ESI, now in its 25^th year of operation, as a successful and reputable firm providing reliable and effective Information Technology and Consulting services.  ESI has supported over fifty (50) federal, state, local government agencies and private sector clients; having annual revenues of over $10M over the last 12 years. One notable accomplishment of ESI is helping Fairfax County, VA with their digital transformation to become one of the top digital counties in the U.S.

In 2015, Roberto founded SDI to conduct basic and applied research for the enablement of smart communities through digital transformation.  Roberto leads the Institute in providing policy-driven technology solutions addressing sustainability and resiliency issues, to improve the quality of life of its citizens of communities and bridge the gap of communication and collaboration between the government and its citizens.

Roberto is an active participant and contributor in community services and is a Member of the Board of Directors of the US-Philippines Society and the National ACE.  He supports programs that foster entrepreneurship, mentor small businesses, and he has conducted seminars in a wide range of topics related to leadership, entrepreneurship, and government contracting. Roberto also supports various community service projects in the Philippines tackling challenges such as disaster preparedness, digital transformation, food security, and education.

Mr. Lawrence is Chairman of the publishing company Marine Money, celebrating its 36^th Anniversary this year, which produces, the monthly magazine Marine Money, the weekly on-line report Freshly Minted, the newsletter International Ship Registry Review, and the directory Official Guide to Ship Registries. Marine Money conferences are held in every major shipping center in the world bridging capital and the international maritime industry, with 18+ forums worldwide held each year.

Jim Lawrence is a founding Partner, along with Patrick Adamson in London, of the MTI Network, the leading global public relations firm specializing in maritime crisis communications.  The MTI Network has offices in 23 countries around the world.

MTI provides a round the clock response team to handle media relations in the event of any marine or transport related incident likely to attract unfavorable attention from the press, television, radio or online services. MTI currently provides crisis cover for over 10,000 vessels from 400 shipping companies, including tankers, gas carriers, bulkers, container, passenger ships, ports, terminals and aircraft.

Mr. Lawrence began his career in the maritime industry with Lloyd’s of London Press, managing that company’s North American business from New York City. He is on the Board of the Seamen’s Church Institute in New York.  He is a long-standing supporter of the Connecticut Maritime Association, its Conference and Trade show, its intern and job assistance programs.  He is married with two daughters.

Carl Hausheer graduated from Maritime college in 1979 with a degree in Meteorology and was a Captain at the age of 26. He worked ashore in various roles in the industry in the New York area and in London. Carl lives in Princeton Junction New Jersey and has raised three daughters, always making time for their activities and sports. He feels a strong need to put something back into our maritime community and has served as a Board Member for the Alumni Association of Maritime College, Secretary of the UK Propeller Club, and is an active member of CMA and NAMEPA.

Joe has served as chairman of the managers of the American Club, an International Group mutual, for nearly twenty-eight years. Joe also oversees the activities of Eagle Ocean Agencies, Inc., an affiliate of SCB, which operates the Eagle Ocean Marine and Eagle Ocean America insurance facilities. In addition, he is a director both the American Club itself and its European subsidiary based Cyprus. In addition to his chairmanship of NAMEPA, Joe is president of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey, a director of NYMAR and also sits on committees of the American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyd’s Register of Shipping.

Captain Don Carroll is the Senior Vice President for MTM Global Operations.  He manages all Technical and Commercial Operations of the MTM’s Chemical/Oil Tanker fleet including third party ship management.

He has over 45 years of comprehensive experience in the Maritime Industry at sea and ashore.  Shore experience includes all aspects of Chemical/Oil Parcel Tanker operations and management, including technical management, commercial cargo operations, quality and safety systems development and implementation, ship vetting, emergency response, voyage and time charter contract management and negotiation, PandI cargo claims defense, demurrage and cargo arbitration proceedings, and consultancy work.

During free time, he works as a consultant to some major law firms in maritime arbitration proceedings. Provide them with technical guidance and expert opinions to assist them with their cases.

Past member of the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) to the USCG in Washington, DC.  This included work on the current USCG Port, Facility, and Vessel Security regulations.  Past member of CDI Technical Committee (Vetting scheme for chemical tankers).  Served on the Inter Industry Working Group on Fires and Explosions on Tankers which presented safety recommendations to the IMO.

Sea going experience included 12 years as Master and deck officer aboard tankers, bulk carriers, Roll on Roll off, and Container Vessels.

Served as a U.S. Coast Guard certified Marine Instructor of courses in Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) handling (Loading/Discharging).

United States Merchant Marine Academy 1978 graduate and US Naval Reserve Commission.

Mr. Ole Christian Schroder, Director of Environmental Compliance for Scorpio Group, headquartered New York and Monaco. He presently oversees 150 Modern Eco-friendly vessels, and five Wind Turbine Installation vessels (and two newbuildings), enforcing environmental compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory performance.   Mr. Schroder previously came from, TORM AS, following its 2007 acquisition of OMI Corporation, where Mr. Schroder reported to OMI’s Board, responsible for implementing a comprehensive and strategic compliance program.

