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Maritime Week Americas 2024 • Panama

SPEAKER PROFILES

  • Nelva Newsan
  • Eugenia Benavides
  • Louis Sola
  • Patrick Burns
  • Hauk Larsen Wahl
  • Arturo Cruz
  • Alexis Rodríguez
  • Adrian Tolson
  • Ilya Espino de Marotta
  • Javier Ortiz Abadia
  • Steve Simms
  • Flor Torrijos
  • Tom Sosnowski
  • Arsenio Domínguez
  • Mariana Pedriquez
  • Kenneth Dam
  • Phillipe Craig
  • H.E. James Dauris
  • Silvia Fernández de Marucci
  • Angelica Rauch
  • Nigel Draffin
  • Frank Dahan
  • Mark Esposito
  • Patricia Velásquez
  • Tammi Ingannamorte
  • Wajdi Abdmessih
  • H.E. Sander Cohen
  • Catherine Rogers
  • Sara Garcia
  • Argyrios Schoinas
  • Juan Carlos Croston
  • Guadalupe Concepcion
  • Nelva Newsan

    Nelva Newsan

    Port Captain, MSC Panama, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. (Panama) S.A.

    With more than 20 years of experience in the maritime sector and proud to work for the vibrant maritime industry of Panama!

    Currently Port Captain for the Pacific and Atlantic area; in charge of coordinating operations for the loading and unloading of containers and Transshipment connections in different Terminals in Panama, contributing my knowledge in different shipping lines and agencies.

    I firmly believe that diversity strengthens our industry and I am committed to contribute to a more inclusive environment. Committed to empowering women in the maritime industry and for equal opportunities.

    Throughout my career, I have faced and overcome the daily challenges and challenges that the maritime industry presents us with. Each experience has been a valuable lesson that has contributed to my professional growth and my ability to successfully lead the tasks involved in international cargo transportation.  An exciting journey, full of adventure, where experience and dedication come together to drive a brighter future in the industry!

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  • Eugenia Benavides

    Eugenia Benavides

    Director Marine Fuels, Terpel S.A. / IBIA Board Member 

    Since 1984, Eugenia has worked with Colombian downstream major oil company Organización Terpel, handling various positions, such as sales assistant, marketing director, operations, sales, commercial manager and company’s legal representative prior to the merger between Terpel del Norte  and Organización Terpel.  For the past  eighteen years, she has worked solely in the marine business being currently Director of Marine Fuels and she has been an active member of various professional and community

    Eugenia has also been a speaker at the Bunker New Orleans Conference 2000, Maritime Week Americas MWA Miami 2010, MWA Cartagena 2011, MWA Panama 2014, MWA Cartagena 2015, Panama Maritime 2017 and a panelist at the Maritime week Americas Miami 2012, IBIA Convention in Cancun 2015 , IBIA convention in Gibraltar 2016 and at S & P Global Platts Bunker and residual fuel conference in Houston (2013). She has been session chairman at the IBIA convention Dubai 2012

    She conducted the IBIA Bunker basic course in Spanish in MWA Ft Lauderdale 2016, Cartagena 2015, Panama 2012 and 2014. In  October 2019 she was a speaker at the Expoportuaria Forum held in Barranquilla.

    Speaker at SPE, MWA October 2020, Mundo Maritimo” IMO 2020 and beyond  Forum” Nov 2020 and   Lady Maritime round table Dec 2020 and in 2021  at “Dia de la Mujer” Wista Colombia and in  DIMAR

    Eugenia was an IBIA (International Bunker Industry Association) board member from April 2011 to April 2018, April 2019- march 2022  From 2016 to 2018 she was honorary treasurer and convention committee chairman (2014-2017) and participated in the marketing, communication and finance working groups.  She has been elected again board member on April 2022 for a period of three years.

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  • Louis Sola

    Louis Sola

    Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission

    Commissioner Louis E. Sola is in his fifth year as Commissioner to the Federal Maritime Commission. In 2020, he advocated for safe cruising through vaccination plans in Fact Finding 30 and addressed marine fuel challenges in a letter to President Biden. His recent talks highlight the maritime industry’s journey to carbon-zero emissions.

