Maritime Leadership News

Panama is participating this week in the 34th session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the most significant forum within the global maritime system and the specialized governing body of the United Nations, from November 24 to 28. This setting defines the policies, standards, and priorities that will shape the international maritime agenda in the years ahead.The Panamanian delegation is composed of Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the IMO…

Dan-Bunkering has announced the appointment of Christian Vandvig Finnerup as Managing Director for Dan-Bunkering USA, effective November 1, 2025.Christian Vandvig Finnerup transitions to the U.S. from Singapore, where he served as Commercial Director at Dan-Bunkering APAC, leading regional growth and strengthening Dan-Bunkering’s offshore and commercial portfolios. Prior to his time in Asia, Christian Vandvig Finnerup headed Offshore Wind, Europe, where he helped shape Dan-Bunkering’s approach to partnership-driven energy solutions.Throughout his career…

Dr. Rosalie Balkin, who was nominated by the Government of Australia, was honoured at the annual IMO Awards Ceremony, held in London on November 24, 2025. The ceremony followed the first day of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly, taking place from November 24 to December 3, 2025. Handing Dr. Balkin the silver dolphin trophy, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez commended her five-decade career, in which she has broken new ground, including as the first woman to lead the CMI - the world’s oldest organization focused on unifying international maritime law - since it was founded in 1897.

France-based BIO-UV Group, a specialist in UV-, ozone-, salt-electrolysis- and AOP-based water-treatment technologies, has announced three senior appointments to support and strengthen the company’s expansion across new and existing markets.The changes include the appointment of Jean-Philippe Picard de Muller as Deputy General Manager of BIO-UV Group, the promotion of Steven Brady to Managing Director of Triogen in the United Kingdom, and the arrival of Patrice Garrigues as European Sales Director for the Group’s pool division.

The Royal Van Beest Group announced that it has acquired Enduro Softslings. Established ten years ago in The Netherlands, Enduro Softslings has secured a leading position in the lifting industry through its manufacturing capabilities, custom-made soft slings, and customer support. As part of the Royal Van Beest Group, the leader behind brands like Green Pin and Irizar Forge, Enduro Softslings will gain access to resources and expertise to further fuel its growth.The partnership…

The United Seamen’s Service recognized Crowley mariners with honors at the 2025 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. As one of the most prestigious ceremonies in the industry, the AOTOS awards spotlight outstanding maritime achievement and pay tribute to American seafarers whose courageous actions and commitment to safety have made a profound impact on the industry and the welfare of those at sea.The crew of the tanker Stena Immaculate was presented with the AOTOS Special…

The International Propeller Club announced its newly elected officers for 2025–2027. Members elected Costis J. Frangoulis, President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, Greece, as International President at the Club’s 98th Annual International Convention in Lyon, France—a milestone that also marks the first non-American to hold the presidency in the organization’s 98-year history.2025–2027 International OfficersInternational President: Costis J. Frangoulis (Propeller Club of Piraeus…

The Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) announced that its most prestigious honor, The Commodore Award, has been renamed The Jim Lawrence Commodore Award, effective immediately. This change commemorates the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of Jim Lawrence, who passed away on June 1, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the maritime industry.Jim Lawrence's vision and dedication fundamentally shaped the modern maritime industry landscape.

At the Annual General Meeting of the International Group of P&I Clubs in London on November 11, 2025, Rolf Thore Roppestad was appointed as the new Chair of the International Group of P&I Clubs.Roppestad succeeds Andrew Cutler, who has served since November 2022. The Group thanked Cutler for his contributions and the positive impacts during his time as Chair. Under Cutler’s leadership the Group has faced a number of issues, from growing geopolitical concerns, wars and an expanding sanctions regime, to the merger of two of its member Clubs.

TADEK Ocean Engineering, a UK offshore engineering consultancy delivering front-end advisory, through-project delivery solutions and naval architecture analysis, announced its new look leadership team and strategic new senior appointments as the company prepares for further growth.TADEK integrates advanced hydrodynamic analysis and design with practical project execution, delivering end-to-end solutions from concept and detailed design through to offshore installation and decommissioning in open sea.

Stolt-Nielsen Limited announced that Jens F. Grüner-Hegge, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has decided to retire from his executive position in the second half of 2026. Alex Ng, current Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy, has been appointed by the Board of Stolt-Nielsen Limited (the Board) as CFO Designate, and will take over the role of CFO as of August 1, 2026. Mr Grüner-Hegge will remain with the Company until November 30, 2026, to support the transition.The…

Accelleron North America has welcomed Dave Otto as Territory Sales Manager. Dave will lead service sales activities across the eastern United States and the Caribbean, in the power production, cruise, shipping, and gas compression markets, to strengthen customer relationships and support their operational needs.Dave brings more than 30 years of industrial sales experience to Accelleron. For the past 10 years, he worked for Toromont CAT as a territory sales representative managing a portfolio of more than 400 engines.

