The Secretary of State for Maritime Affairs to Portugal

Born and raised on the azorean island of Faial, she led her professional andmpolitical career between the Azores and Lisbon, with an enphasis on the connection to the ocean, whether in journalism, politics or literature.

She holds a degree in Communication Sciences from Nova University of Lisbon and a postgraduate degree in Administrative Law of the Sea, having also attended a postgraduate degree in International Relations.

Before entering into the political life, she was a journalist for 16 years, working on national press and television, having held several positions as an editor. She also worked in the regional press, where she co-founded the newspaper “Tribuna das Ilhas”, as its first Deputy Director.

Her umbilical connection to the Azorean archipelago led her to enter political life, as a Member of the Portuguese National Parliament, elected for the Azores constituency. During her mandate, between 2011 and 2015, she followed Maritime Affairs in the Committee on Agriculture and Sea and in the Committee on European Affairs, having been rapporteur for more than three dozen maritime policy initiatives.

She was member of the Working Group for the Law that Establishes the Bases of Planning and Management of the National Maritime Space, among others, and was also a Member of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Public Administration and of the Committee for Ethics, Citizenship and Communication.

Over the years, she has been writing about the ocean in its various perspectives, from journalistic to political, without forgetting the literary one, having also published short stories about it.

In 2020, she returned to the island of Faial, where she became Member of the Cabinet of the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, responsible for External Relations, Protocol and Communication, a position she held until last February.

Head of Assets, Galp

Head of the Energy Transition Unit, Port of Sines Authority

He is a Portuguese citizen and was born in Mozambique in April 1958.

He has a degree in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications from the University of Aveiro (1981) and an Executive MBA from AESE/IESE (2010).

He was a Member of the Board in private companies (2008-2010) and held several management and leadership positions in the Port of Sines Authority.

He was executive member of the Board of the Ports of Sines and Algarve Authority (2013-2016).

Today he is the Head of the Energy Transition and Maintenance Unit of the Ports of Sines and Algarve Authority, Member of the Board of Sines Tecnopolo and Member of the Board of the Portuguese Association of Petrochemical, Chemical and Refining Industries.

President, Escola Superior Nautica Infante D. Henrique

Mechanical Engineer Degree (1986), Master’s degree (1990) and PhD Degree (2002) in Mechanical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon.

Post-graduation degree in Management from ISEG, University of Lisbon.

He has been involved in various industrial projects in Transports and Defense industries.

He is currently, Coordinating Professor at the Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique (ENIDH), since 1994 in the Maritime Engineering Department.

He was president of the Maritime Engineering Department for 8 years.

He was vice-president of the institution from 2014 to 2017.

He was president of the Scientific Council from 2018 to 2022.

He has been President of the institution since September 2022.

 CEO, Ports of Lisbon, Setubal & Sesimbra

General Manager, Lisbon Cruise Terminal

Duarte Cabral, Lisbon Cruise Port General Manager, is an experienced professional with a global background in the cruise industry. Having lived and worked in diverse countries such as Greece, Algeria and China, Duarte's career has been shaped by adaptability and cultural fluency. As the General Manager of an award-winning cruise terminal, Duarte has played a pivotal role in its success through strategic location advantages and collaborative partnerships.

CEO, Lookout Maritime

Martin is the CEO of Lookout Maritime, appointed emissions lead for the Baltic Exchange and a serving member of the Baltic Council.

Over more than 25 years he has developed a rather unique combination of skills and experience, across both technical and commercial roles. Starting with the Cape Town port authority, he went on to operational, commercial and leadership roles in Class with DNV.

As CEO of RightShip, he led their digital transformation, which included building the new software, data platform and the “Safety Score” algorithm to replace RightShip Qi.

Lookout Maritime’s mission is to deliver improved outcomes, by ensuring operational reliability, safety and ongoing emission reduction. This benefits both the buyers and providers of ocean transportation services.

Consultant, Hon. Treasurer, IBIA

Nigel Draffin has been involved in shipping for over 50 years and in bunkering for over 25 years. He joined Shell Tankers in 1966, serving on all classes of vessel, including VLCCs and LNG tankers. In 1979, he joined the newbuilding department of Shell International Marine and later transferred to Shell’s R&D unit, specialising in control systems, fuel combustion and safety systems.

In 1986, Nigel moved to the commercial department as a bunker buyer and economics analyst, two years later becoming Head of Operational Economics, responsible for all of the fuel purchased for the Shell fleet. In 1996, he joined E. A. Gibson Shipbrokers which, in 2006, merged with US-based broking house LQM Petroleum Services, where he was Senior Broker and Technical Manager. He retired from LQM in July 2015.