    Before his nomination, Commissioner Sola ran for Florida’s 24h Congressional District in Miami in 2018. Governor Rick Scott appointed him to the Florida Board of Pilots in 2015. Sola’s background includes ship and mega yacht brokerage and consulting for firms like Berkshire Capital and Arden & Price.

    He served in strategic roles for the U.S. Army in Munich, Germany, and Panama during the War on Drugs. Sola holds degrees from Parkland College, Nova Southeastern University, and the University of Illinois. He’s a Miami Marlins fan and proud father to Carolyn and Anthony Sola.

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  • Patrick Burns

    Patrick Burns

    Managing Editor, US Dirty Petroleum Products, S&P Global Commodity Insights

    Patrick Burns is the Managing Editor of the Americas fuel oil and bunker markets and is based in Houston, TX. He has been with the company since 2013 and previously covered the US fuel oil market as a pricing specialist.

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  • Hauk Larsen Wahl

    Hauk Larsen Wahl

    Business Development Manager, Intertek Lintec 

    Hauk Larsen Wahl is the Business Development Manager for Intertek Lintec, responsible for the Americas and Scandinavian markets.

    Prior to joining Intertek Lintec, Hauk spent 21 years in the Fuel Quality Testing and Bunker Quantity Survey business, holding positions in Sales and Management in Oslo, Fujairah and Houston.

    Early in his career, Hauk sailed onboard container vessels and then later worked with sales of EPIRB’s, AIS systems and Marine VHF Radios.

    Hauk holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master’s Degree in Management from BI Norwegian Business School. 

    Hauk currently resides in Houston, and holds dual Norwegian/American citizenships.

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  • Arturo Cruz

    Arturo Cruz

    Director of Business Development, Crowley LNG

    Arturo joined Crowley LNG team in 2020. The main focus of his team is to promote a sustainable transition to zero emissions fuel technology via LNG distribution solutions and LNG  bunkering vessel solutions whether Jones Act or foreign flag . His team also promotes and supports a new vision for maritime ports around the globe as  key access points for LNG bunkering, LNG distribution, and maritime Carbon Capture Transportation solutions (CCTS).

    With 30+ years in the energy industry Arturo has participated in various disciplines of the energy cycle for marine and onshore applications.

    Arturo continues to lead the efforts in completing the business model for LNG bunkering in the Pacific side of the Panama Canal.    

    Arturo holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and electrical engineering   and is a graduate of NSU Business School. 

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  • Alexis Rodríguez

    Alexis Rodríguez

    Regional Head of Energy Transition Execution for Latin America,  A.P. Moller - Maersk

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  • Adrian Tolson

    Adrian Tolson

    Owner, 2050 Marine Energy / IBIA Vice Chair

    Adrian Tolson is the owner of 2050 Marine Energy and is widely recognized as one of the shipping industry’s leading marine energy experts. With more than 35 years of experience, he has both detailed knowledge and unique insight into the bunker supply chain and its many related infrastructure developments.

    2050 Marine Energy was formed in late 2022 to provide commercial insight to all stakeholders in the marine fuel supply chain navigating the disruption of this decade and future transformation. This new venture comes as Adrian leaves his role as Insight Lead at BLUE after more than decade of close cooperation with brand and communications consultancy. He will continue to act as a Strategic Advisor to the company, working with specific existing clients and providing consultancy on marine energy trends.

    Adrian has led numerous global business development projects across the marine energy sector.  This includes assisting ship owners and physical suppliers on future fuel procurement and supply strategies; the development of bunkering infrastructure projects for existing and alternative fuels; as well as working with the financial and investment community on the opportunities in the future marine energy landscape.

    Adrian’s experience spans leadership roles with some of the industry’s largest marine fuel suppliers, including Chemoil Energy, where he was responsible for successfully driving the company through to IPO; and as Vice President and General Manager of OW Bunker where he established its physical supply operation in the USA.

