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Speakers 2026 | Coming Soon
Manos Giakoumelis is Chief Technology Officer at Liknoss, where he leads the technology strategy and development of large-scale reservation and distribution platforms powering the ferry and maritime travel ecosystem across multiple international markets.
With over 15 years of experience in product and engineering leadership, he drives the evolution of resilient, future-ready digital platforms that support high-volume travel operations and complex industry requirements.
With over 15 years of experience in product and engineering leadership, he drives the evolution of resilient, future-ready digital platforms that support high-volume travel operations and complex industry requirements.
Manos Giakoumelis
Chief Technology Officer at Liknoss
Mathieu Girardin was born in 1982. He graduated from ESCP Europe with a Master in Management in 2005 and later earned an Executive MBA from INSEAD in 2018.
After 8 years in Strategy and Management consulting, Girardin began his career in the maritime industry by joining CMA CGM in 2013. Over nearly a decade, he held various senior management positions in Europe and Asia (Singapore), contributing significantly to the company’s operational and corporate strategies.
After 8 years in Strategy and Management consulting, Girardin began his career in the maritime industry by joining CMA CGM in 2013. Over nearly a decade, he held various senior management positions in Europe and Asia (Singapore), contributing significantly to the company’s operational and corporate strategies.
In 2022, Mathieu Girardin joined DFDS as the Executive Vice President for the Ferry Division. In this role, he oversees all Passenger, Ro-Ro, and Ro-Pax activities, along with their associated terminals. His leadership has been pivotal in strategic decisions, such as the acquisition of Spanish-Moroccan ferry operator FRS Iberia, or the sale of the Copenhagen-Oslo cruise ferry route to Gotlandsbolaget, which aimed to refocus DFDS’s efforts on transport and logistics services.
Girardin is known for his forward-thinking approach, particularly in expanding DFDS’s presence in high-potential freight corridors like the Strait of Gibraltar. His vision includes introducing environmentally friendly vessels powered by electric, methanol, and ammonia by 2030.
Outside of his professional life, Mathieu is passionate about sustainable maritime practices and innovation in the shipping industry. His contributions continue to shape the future of maritime transport, balancing commercial success with environmental responsibility.
Background
• ESCP Business School
• INSEAD Master of Business Administration
Career
• Accenture 2005 - 2007
• RISE CONSEIL 2007 – 2013
• CMA CGM:
- Deputy Line Manager 2013 – 2014
- Line Manager 2014 – 2015
- Senior Line Manager 2015 – 2016
- Deputy Chief Trade Officer APL, Singapore 2016 – 2018
- CEO Asia Regional Office, Singapore 2018 – 2019
- Chief Trade Officer CMA CGM Asia and APL, Singapore 2019 – 2020
- Senior Vice President Group Operations 2020
- Senior Vice President Short Sea Lines 2020 – 2022
Volunteer work
• Maritime Industry Cluster President – French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
• French Trade Advisor Denmark
Board work
• Board Member - French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (2019-2021)
• Board Member – French Chamber of Commerce in Denmark (since 2024)
Mathieu Girardin
Executive Vice President for DFDS’s Ferry Division
Brian Thorsted Hansen joined Fjord Line AS as the CEO in 2021.
Fjord Line was founded in 1993 and is Norway's second largest shipping company for international passenger traffic and freight transportation between Norway and Denmark. Being a link between coastal communities and in connecting Norway and Continental Europe has always been important throughout Fjord Line's history.
Fjord Line has led the way in the green transition at sea being pioneers within green shipping and sustainable fuels. This includes being an early adopter of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) technologies.
Brian is a seasoned executive within the shipping industry and has previously served as Head of DFDS' passenger business including successfully led DFDS' digital transformation within the passenger division. His focus has always been on innovation, growth and execution based on people, customer centricity and value creation
Brian Thorsted Hansen
CEO Fjord Lines
Mr. Achille Onorato, the eldest son of Vincenzo Onorato, represents a fifth generation ship – owner.
