SPEAKER PROFILES

Special Envoy & Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy, Executive Office of the President

Amb. Nancy Karigithu is Kenya's Special Envoy and Presidential Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy, the immediate former Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. She currently holds the position of Advisor on Blue Economy in the Executive office of the President.

Amb. Karigithu's experience includes three terms as Chair of the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee has been a long serving member of the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University (WMU) as well as the IMO-International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).

During her 35-year professional experience she has championed various initiatives towards the development and sustainability of the maritime sector, including but not limited to capacity building, marine environmental protection, gender mainstreaming as well as climate change. A champion for the integration of women in the maritime sector she spearheaded the establishment of the Association for Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern & Southern Africa (WOMESA), bringing together women professionals across 26 countries to mentor and coach the next generation of female leaders in the sector.

Amb. Karigithu also led in the creation of the Association of Maritime Administrations in Africa (AAMA) through the transformation of the Heads of Maritime Administrations and recently championed the development and adoption of the IMO Guidelines for the Prevention and Suppression of Smuggling of Wildlife on Ships.

Her service to the global maritime sector has been recognized with the following awards, among others:

1. Honorary fellowship from the World Maritime University;
2. Lloyd's List of 100 Influential Persons in the shipping industry;
3. Africa's Most Influential Woman in Business and Government; and
4. Africa's Woman of the Year.

Amb. Karigithu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the University of Nairobi and a Master's in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute, Malta. Her maritime career includes nine years’ service as the first Director General (DG) of Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and Maritime Transport Expert at the African Union.

CEO, ATH Trading

Over 14 years’ experience in Angola. Started career working for a Swiss wealth management firm in Madrid, after that he founded and lead VIG World for 13 years, a company with its focus in Angola which developed and invested in different sectors such as mining, energy, and trading. He has recently spin-off from this venture to start his sole project, ATH, which aims to become the first private trading house of Angola with the objective to position Angolan commodities into the world and make strategic investments in companies and ventures in the Angolan oil and gas sector. Jorge holds a bachelor’s degree in BA and finance granted by the America University of Paris.

CEO, Lookout Maritime Ltd

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.

Special Project Manager, Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone

Vanessa Davidson has been a professional in the marine industry for 18 years. Holding an M Phil from UCT, Vanessa Davidson has extensive experience in the boat and ship building and marine fabrication sectors in South Africa.

Vanessa is a Special Project Manager at Freeport Saldanha focused on new port infrastructure and she is responsible for Business Development in the marine sector. Vanessa has served on a number of technical committees and she is currently a SAIMI Advisory Board member and a founding Director of Blue Cape, a non-profit company supporting the Blue Economy in the Western Cape.

Internationally she is a Board member of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) responsible for CE certification of boats. She is a participating member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations with representation on the Technical Committee, the Exporters Committee and the Grow Boating Committee.

Partner, Shipping and Dispute Resolution Practice, Webber Wentzel

Sheena is a partner in the Shipping and Dispute Resolution practice at Webber Wentzel, and has experience in a wide range of commercial litigation and dispute resolution matters. She advises mostly on maritime and insurance-law matters.

She has specific experience in marine casualty investigations, and has been involved in significant litigation arising from ship disasters. She also has experience in ship arrests, enforcement proceedings, cargo claims, crew claims, ship sales and obtaining security.

Sheena is the current Chairperson of the Cape Chapter of the Maritime Law Association of South Africa (MLASA), and EXCO member of the MLASA.

She is also a member of the Women in Shipping and Trade Association of South Africa (WISTA SA) and has previously served as the treasurer and an EXCO member of WISTA SA.

Sheena has LLB and BSocSci degrees from the University of Cape Town.

Technical Consultant, Lecturer and Author

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.

Marine Services Executive, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL)

• Marine Services Executive responsible for growth and sustainability of AMSOL’s Offshore Marine Services and Tanker Operations.
• Previously served as Fleet Management Executive at AMSOL from 2016; responsible for the well being and safety of crew and technical integrity of a fleet of 19 vessels.
• Served at sea for 20 years. Appointed as Chief Engineer in 2002; serving on large MAERSK container vessels.
• Moved ashore to various management positions at Safmarine, Sea Trucks Group Nigeria and SMIT Amandla Marine/AMSOL.
• Completed his Masters of Law in International Maritime Studies in 2018 through the World Maritime University (WMU).
• South African Institute for Marine Engineers & Naval Architects (SAIMENA) -  Junior Vice President National; Chairman: SAIMENA Western Cape.
  