    Elected to the board of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) in 2020, Adrian is currently its Treasurer and Chairman of the IBIA’s Americas Regional Board.

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  • Ilya Espino de Marotta

    Ilya Espino de Marotta

    Deputy Administrator, Canal de Panamá

    Ilya Espino de Marotta was appointed Panama Canal Deputy Administrator on 15 February 2019 and took office on 1 January 2020, making history by being the first woman to hold this position.

    She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in marine engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master’s Degree in Economic Engineering from Universidad Santa María la Antigua in Panama City. She participated in the Executive Development Program at INCAE Business School and at the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University. She holds a Project Manager Certification from the Project Management Institute.

    Ilya Espino de Marotta began her career in the Panama Canal in 1985 as the only woman engineer in the Industrial Division shipyard. She recently served as Vice President for Transit Business and as Executive Vice President for Engineering during the Panama Canal Expansion Program.

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  • Javier Ortiz Abadia

    Javier Ortiz Abadia

    Corporate Consultant, Decal Panama S.A.

    Javier Ortiz Abadia is a Consultant to the Board of Directors of Decal Panama, for the evaluation and development of projects in the Caribbean/Central America region since 2013. He is a former General Manager of Decal Panama, CMA CGM Panama, and French Shipping Agency (Panama). He also served 10 periods in the Board of Directors of the Maritime Chamber of Panama.  

    Before relocating to Panama, Mr. Ortiz served as an Exxon Executive in 5 countries of the Caribbean/Central America region for over 26 years, most notably as Country Manager in the Cayman Islands, Acting Country Manager in Nicaragua, Controller and Marine Manager in Panama, and Central America Area Manager for Exxon Chemicals.   

    Javier is a licensed Industrial Engineer from Texas A&M University, and holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Oklahoma. He is also an Authorized Public Translator (English/ Spanish) in Panama.

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  • Steve Simms

    Steve Simms

    Principal and Owner, Simms Showers LLP / IBIA Regional Board Member

    J. Stephen (‘Steve’) Simms is Principal of Simms Showers LLP. He chairs the International Bunker Industry Association’s (IBIA) Legal Working Group and is Legal Advisor to SEA/LNG.

    Simms Showers is one of the world’s most active law firms working in the area of bunker trader, broker and supplier representation.

    Steve Simms was selected for the U.S. Department of Justice, Honor Law Graduates Program and was a federal prosecutor and Editor‑in‑Chief of the Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business at Northwestern University School of Law (Chicago). He holds an M.A. in International Studies from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and a B.A. in International Studies from The Johns Hopkins University.

    He is the husband of his wife of 33 years, Denise, and Dad of daughter Alison and son John, and of Benson, the Coton de Tulear (the royal dog of Madagascar, somewhat removed from actual royalty).

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  • Flor Torrijos

    Flor Torrijos

    Managing Partner, InterMaritime Group

    Business woman, lawyer and Reinsurance broker working for the international maritime industry for more than 20 years. Founder and current Managing Partner of the firm Intermartitime Legal Services and Vice President of  Intermaritime Group.

    Partner of Aquamercantile Insurance Brokes specialising in Marine Insurance.

    Experienced in the private and also public sector having served in the Panama Maritime Authority in 2009 until 2014 and in the recent government from 2019 until 2023 as General Administrator of the Aquatic Resources.

    Active member of Panama Maritime Chamber and the Maritime Law Association.

    She has excellent organisational and multitasking skills, good personal relationships, proven leadership and high competencies un complex negotiations. 

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  • Tom Sosnowski

    Tom Sosnowski

    Associate Director, Global Marine Fuels, OPIS

    Tom Sosnowski is Associate Director, Global Marine Fuels for OPIS, A Dow Jones Company. Tom has more than 15 years of experience in the heavy fuels markets and currently oversees bulk and bunker fuel pricing for the Americas.

    In the past, Tom has been certified in ship chartering by the Law Society of England and Wales. Tom is a graduate of Gettysburg College, where he earned a BA in Communications.