Nigel is a founder member of IBIA, serving several times on its council of management, the board and as its Chairman. Nigel has written 10 books on bunkering, shipping and marine lubes published by Petrospot, and is Director of the Petrospot Academy. Nigel is a member of IMarEST and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers.

President, Port Authority of Aveiro / Member of the Board of the Portuguese Ports Association (APP) 

Eduardo Feio has been holding the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Aveiro and the Port of Figueira da Foz since September 2022.

Throughout his professional career, he has held positions in the public sector. Specifically: From 2016 to 2022, he held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of IMT, I.P, and by virtue of his duties, he also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Transport Forum (ITF / OECD), the Board of Directors of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), the Council of the World Road Association (AIPCR / PIARC), and the Executive Board and Management Committee of the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR). From 2008 to 2010, he was responsible for the Mission Structure for the Second Generation Citizen Shops under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. From 2005 to 2008, he held the positions of Director of the Office of Studies and Planning of Facilities and Director-General of Infrastructure and Equipment of the Ministry of Internal Administration.

Between 1998 and 2005, as a councilor of the Aveiro City Council, Eduardo Feio was responsible for the areas of Public Works, Traffic and Mobility, Environment, and Urban Planning, and between 2000 and 2005, he took on the position of Vice-President. Eduardo Feio has a degree in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Aveiro. He is currently, by virtue of his duties, a board member of the Association of Portuguese Ports.

Partner, Furstenberg Maritime Advisory

Sofia founded FMA in 2017, which today is a specialised consultancy focused towards holistic sustainability strategies for progressive maritime stakeholders, as well as a leading analyst house related to the maritime energy transition. Located in Sweden, FMA is a supporting member of the Nordic Roadmap; a Nordic Council green corridor project, as well as of the Getting To Zero Coalition, and FMA collaborates in various focus groups at the International Bunker Industry Assocation (IBIA) as well as with the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA). Sofia has previously lead innovation programmes at Maersk, developed pioneering exhibitions and conferences for Nor-Shipping, and advised shipowners on greener solutions, with DNV. She has close to 20 years experience in the shipping industry, having worked and lived in Oslo, Singapore and Copenhagen. She is immediate past Board Member of WISTA International. She has a background as Chemical Engineer from Lund Institute of Technology, Executive Diploma from Haas Business School, Berkeley, California, and an Executive MBA in Shipping & Logistics from Copenhagen Business School.

Founder, OceanScore

Dr. Albrecht Gundermann has more than 20 years experience in the Shipping Industry. Before he became Managing Partner at EUROMAR, he was founder and Managing Director of LISCR Deutschland GmbH and he spent several years as Vice President of Global Shipping at Commerzbank AG. He studied law at the Universities of Freiburg and Würzburg and served as Assistant to Saxonian Prime Minister Prof. Biedenkopf and as Assistant to the President of Israeli High Court of Justice, Prof. Aharon Barak.

Responsable de Comercial y Marketing/Commercial, Autoridad Portuaria de S.C. de Tenerife

As a Commercial and Business Developer at the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Miguel Ángel collaborates with the management team to strategize and execute commercial and marketing activities aligned with the organization's mission and vision. He oversees marketing and communication efforts for key business areas, such as bunkering, ship repair, and cargo traffic, utilizing expertise in marketing communications, B2C marketing, and digital marketing to drive growth and development for the Tenerife economy.

Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and having lived in different countries, Miguel Ángel brings a diverse cultural and distinctive perspective to the maritime industry, enriched by unique insights.

Recently graduating from The Oxford Bunkering Course by Petrospot, he is equipped with the latest knowledge and insights in bunkering practices, empowering him to innovate and drive progress within the field. With over a decade of experience in marketing and sales across various sectors including advertising, automotive, and cybersecurity, Miguel Ángel's passion lies in showcasing the value and potential of Ports of Tenerife.

Head of Economic Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Jakob served as Head of Economic Affairs and Press at the German Embassy in Lisbon since July 2023, fostering bilateral relations and communication channels. Prior to this, he held pivotal roles including Desk Officer for Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin and as a Desk Officer specialising in China's Foreign and Security Policy at the Federal Foreign Office.

His journey into diplomacy was paved by rigorous training at the Diplomatic Academy of the Federal Foreign Office, following my tenure as a Smart City Manager at moovel group (Daimler AG) and as a Political Advisor to a member of the German Parliament. Jakob's early experiences in civil service, including roles as a Political Assistant in Brussels and in civilian service at a Bavarian School for Disabled Children, have shaped his commitment to public welfare.