He graduated in Business Administration at Bocconi University in Milan. Later received his Master always Bocconi in Logistics and Transport Infrastructure.
Even before his degree, he already participates actively in the business of the company, working on board of the ship fleet of the family alternately to studies
from the age of 13 years old until the end of university, spending on board a total of more than 3 years.
He then later started to work in the commercial area of the group and then became the Hospitality and on Board Services Director of the company Moby SpA.
On January 2012 he became the CEO of the company Toremar, first public shipping company that was privatized in Italy, achieving a radical revolution and innovation of the company.
Mr. Achille Onorato has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Moby and Tirrenia – CIN since 2015 and he has also served as the sole director of both companies from its formation until its conversation into a joint stock companyand the subsequent appointment of the Board of Directors.
He graduated in Business Administration at Bocconi University in Milan. Later received his Master always Bocconi in Logistics and Transport Infrastructure.
Even before his degree, he already participates actively in the business of the company, working on board of the ship fleet of the family alternately to studies
from the age of 13 years old until the end of university, spending on board a total of more than 3 years.
He then later started to work in the commercial area of the group and then became the Hospitality and on Board Services Director of the company Moby SpA.
On January 2012 he became the CEO of the company Toremar, first public shipping company that was privatized in Italy, achieving a radical revolution and innovation of the company.
Mr. Achille Onorato has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Moby and Tirrenia – CIN since 2015 and he has also served as the sole director of both companies from its formation until its conversation into a joint stock companyand the subsequent appointment of the Board of Directors.
On July 2015 Mr. Achille Onorato has become the Vice Executive Chairman of Moby SpA and subsequently on April, 2016 he became the Chief Executive Officer and in the same time he still keeps the position of Vice Executive Chairman of the company.
In addition to the Ship - owner's family tradition, just like his father, he has also the passion for sailing on regattas.
Summary of Current Position in the Company:
* Moby CEO and Vice Executive Chairman
* Member of the BoD of Tirrenia – CIN
* Executive Member of the BoD of Toremar
* BoD Member of San Cataldo
* Chairman of Agemar and Renzo Conti sr
Achille Onorato
CEO of Moby Line
Juan Pablo Molina, born in Madrid in 1971, is MSc. In Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering by Polytechnic University of Madrid and MBA by IDE.
With more than 25 years of experience in different areas in maritime industry and with a large worldwide background, in Latin America, Singapore and The Netherlands.
He has developed different projects and business management responsibilities in ship repairs and ship building shipyards like NAVANTIA, VULKAN SHIPYARD and DAMEN SHIPYARDS GROUP both on commercial vessels, military ships as well as mega-yachts.
Since 2021, he joined for a second time the ferry and ro-pax owner BALEARIA, where in total has accumulated almost 10 years of experience as Technical Director.
With more than 25 years of experience in different areas in maritime industry and with a large worldwide background, in Latin America, Singapore and The Netherlands.
He has developed different projects and business management responsibilities in ship repairs and ship building shipyards like NAVANTIA, VULKAN SHIPYARD and DAMEN SHIPYARDS GROUP both on commercial vessels, military ships as well as mega-yachts.
Since 2021, he joined for a second time the ferry and ro-pax owner BALEARIA, where in total has accumulated almost 10 years of experience as Technical Director.
Juan Pablo Molina
Technical Director Baleària
Stratis Apergis is a graduate of the University of
Patras, School of Computer Engineering and
Informatics. With over 30 years of professional
experience across various sectors, he is the cofounder
and Chief Executive Officer of Levante
Ferries — a leading passenger shipping
company operating in the southern Ionian Sea.
Since 2021, Mr. Apergis has served as Vice President of the Board of Directors
of the Hellenic Passenger Shipowners Association (S.E.E.N.), and he is also a
member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping
(N.E.E.). His leadership combines a strong technical background with a forwardthinking
vision for innovation, safety, and service excellence in Greek coastal
shipping.
About Levante Ferries
Levante Ferries is an award-winning company redefining standards in Greek coastal shipping. Its
operations cover the Ionian Sea — connecting Patra, Kyllini, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Ithaca —
with a fleet of modern vessels and advanced port services that ensure a superior travel experience
for passengers and transport professionals alike.