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  • Arsenio Domínguez

    Arsenio Domínguez

    Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization

    Arsenio Domínguez was elected the tenth IMO Secretary-General in July 2023 and began his initial term in December 2023.

    Mr. Domínguez gained his first degree in naval architecture at Veracruzana University, Mexico. He later went on to pursue an MBA at the University of Hull, as well as an executive qualification in International Law and European Politics at Birkbeck University, both in the United Kingdom.

    He has worked in his native Panama, first within the Panama Maritime Authority and subsequently as Ambassador of Panama to IMO, where he chaired at various times the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), the Technical Committee of the 29th Assembly, and the Maritime Security, Piracy and Armed Robbery Group,

    In 2017 Mr. Domínguez joined the IMO, first as Chief of Staff, followed by Administrative Director - leading the Organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Directly prior to his election in July 2023 as Secretary-General, he was the Director of the Marine Environment Division.

    His initial term as IMO Secretary-General, approved at the 33rd Assembly in December 2023, will be for a period of four years from 2024 to 2027.

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  • Mariana Pedriquez

    Mariana Pedriquez

    Trader, Sagitta Marine S.A.

    Mariana Pedriquez is a dedicated Junior Trader with a strong academic background in International Relations from the Central University of Venezuela. She embarked on her professional journey in the maritime industry at Luzar Trading S.A., a renowned company specializing in global grain trade. During her time there, she played a vital role in the documentary/operations department and post-fixture.

    Currently, Mariana is an integral part of Sagitta Marine S.A, having been with the company since its inception. She brings her commercial expertise to the table, actively contributing to the growth of the organization by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. In addition, she manages the bunkering department and coordinates the operational aspects of this crucial function.  

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  • Kenneth Dam

    Kenneth Dam

    Global Head of Bunkering, TFG Marine 

    Kenneth Dam joined Trafigura’s fuel oil team in 2017 and in May 2019 became Co-Head of its newly formed bunkering team. In 2020, Kenneth was appointed Global Head of Bunkering for TFG Marine, a joint venture created between Trafigura and ship owning companies Frontline and Golden Ocean to supply quality marine fuels to ship owners at global strategic bunkering hubs.

    Before joining Trafigura, from 2011 to 2016, Kenneth worked for Monjasa and played a key role in developing its West Africa bunkering operations. Before entering the marine fuel supply and shipping industry, Kenneth was a financial advisor for leading Danish financial services company Nykredit.

    TFG Marine is a leading international marine fuel supply and procurement joint venture between physical commodity trading company Trafigura Group Pte and ship owning companies Frontline Ltd and Golden Ocean Group Ltd. Formed in 2020, the company provides modern, simplified and transparent services that bridge every stage of the bunkering process for its customers, supplying over 10 million metric tonnes of marine fuels per annum across 35 strategic bunkering hub locations globally.

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  • Phillipe Craig

    Phillipe Craig

    Analyst, Price Assessment and Pricing, S&P Global Commodity Insights

    Phillipe Craig is a Senior Editor & Pricing Specialist based in Houston, TX, and covering the US Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast residual fuel oil markets. He also currently covers the US asphalt and feedstocks markets, and previously covered retail bunkers segments for North America and Latin America. 

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  • H.E. James Dauris

    H.E. James Dauris

    His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, British Embassy

    Ambassador Dauris has been posted to Panama since February 2024.  Prior to coming to Panama he worked for four years as Head of the Latin America Department and Deputy Director Americas of the UK Foreign Office in London.  He has previously served as British Ambassador in Peru and in Sri Lanka.  He and his family have also lived in Colombia and in Russia.  He has a degree in Law from the University of Cambridge and worked as a lawyer in the City of London before joining the diplomatic service in 1995.      