In 2000, Mr. Schroder co-founded as principal and partner, Hudson Marine Management Services, a consulting group specializing in crisis management, emergency response and maritime security. Originally from Oslo, Mr. Schroder has over 35 years of international shipping expertise, dating back to his family history in ship owning, OSCO Shipping, pioneers in the chemical and product trade.  Mr. Schroder, a founding member of Intertanko’s Environmental Committee, now Chairman, and is also a board member of NAMEPA. 

Stian Aakre holds an MSc degree in physical chemistry from Norwegian Institute of Technology (1990). He has been working within the fields of marine and shore based applications of environmental technology for more than 30 years. Prior to joining Wärtsilä in 2010 he served as Head of Environment for a major Norwegian Ro/Ro ship-owner and as a consultant within environmental technology and sustainability. He is currently Head of Technology and R&D in Wärtsilä Exhaust Treatment.

Kevin is a Senior Advisor to Attender.ai, a tech platform transforming services procurement in the maritime and offshore renewables sectors.

Kevin has 30 years of experience as a senior executive and manager in a variety of fields including private equity and venture capital backed start-ups, OEM, software, international shipping, and government. Among his significant previous positions, Kevin served as President of Lloyd’s Register Americas, General manager of Market Innovation at Wartsila Inc., CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Fifth Street Development, and Senior Vice President of Engineering & Business Development at Marorka USA. Before entering the private sector, Kevin was a Special Agent with The Federal Bureau of Investigation, sailed as a licensed Chief Engineer in the merchant marines, and served as an officer in the US Naval Reserve.

Kevin is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering Systems, holds a Chief Engineers License Unlimited steam and diesel, and has a Masters of Arts degree in the Philosophy and Theology of Science from Biola University.

Paul is currently Chief Investment Officer for Triumph Energy, a new disruptive green shipping design, build, own, operate company. Triumph Energy has been granted the world’s FIRST “Sustainable Shipping Notation” across its vessel designs in offshore wind and the oil and gas sectors unlocking access to lower cost of capital via ‘blue bonds’ and cheaper financing via the US Department of Energy’s Loan Procurement Office due to vastly reduced GHG emissions across their vessel designs.

Paul is also a financial advisor to Capital C Design and Technology which also has the world’s FIRST “Sustainable Shipping Notation’ across its Expedition Yachts and Superyacht designs. Capital C is going to market to raise project equity, currently in discussion to secure 80% project debt for each vessel built via a multi-lateral development bank who will issue blue bonds to the global capital markets.

One of Paul’s greatest achievements was creating the world’s first green bond under the global Climate Bonds Initiative in 2014.

He has been inlined in international clean energy transaction and strategic advisory experience in utility scale solar and batteries across Ukraine, Mexico, Italy, U.K., US, Mongolia, Australia and many other countries.

Previously a shareholder in global solar, battery developer and EPC Belectric (sold to RWE Innogy) where in the U.K. he originated the UK’s largest single solar PPA at the time, of 40MW with HSBC as the power off taker and worked on the second largest solar rooftop PPA with Roll Royce Aero Engines (3.6MW).

20+ years’ bank treasury and capital markets trading experience.

Paul was also an ad-hoc advisor to the UK Prime Ministers Cabinet Office for Energy for almost 7 years.

Paul has an extensive and enviable network of contacts and relationships in the “Green Tech” space and has originated the technical, financial, and strategic market information and ‘route-to-market’ relationships including working with energy consultants, to create a strong business offering for investors in the renewables sector.

Paul is also a gentleman of the Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest and most senior regiment in the British Army, granted charter by King Henry VIII in 1537, having both a combat role and ceremonial duty role; firing gun salutes at the Tower of London

Mr José Luis Duarte started his maritime career with the Argentinian Navy and has sailed onboard Navy ships as a Chief Engineer. He has an M. Eng degree specializing in Marine Propulsion Systems as well as a B. Admin. degree in Naval Resources. Among other companies, José has worked with MAN in Argentina and then in various positions with MAN in Canada for 10 years. He has a vast knowledge of marine propulsion products, primarily for navy and merchant fleet ship owners. José is a firm believer that the world’s shipping fleet can eliminate oil discharges forever from propeller shaftlines below the waterline, while saving money for the ship owners and managers.

Edward A. Waryas, Jr. serves on our board of directors for KNOT Offshore Partners  LP  and as a member of the Conflicts Committee since 2013, and as a member of the Audit Committee since 2015. Mr. Waryas retired from his position as Vice President—Marine Business Development for Lloyd’s Register North America, Inc. at the end of 2014 where he was responsible for marine business development, account management, marketing and product development in North America. Mr. Waryas is a past President of Windward Maritime LLC and during the 1990s was President of the Clay Marketing and Public Relations marine division as well as Director, Business Development for Newport News Shipbuilding and Vice President of the Tenneco Foreign Sales Corporation. Prior to this, Mr. Waryas served as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed engineer for Mobil Shipping & Transportation Company and at the time was also chairman of the bow-loading coordination committee that developed the offshore loading system for the Statfjord Field off the coast of Norway. Mr. Waryas has a Bachelor of Science, Marine Engineering, from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Master of Science, Transportation Management, from the State University of New York.