The company safely and punctually sails approximately 166,000 nautical miles annually, carrying
2 million passengers, 550,000 private vehicles, and over 50,000 trucks, including dangerous
goods, between mainland Greece and the islands.
Levante Ferries has been honored twice — in 2019 and 2022 — with the Lloyd’s List “Passenger
Line of the Year” Award. Its distinguished fleet includes the internationally acclaimed Fior di
Levante, Mare di Levante, Andreas Kalvos, Kefalonia, and Smyrna di Levante — the latter earning
the Shippax Retrofit Award 2023. The company’s newest addition, Contessa di Levante, is
currently undergoing extensive reconstruction to meet the brand’s exacting standards, further
enhancing the quality and innovation of ferry services in the Ionian Sea.
Patras, School of Computer Engineering and
Informatics. With over 30 years of professional
experience across various sectors, he is the cofounder
and Chief Executive Officer of Levante
Ferries — a leading passenger shipping
company operating in the southern Ionian Sea.
Since 2021, Mr. Apergis has served as Vice President of the Board of Directors
of the Hellenic Passenger Shipowners Association (S.E.E.N.), and he is also a
member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping
(N.E.E.). His leadership combines a strong technical background with a forwardthinking
vision for innovation, safety, and service excellence in Greek coastal
shipping.
About Levante Ferries
Levante Ferries is an award-winning company redefining standards in Greek coastal shipping. Its
operations cover the Ionian Sea — connecting Patra, Kyllini, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Ithaca —
with a fleet of modern vessels and advanced port services that ensure a superior travel experience
for passengers and transport professionals alike.
The company safely and punctually sails approximately 166,000 nautical miles annually, carrying
2 million passengers, 550,000 private vehicles, and over 50,000 trucks, including dangerous
goods, between mainland Greece and the islands.
Levante Ferries has been honored twice — in 2019 and 2022 — with the Lloyd’s List “Passenger
Line of the Year” Award. Its distinguished fleet includes the internationally acclaimed Fior di
Levante, Mare di Levante, Andreas Kalvos, Kefalonia, and Smyrna di Levante — the latter earning
the Shippax Retrofit Award 2023. The company’s newest addition, Contessa di Levante, is
currently undergoing extensive reconstruction to meet the brand’s exacting standards, further
enhancing the quality and innovation of ferry services in the Ionian Sea.
Stratis Apergis
CEO – Levante Ferries
Panagiotis G. Anastassopoulos is the President of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority of Patras (OLPA S.A.) and a Board Member of the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME). In his role, he leads strategic planning and initiatives that enhance the port’s competitiveness, focusing on innovation, extroversion, and sustainability.
He holds a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Patras and an MBA in Business Administration from the Hellenic Open University. Since 2024, he has been pursuing an MSc in Autonomous Systems in the Port Industry at Novia University in Finland, focusing on autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and automation applied to the port industry.
At the international level, he has participated in European Commission and CEDEFOP working groups on innovation and digital learning. A frequent speaker at global conferences on Industry 4.0, Smart Ports, and the Digital Economy, he also mentors start-up ecosystems across Europe, promoting OLPA’s leading role in digital and green transformation.
Under his leadership, OLPA S.A. is emerging as a reference point for innovation and sustainability, pioneering the adoption of autonomous systems, IoT, big data analytics, and green energy solutions, and establishing the Port of Patras as a dynamic hub in the blue economy.
He holds a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Patras and an MBA in Business Administration from the Hellenic Open University. Since 2024, he has been pursuing an MSc in Autonomous Systems in the Port Industry at Novia University in Finland, focusing on autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and automation applied to the port industry.
At the international level, he has participated in European Commission and CEDEFOP working groups on innovation and digital learning. A frequent speaker at global conferences on Industry 4.0, Smart Ports, and the Digital Economy, he also mentors start-up ecosystems across Europe, promoting OLPA’s leading role in digital and green transformation.