Jakob holds a Master's Degree in Politics and Government in the European Union from the London School of Economics and Political Science, complemented by a Bachelor's Degree in European History from the University of Bayreuth.

Danish Ambassador to Portugal

Lars Steen Nielsen built a distinguished career in diplomatic services and government, spanning over three decades, where he exemplified leadership and strategic acumen. Starting in 1992 as the Head of Department at the Danish Ministry of Justice, he quickly ascended to similar roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by 1994. Lars expertise and dedication led to serve as First Secretary at the Embassy of Denmark in Brasilia in 1996, followed by a pivotal role in Madrid starting in 2001, where he was first the First Secretary and then Deputy Head of Mission.

In 2005, Lars strategic vision in communication and information technology was recognised as he became the Director of the Communication and Information Technology Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His prowess in fostering international relations was further acknowledged in 2010 when Lars was appointed Ambassador of Denmark to Chile, with concurrent accreditation to Peru, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Lars ambassadorial roles expanded in 2014 to Colombia and again in 2018 to Mexico, where his responsibilities broadened impressively to include multiple nations across the Caribbean and Central America. Each role underscored his ability to manage complex international relationships and enhance Denmark’s diplomatic stance globally.

Most recently, in 2022, Lars has been serving as the Consul General and Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Denmark in Dubai, UAE, where he continue to promote Danish interests and strengthen bilateral relations in a dynamic and strategically important region.

Greek Ambassador to Portugal

Vassilis Papadopoulos is a Greek diplomat and writer. He was born in Athens in 1960. He graduated from Law School of the University of Athens and completed his two masters in International and European Law in France. Apart from Greek, he speaks English, French, Spanish and Russian.

In 1985 he joined the Diplomatic corps as Attaché of Embassy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has served at the Greek Consulate of San Francisco, at the Embassy in Kyiv, at the Embassy in Bangkok, and at the Permanent Greek Delegation at the United Nations (New York). He served as Ambassador of Greece in Kyiv and  in Bucharest. On the 13th of March 2020 he was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Greek Presidency, by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou. In December 2022 he assumed his duties as Ambassador of Greece in the Portuguese Republic. He has been teaching for many years practical issues of diplomacy and culture at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Books:

• To the Far East. Impressions of a Diplomat, Athens, 2003. Short stories.
• Olya. Two winters and one spring, published in Athens, 2007. Novel translated to Ukrainian and Romanian published in Kiev, in 2014 and in Bucharest, 2017
• George Seferis, between Diplomacy and Poetry, Bucharest 2018, Essay in Greek with Romanian translation.
• Language as a vehicle for culture. The impact of the Greek language, Essay, Athens 2019
• Diplomacy and Poetry. The case of George Seferis, Essay, Athens 2019.

He participated in many seminars on literature, language and foreign policy issues. Additionally, he has been invited as lecturer by Greek and foreign Universities, private Foundations and Institutions of International Relations and Cultural issues and his lectures have been published in literary or diplomatic journals or editions.

Port of Lisbon

Head of Infrastructures and Energy, Port of Setúbal 

Pedro Ponte is currently Director of Equipment, Infrastructure and Environment from Setubal and Sesimbra Ports.
professional activity:

• Scientific research scholarship at IST – Instituto Superior Técnico.
• Technical Ship Manager at S&C - Shipmanagement & Crewing, as Superintendent.

He joined APSS, S.A. having performed the following functions:

• Setúbal Port Protection Officer.
• Director of the Innovation, Quality, Environment and Safety Office.
• Managing Director of Port Concessions.

Pedro Ponte holds a degree in Naval Engineering from IST and Post-graduation degree in Maritime Transport and Port Management from ISEG - Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão.

Guest lecturer at several educational institutions, with responsibilities in the curricular units of management systems and port concessions.

In associative terms, it performed the functions of:

• President of the National College of Naval Engineering, of the Order of Engineers.
• National Expert of ISO/Technical Commission 8 – Ships and Marine Technology
• Port of Setubal representative at Offshore Wind Ports Platform.

Executive Board Member,  Lisbon Port Authority and Setúbal Port Authority

Secretary General, European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA)

Sotiris Raptis has been Secretary General of ECSA since 2022. He worked previously as Director for Environment in ECSA and as Senior Advisor in European Sea Ports Organisation.

Sotiris was responsible for the clean shipping campaign of the NGO Transport & Environment and dealt as MEP policy advisor with environment, transport, and legal affairs in the European Parliament. He studied law at the University of Thessaloniki, University of Athens, and King’s College London.