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  • Silvia Fernández de Marucci

    Silvia Fernández de Marucci

    Logistics and Strategic Maritime Business Advisor, ProPanama /Autoridad del Canal de Panamá

    Silvia de Marucci is an economist graduated with honors from Concordia University, Montreal, complemented by a minor in Market Research. She furthered her academic pursuits with a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, from NOVA Southeastern University. Her quest for knowledge led her to delve into Port Management at the Valenciaport Foundation and Ceddet in Valencia, Spain, as well as Carbon Management and Sustainable Strategies for Transportation and Logistics Companies at Northwestern University. Silvia also completed the Advanced Management Program at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, and the Competitive Economic Environment course at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Business.

    With over 28 years of dedicated experience in the maritime sector, Silvia de Marucci is recognized as an authority in Canal markets, traffic projections, route competitiveness analysis, and toll strategies. Her noteworthy accomplishments include pioneering the segmentation of the Canal market and spearheading the implementation of differentiated tolls. She played a pivotal role in attracting the liquefied natural gas market to the Panama route and conducted impactful assessments on CO2 emission savings resulting from the Panama Canal expansion.

    Silvia is esteemed as an official spokesperson for the ACP and has actively contributed to the formulation of the national maritime strategy. Her commitment to knowledge dissemination is evident through her role as a university professor in master's programs specializing in maritime economics and business at esteemed institutions like the University of Panama, the Latin American University of Science and Technology, and the International Maritime University of Panama.

    Her scholarly endeavors extend to international professional forums, where she has presented pioneering studies for the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME). Silvia's insights have been featured in esteemed publications such as Petroleum Economist, Freightwaves, and the Journal of Maritime Policy, reflecting her profound impact on global maritime discourse.

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  • Angelica Rauch

    Angelica Rauch

    Research Manager, Shipping Market, S&P Global Commodity Insights

    Angelica Rauch is an Economist who joined S&P Global Commodity Insights in October 2023 as a Research Manager. She is involved in the Base Rate project, with a primary focus on the Americas and select regions of Southern and Western Europe. She has also contributed to research on Panama Canal transit restrictions and cost estimations for EU ETS in Platts tanker routes, particularly involving ports in the European Union and European Economic Areas.

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  • Nigel Draffin

    Nigel Draffin

    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.

  • Frank Dahan

    Frank Dahan

    Senior Director Strategic Sourcing and Global Fuel Strategy, CSL Group / IBIA Regional Board Member

    Frank Dahan is the Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing and Global Fuel Strategy for Montreal based worldwide shipowner Canada Steamship Lines.  Frank has over 28 years of experience in the shipping, Oil and energy industries.  In his current role he spearheads Global Strategic Sourcing.

    In addition to leading the Global fuel desk and overseeing the fuel procurement strategy of CSL’s operations, Frank also supports all sustainable alternative fuel initiatives at Group CSL Inc, such as the Biofuel Fuel Testing program, which was launched in 2019 and is to date one of the largest ongoing B100 Biodiesel trial on marine engines in the world.

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  • Mark Esposito

    Mark Esposito

    Sr. Principal Research Analyst, S&P Global Commodity Insights

    Mark spent six years in New York City brokering crude and refined products futures and options on behalf of global oil companies and international financial institutions prior to joining IHS Markit (now part of S&P Global).

    Currently his focus is leveraging his experience in the financial markets to provide thorough analysis of liquid bulk commodity markets including crude, diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, jet fuel, LPG, and naphtha. Trade flow intelligence, freight markets, and underlying physical trading contribute to a complete assessment. The focus of research lies within fundamentals to develop supply and demand balance models, while delivering concise insight of the refining industry, maritime trade routes, and geopolitical affairs.

    Mark holds a B.S. from James Madison University.

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  • Patricia Velásquez

    Patricia Velásquez

    CEO, Macosnar Corporation

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  • Tammi Ingannamorte

    Tammi Ingannamorte

    VP Sales America / Global Bunker, ZeroNorth / IBIA Regional Board Member

    Based in New York, Tammi Ingannamorte is the Vice President of Sales - Americas for ZeroNorth. Following ZeroNorth’s acquisition of ClearLynx, she is focused on business development and sales of the company’s bunker optimisation solutions, as well as the expansion of ZeroNorth’s offices, teams, and optimisation products in the Americas region. With a firm commitment to ZeroNorth’s mission to make global trade green, Tammi Ingannamorte understands the holistic approach of connecting the dots across global trade and combining voyage, vessel, and bunker optimisation to cut emissions and deliver savings from today.