Under his leadership, OLPA S.A. is emerging as a reference point for innovation and sustainability, pioneering the adoption of autonomous systems, IoT, big data analytics, and green energy solutions, and establishing the Port of Patras as a dynamic hub in the blue economy.
Panagiotis Anastasopouios CEO
CEO – Port of Patras
Panos Dikaios is the CEO of ATTICA GROUP, one of the leading ferry operators worldwide, based in Greece. He joined the Group in 2012 and from 2013 until 2023 he served as the Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dikaios is also a member of the Board of Directors of ATTICA GROUP as well as its subsidiaries.
He has more than 20 years of experience in shipping finance and investment banking. Prior to joining ATTICA GROUP, he held the position of Shipping Manager at the Investment Bank of Greece, responsible for financing and investment banking services to the maritime sector. Mr. Dikaios is also an elected member of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Board of Directors.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in maritime studies from the University of Piraeus in Greece, and an MBA from the RSM Rotterdam School of Management, in Netherlands.
He has more than 20 years of experience in shipping finance and investment banking. Prior to joining ATTICA GROUP, he held the position of Shipping Manager at the Investment Bank of Greece, responsible for financing and investment banking services to the maritime sector. Mr. Dikaios is also an elected member of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Board of Directors.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in maritime studies from the University of Piraeus in Greece, and an MBA from the RSM Rotterdam School of Management, in Netherlands.
Panos Dikaios
CEO Attica
Christophe MATHIEU
Born on 3rd August 1968
Born on 3rd August 1968
Educational background:
Master in Management Science Paris I
International Executive Program INSEAD 2005
BRITTANY FERRIES:
From 1991 to 1999: Brittany Ferries UK (Ltd) – Plymouth
Finance, Operation and Commercial Passenger Departments
March 1999 to April 2006: Group Business Controller
May 2006 to June 2009: Strategic Development Director
June 2009 to March 2016: Group Strategy and Commercial Director
Member of the Executive Board
Since April 2016: Chief Executive Officer
INTERFERRY:
Board Member from 2011 to 2023
Chairman from 2020 to 2022
CONDOR FERRIES:
C.E.O. since February 2024
GREEN MARINE EUROPE:
Board Member since 2024
Christophe Matthieu
Condor Ferries
(copyright: Lou Benoist)
Paul Kyprianou has studied economics at the L.U.I.S.S. Guido Carlo University (Rome) and holds a Master’s degree in Shipping, Trade & Finance (City University, London). He entered the Grimaldi Group in 1995. By covering the position of Commercial Executive at the Group’s offices in London.
In 1997 he was transferred to the Group’s Headquarters in Naples as Area Manager for Greece and Cyprus. Since 2000 he also holds the position of External Relations Manager. From 2005 to 2010 he was Managing Director of Grimaldi & Louis Dreyfus Lines which run a freight & passenger service between Civitavecchia (Italy) and Toulon (France).
He is a Board Member of various companies of the Grimaldi Group among which Scandinavian Auto Logistics (1999-2000), Grimaldi Belgium, Antwerp Euroterminal and Minoan Lines. Paul Kyprianou represents the Grimaldi Group at various associations such as ECSA (European Community Shipowners’ Associations), Interferry and he is at the Advisory Board of the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.
In 1997 he was transferred to the Group’s Headquarters in Naples as Area Manager for Greece and Cyprus. Since 2000 he also holds the position of External Relations Manager. From 2005 to 2010 he was Managing Director of Grimaldi & Louis Dreyfus Lines which run a freight & passenger service between Civitavecchia (Italy) and Toulon (France).
He is a Board Member of various companies of the Grimaldi Group among which Scandinavian Auto Logistics (1999-2000), Grimaldi Belgium, Antwerp Euroterminal and Minoan Lines. Paul Kyprianou represents the Grimaldi Group at various associations such as ECSA (European Community Shipowners’ Associations), Interferry and he is at the Advisory Board of the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.