Sotiris was awarded European Citizens’ Prize 2008 of the European Parliament as member of “G700” blog for promoting intergenerational justice.

Senior Partner, SRS Legal

Pedro Rebelo de Sousa, Founding and Managing Partner of SRS Legal, is considered a benchmark in Finance and M&A.

Pedro advises domestic and international clients on significant banking and finance matters, as well as structuring and executing big ticket M&A transactions. With more than 40 years of experience, Pedro has a unique banking and finance background having been a senior officer in international investing banking in São Paulo and New York, and also as Chairman/CEO of a Portuguese bank.

ALUMNI President, Escola Superior Nautica Infante D. Henrique

Rui Reis, born in 1963 in Benguela-Angola, married,2 children. Merchant Marine Engineer - Infante D Henrique Nautical College, 1985.

PAGE (Advanced Management Program for Executives) at UCP (Catholic University of Portugal), AMP (Advanced Management Program) at INSEAD-Fontainbleau, AMP (Advanced Management Program) at UCP/Kellog'S University (Chicago- USA). Post-Graduation at the Instituto Superior de Gestão in Investment Strategy and Internationalization.

Completing a Doctoral Program in Applied Management (DBA) at ISCTE.

Professional experience:

• Merchant Marine Engineer Officer between 1986 and 1988.
• From 1988 to 2018 he developed his career at Petrogal/Galpenergia in various roles in the Downstream Oil Business, having been Galpenergia's Iberian Commercial General Manager (Oil Business) from 2012 to 2018.
• Since 2018 Board Advisor of several Companies and Senior Consultant Manager.

He has been the Chairman of the ALUMNI of the Infante D. Henrique Nautical College since its foundation in 2016.

Internationalisation Coordinator, Forum Oceano

CEO, Lisnave Estaleiros Navais S.A.

Nuno Antunes dos Santos was born in 1965 in Portugal.
He has a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and an MBA.

At the university, Nuno worked in Research & Development and as an Assistant Lecturer. Nuno then worked in three different shipyards in Portugal with different positions through:
•    Production
•    Design
•    Planning
•    Quality
•    Sales
•    Board of Directors

Nuno was also involved in other activities such as, amongst others:
•    President of Colégio de Engenharia Naval da Ordem dos Engenheiros
•    Member of the Board of Associação das Indústrias Navais
•    Member of the Board of Comunidade Portuária da Figueira da Foz
•    Member of the Board of Comunidade Portuária de Aveiro
•    President of the Statutory Auditor Board of Lusitânia Fisheries
•    Etc.

He later joined Royal IHC, in The Netherlands, where he had different roles:
•    Standard Offshore Vessels Proposals Manager
•    Brazil, Mexico and Canada Sales Manager
•    Shipbuilding Expert, responsible for Robotics and Automation

Nuno is currently the Managing Director at Lisnave Estaleiros Navais, in Portugal.

Regional General Manager, Yilport Iberia

Nuno David Silva has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Administration and two master’s degrees one in Port Management and another in Business Information.

In 1998, Nuno David Silva started his career in the Corporate Finance and Controlling department at Hanjin Shipping in Germany, and later that year, he started as Information Planning & Measures Manager at ABN Amro Bank in Germany. In 2001, Nuno David Silva returned to Portugal, and joined Gartner Group as Project Manager.

From 2003, Nuno David Silva continued his career at YILPORT Leixões as Operations Director and subsequently as General Manager since 2017.
In October 2022, Nuno David Silva was appointed as Regional General Manager of YILPORT Iberia.

Head of Department Sustainability and Technical Assistance, EMSA

Manuela Tomassini is a lawyer by education, specialised in Maritime, EU and International Law. After her degree at the Libera Universita' Internazionale degli Studi Sociali (LUISS) in Rome, she attended the Italian "Scuola Nazionale dell'Amministrazione".

In 1994 she joined the Safety of Navigation Division of the Italian Ministry of Transport. She held different positions within the Department of Maritime Transport of the Ministry, with responsibilities in the fields of maritime safety, EU and International Affairs.
From 2000 until 2007 she worked as Transport Attache at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the EU.

In September 2007 Ms Tomassini started working in EMSA as Policy Advisor and Head of the Bureau of the Executive Director. In 2011 she was appointed Head of Department A 'Corporate Services' and in November 2014 - Head of Department B 'Safety and Standards'. Since January 2020 she holds the position of Head of Department 1 'Sustainability & Technical Assistance'.