    She started her career in maritime as a bunker broker with LQM Petroleum in the 1990s. While she was Vice President of Marketing and Sales, she managed 17 brokers in five offices, which at the time was by far the largest international pure bunker brokerage company. Simultaneously, she began working with a team to develop ClearLynx, which became the leading bunker procurement system.

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  • Wajdi Abdmessih

    Wajdi Abdmessih

    Founder & President, Seahawk Services

    Wajdi Abdmessih is the founder and the president of Seahawk Services, with 30 years of experience in Marne fuel blending, testing, and troubleshooting problematic fuel.

    Seahawk Services is a leading provider of marine fuel services, specializing in bunker fuel inspection, testing, and biofuel blending. With a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and technological innovation, Seahawk Services has established itself as a trusted partner for shipping companies seeking reliable, high-quality fuel solutions. Leveraging 30 years of industry expertise, the company is at the forefront of biofuel blending, driving carbon reduction, and promoting eco-friendly practices within the maritime sector.

    Seahawk Services' commitment to excellence and extensive network of reputable suppliers ensures seamless fuel procurement and delivery for vessels worldwide. As a dedicated advocate for sustainable fuel technologies, Seahawk Services continues to lead the industry in delivering efficient, environmentally conscious marine fuel solutions tailored to the evolving needs of its global clientele.

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  • H.E. Sander Cohen

    H.E. Sander Cohen

    Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Panama

    Sander Cohen is a diplomat employed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since August 2023, he has been Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Panama.

    Prior to that, he was Head of International Cooperation, Trade and Foreign Policy in the Permanent Representation to the EU, also held the position of Deputy Director of Communications of the Ministry, Deputy Head of Mission in Brussels, and Private Secretary of the Minister for European Affairs. He worked twice in the Directorate for European Integration, and also held two positions in Geneva: in the Permanent Representation to the United Nations, and in the Cabinet of the Executive Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees.

    2023-           Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Republic of Panama
    2018-2023    Brussels/ Head of International Cooperation, Trade and Foreign Policy, Permanent Representation to the European Union.
    2014-2018    The Hague / Deputy Director of Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    2010-2014    Brussels / Deputy Head of Mission in Brussels
    2006-2010    The Hague / Private Secretary of the Minister for European Affairs
    2003-2006    The Hague / Head of Justice and Home Affairs Unit, Directorate for European Integration.
    2000-2003    Geneva / Special Adviser to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
    1997-2000    Geneva / Employee of Humanitarian Policy, Permanent Representation to the United Nations
    1994-1997    The Hague / Employee, Directorate for European Integration, EU Foreign Affairs

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  • Catherine Rogers

    Catherine Rogers

    Associate Editor, Americas Shipping Team, S&P Global Platts

    Catherine Rogers has been part of the Americas Shipping team at Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights in Houston since November 2021, mainly covering the freight markets for tankers transporting crude and dirty petroleum products. She also has experience covering the clean tanker international flag and Jones Act markets as well as the Americas container shipping markets.

    As part of the team, she has participated in multiple methodology webinars to highlight Platts' tankers assessments. Catherine received a BA in Spanish from the University of Houston.

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  • Sara Garcia

    Sara Garcia

    Regional Operations Manager Americas, Peninsula

    Sara Garcia embarked on her maritime journey in 1991, starting as a secretary for a barge company. Over the ensuing eight years, she dedicated herself to continual learning and growth, establishing a solid foundation that culminated in her achieving a pivotal milestone in 1999: earning her first invoice.

    Armed with newfound confidence and experience, Sara transitioned into the role of Operations Executive in Logistics for ExxonMobil in Panama, a position she held from August 1999 to 2012. This period marked a significant chapter in her career, during which she honed her skills and navigated the complexities of the industry with determination.