Torvald Klaveness has announced that Fabian Flaaten has joined as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 28, 2025. Flaaten will report to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ernst Meyer and be part of the Group’s Executive Committee and Holding Management Team. As CFO, Flaaten will play a role in enabling value creation, financial discipline, and long-term strategic direction for the Klaveness Group. He brings more than 20 years of international finance and leadership experience.

Interferry, the global association representing the ferry industry, announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors. These new director appointments, approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sorrento on October 6, reflect the diversity and global reach of the ferry industry. The newly appointed directors, each approved for a four-year term, are:Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, and Interferry’s first African Director…

Volvo Penta North America has named Brock Gavin as Vice President of Marine Sales and Service and Jens Bering as Head of Product and Solutions Management for its marine division. In their new roles, Gavin and Bering will be instrumental in advancing Volvo Penta’s marine strategy and driving continued growth across commercial and leisure markets in North America.As Vice President, Marine Sales and Service, Gavin will lead Volvo Penta’s overall marine strategy in North America.

ABS has appointed David Wechsler, a founding partner of the firm that became Hitachi Consulting, as the new Chief Executive Officer for ABS Group.Wechsler has a  35-year career in management consulting leadership positions across manufacturing, consumer products, sustainable energy, automotive, technology and services industries. He has grown multiple consulting practices, demonstrating expertise in leading complex operations and driving growth.Wechsler joins at an exciting time for ABS Group…

Louise Tricoire has been appointed Vice-President of the Lubmarine Business Unit of TotalEnergies, bringing a wealth of maritime industry knowledge and expertise to the role.Louise joins Lubmarine following her leadership of TotalEnergies’ global aviation and marine fuel division, where she played a key role in advancing both sectors’ decarbonization goals. Her work focused on developing sustainable aviation and low-carbon marine fuels, while also exploring the longer-term H2-based solutions.Prior to this…

Burger Boat Company announced the promotion of Ron Cleveringa to Senior Vice President - Product Portfolio Management, reporting to Rich Thompson, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.In this newly defined role, Cleveringa will lead the development of Burger’s product development and design DNA across the company’s four business segments: custom yachts, commercial vessels, repair & refit, and military applications. He will be responsible for defining how Burger’s craftsmanship and innovation translates into each product line…

UTC Overseas has announced the appointment of Pedro Widmann as Director Global Project Development. Widmann brings over 30 years of experience in the specialized transportation and logistics industry with a strong background in the mining and EPC sector.Throughout his career, Widmann has held key positions with major international freight forwarders, managing major accounts and overseeing large-scale projects across varied regions. He has been responsible for sales development and for building agent networks that have strengthened global logistics operations.Born in Argentina…

Stillstrom by Maersk, a marine technology leader delivering offshore power and charging solutions, has strengthened its leadership team with key senior appointments in Copenhagen and Aberdeen.Nikolaj Stald has joined as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the company’s HQ in Copenhagen. Nikolaj brings over 15 years’ offshore wind experience and will lead the commercial strategy to drive adoption of offshore charging as a cost-effective decarbonization pathway. Prior to Stillstrom…

Helm Operations, a provider of maritime operations and crew management software, announced a key leadership transition as James Wadsworth assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Nolan Barclay, Helm’s first employee and most recent CEO, will continue to support the company as Chairman.Wadsworth brings more than two decades of maritime industry experience and visionary leadership to the role. He joined Helm a decade ago after nearly ten years with ClassNK in Japan, where…

Global insurer Allianz Commercial announced that Peter Toole has been appointed Head of Marine for Canada effective September 29, 2025. Based in Toronto, Toole will report to Keith Scranton, Regional Head of Inland Marine, North America.With a 19-year career in the insurance industry, Toole has held senior underwriting and brokerage roles, specializing in construction insurance. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Construction at FCA Insurance Brokers, following his tenure as Vice President and Insurance Practice Leader at Petrela…

Auramarine, a fuel systems expert for the marine industry, has announced the appointment of Ted Bergman as Director of Engineering and Projects. Bergman will lead the strategic development of the company’s engineering department, driving innovation and operational excellence in all fronts related to engineering design, consultation and automation.With over 30 years of experience in industrial engineering and process technology, Bergman brings an understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, sustainability practices, and cross-functional leadership.