Paul Kyprianou
External relations manager of Grimaldi group
Education
2023: Blue Board Leadership Program, CBS, Copenhagen
2016: OWP, IMD Lausanne
1993: HD (O), Syddansk Universitet
1987: Licensed Shipbroker, Danish Ministry of Trade & Industry
1978: Fredericia-Middelfart Business School
2023: Blue Board Leadership Program, CBS, Copenhagen
2016: OWP, IMD Lausanne
1993: HD (O), Syddansk Universitet
1987: Licensed Shipbroker, Danish Ministry of Trade & Industry
1978: Fredericia-Middelfart Business School
Current and former positions:
Serving 2010-2022 as head of DFDS’ Ferry Division comprising of 26 freight and/or passenger routes throughout Europe employing 6.100 staff, operating 64 vessels carrying 41,7 mio lane meter of freight, 3,7 M passengers and generating an annual revenue of € 2,3 bn and an EBITDA of € 666 M, grown 13% and 15% (CAGR) respectively over the 10+ years. The division operates several own port terminals in the UK, Turkey, and continental Europe.
From 2019-2022 also heading the Technical Department in charge of maintaining the fleet as well as heading the Sustainable Fleet Department responsible for the de-carbonization process, construction of new ships, major rebuildings and refit as well as operational digitization.
2022- : Self-employed, investor, various consultancy work and board positions
2008 - 2022 : Executive Vice President, DFDS A/S, head of the Ferry Division
2002 - 2007 : Group Deputy Director, DFDS A/S, head of freight ro/ro and terminals
1995 - 2001 : General Manager, DFDS Transport Liner Division
1994 - 1995 : Managing Director, DFDS Baltic Line A/S
1993 - 1994: Managing Director, Dan-Liet Line A/S
1987 - 1994 : Deputy Director, Fredericia Shipping A/S
1982 - 1987 : Shipping Assistant, Fredericia Shipping A/S
1981 - 1982: Freight forwarder, Fredericia Shipping & Spedition ApS
1979 - 1981: Trainee, Fredericia Shipping & Spedition ApS
1978 - 1979: Service, Danish Civil Defense
Current offices:
Board member Monjasa Holding A/S, Denmark (since 2019)
Board member LOX Container Technology AB, Sweden (since 2023)
Strategy board member P&O Ferrries Holding Ltd, UK (since 1/1-2024)
Advisory board member CBS Blue Board Leadership Program
Advisory board member Scandinavian Maritime Fair
Member Nordic Committee, Lloyds Register
Peder Gellert Pedersen
Self-employed, investor, various consultancy work and board positions
RoPax-International Magazine For Ferry And RoRo Shipping
RoPax Workshop - Meet the funding professionals
Sales Support for Funding Projects
Sales for Sky Sails Power and Maritime
RoPax Workshop - Meet the funding professionals
Sales Support for Funding Projects
Sales for Sky Sails Power and Maritime
Mobil: 0170-8503722
MAIL: JPeckmann@gmx.de
Jan Philip Eckmannn
Moderator Ferry Shipping Summit
Robert Blažinović holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Rijeka and completed a postgraduate specialist program in economics at the same
institution. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Media and Communication at the University of North in Koprivnica.
He began his career in hospitality management before spending over a decade in the public sector shaping industrial and entrepreneurial policy in
Croatia. In 2016, he joined the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, leading the Directorate for Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Crafts, where he
drove policies to strengthen SMEs, boost industrial competitiveness, and foster innovation.
institution. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Media and Communication at the University of North in Koprivnica.
He began his career in hospitality management before spending over a decade in the public sector shaping industrial and entrepreneurial policy in
Croatia. In 2016, he joined the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, leading the Directorate for Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Crafts, where he
drove policies to strengthen SMEs, boost industrial competitiveness, and foster innovation.
Since February 2025, Robert serves as the President of the Management Board of Jadrolinija, Croatia’s national shipping company. He is responsible for strategic
and operational leadership, financial sustainability, and the company’s ongoing digital transformation. Under his leadership, Jadrolinija is investing in fleet
modernization, green transition initiatives, and enhancing customercentric services.