    In June 2012, Sara seized a fresh opportunity with Peninsula, assuming the role of Operations Manager. Though initially daunting, stepping into a management position without prior experience, Sara embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and tenacity. Despite the steep learning curve, her unwavering dedication and growing confidence propelled her to success.

    As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Sara is passionate about empowering others and breaking barriers. She believes that women in the maritime industry possess a unique strength and resilience, capable of excelling in any role they undertake. Through perseverance, a positive attitude, and an unwavering passion for her work, Sara has achieved success and become a role model for aspiring professionals.

    Sara's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, positivity, and passion. By approaching every task with dedication and enthusiasm, she has not only overcome obstacles but has also carved out a successful career in the maritime industry.

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  • Argyrios Schoinas

    Argyrios Schoinas

    Global Operations & Key Account Manager, Bureau Veritas VeriFuel

    Argyrios Schoinas began his working career in Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) working as a bunker surveyor. Since 2016, Argyrios has been with Bureau Veritas’ Marine Fuel Services. 

    He has helped organize and coordinate all the various bunker fuel related inspections taking place in different ports in Americas under VeriFuel. His role was then expanded on 2018 to cover all work done globally and he is now the Global Operations Manager for the Marine Fuel Services.

    Argyrios has presented at bunker conferences, conducted seminars and also written on quantity surveys and Tricks of the Trade for marine fuels.  His extensive knowledge on the field has helped shipping companies mitigate operational and financial risks as well as cost reduction on bunker operations.

    Argyrios graduated from University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 2011 with a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, while he also holds a MEng from the same university and a MSc in Chemical Process Engineering from UCL, UK.

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  • Juan Carlos Croston

    Juan Carlos Croston

    Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Manzanillo International Terminal

    Juan Carlos Croston is Vice President Marketing & Corporate Affairs with Manzanillo International Terminal – Panama (MIT-Panama). In this role, Mr. Croston is responsible for commercial and business development strategy and the company’s social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

    Mr. Croston worked onboard panamax-type vessels before joining MIT-Panama on March 2004. He’s a past president of the Maritime Chamber of Panama and the Caribbean Shipping Association, and a former board member of the Consejo Empresarial Logistico, the leading supply chain trade organization in Panama. Mr. Croston is also a board member of Shark Optimization (an MIT-Panama start-up focused on supply chain optimization), board member of the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation, and a member of the International Maritime Organization MTCC Network’s global stakeholder committee.

    He has co-written articles on topics related to digitalization in shipping, contributed to the book Maritime Informatics (Springer, 2020) and is also the co-host of the #NoShippingNoShopping! vodcast.

    In July 2014, Mr. Croston was granted the Distinguished Alumni Award by the International Maritime University of Panama and, in May 2015, was listed by Lloyd’s List in its “Next Generation 2015” list of worldwide maritime leaders, the only one from Latin America. Mr. Croston holds a B.S. degree in nautical engineering from the former Nautical School of Panama and a M.Sc. degree in maritime affairs from the World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden. He’s extremely happily married and has 4 wonderful children.

  • Guadalupe Concepcion

    Guadalupe Concepcion

    Hub Manager, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Panama)

    Guadalupe Concepcion, Hub Manager @ AMR TBM Customer Delivery

    • Lupe is married to Jorge and have a daughter Georgina aka Gigi she is 8 yrs.
    • Lupe has been in Maersk for over 20 years holding different roles in Operations and General Management, in Panama and UK. Her experience ranges from documentation, equipment, and repairs of containers as supervisor, to stowage coordinator for the large vessels crossing from Far East to US & Europe.
    • Upon returning from UK, she found her passion in supporting our customers and developing people including women. She aspires to continue growing in the company and seeing her legacy of developing talents that are also growing.
    • She also held various roles outside Maersk, including Former Director for the Panamanian Maritime Chamber (2015-2016; still active as a member of the different committees). She is currently volunteering at Junior Achievement program for 2nd grade students and is also the current Panama President for Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association WISTA.

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MEDIA PARTNERS

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Tel: +44 1295 814455
Email: info@petrospot.com