General Manager, IQS International Ltd

Berenice Fillmore is the General Manager at IQS International (Pty) Ltd, a SANS 10227 and ISO 17020 Accredited Inspection Authority.
With more than 20 years ‘experience in maritime and engineering, Berenice has successfully led ISO implementations in small to medium
Engineering businesses. Having contributed to major Ship Repair and Oil and Gas projects across South Africa over the last 23 years, Berenice has served on the
Western Cape Ship repair cluster steering committee driving skills development in the region.

Enterprise Value Chain Optimization, Head - Marine Fuels Department, Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd

Feraad Fortune heads up Astron Energy’s Marine Fuels department, where he is responsible for all bulk and bunker trading of Very Low Sulphur Marine Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO).  Astron Energy is a leading producer and supplier of petroleum products and marine fuels in Southern Africa.

The Cape Town refinery restarted production in early 2023 where it added the production of VLSFO and LSMGO. It has become South Africa’s only local production source of this fuel which is used by most of the international sea-going fleet in all South African ports, namely Cape Town, Algoa Bay, Durban and Richard Bay.

Feraad, is a South African with over 16 years’ experience in the Financial industry and International Oil industry. He has held multiple regional roles across Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Pakistan with Chevron including in Finance, Performance Management and Marketing for Downstream channels, as well as Chevron Global Lubricants where he headed up regional pricing. After Chevron South Africa’s majority share was sold to Glencore, Astron Energy was formed where Feraad held positions in Supply & Trading of crude, refined products, and marine trading. Feraad holds a Commerce degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT) with a post graduate degree in Business Administration from UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB).

Managing Director, Dan-Bunkering (South Africa) Ltd

I have worked in the bunker industry since 2006, all the while focussing on the African bunker market.  I have spent many days in barely road-worthy taxis, rushing around traffic congested African cities.  Striving tirelessly to find those precious gem’s, those African supplier’s that can get the job done on time and on spec.

Through multiple complexities that the African landscape can present, I have seen many ops and many downs.  I still maintain that I have the best job in the world.  Every day is different with fresh challenges and opportunities. And the quest to provide long term value for a vision to uplift African ports to meet world standards is something of a personal passion of mine and which continues to sustain me today.

Deputy Director General for Maritime, Department for Transport, Republic of South Africa

Academic Qualification:
Mr Madiya holds Bachelor of Social Science Honours Degree - University of KZN, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management - University of KZN, Bcom Honours Degree – UKZN, BPhil Honours Degree in Maritime Economic Studies - University of Stellenbosch, Commercial Capability Certificate - University of Pretoria   Business School - Gibs Port Management Certificate - Antwerp Ports Authority – Belgium - Antwerp

Brief Maritime Sector Career History

Mr Madiya is currently the Deputy Director-General: Maritime Transport Branch in the Department of Transport.  As the Acting DG of Transport for the period of November 2021 to June 2022.

He worked at Transnet National Ports Authorities and Ports Operations. He also has experience in Liquid Bulk business and Policy development, Port Infrastructure and its Commerce Stakeholder Management and Project Development and Management.

Mr Madiya served as the South African Maritime Safety Authority Board Member since 2015 to 2023 and the member of Board Sub Committee - Maritime Industry Development, served as a member of the Board of the Ports Regulator of South Africa for the period 2015 to 2023. He is the Head of Operation Phakisa Ocean Economy - Maritime Transport and Manufacturing and Chair of National Ports Consultative Committee and Ports Consultative Committee.

BBBEE Manager, PetroSA

Ms MMABATHO MATIWANE is the current B-BBEE Manager at PetroSA, responsible for ensuring that PetroSA makes an impact on the economic empowerment of its employees and small to medium suppliers in line with B-BBEE objectives.

At PetroSA she continues to facilitate the support of its suppliers by providing business development and financial support. This has now led to supporting the establishment of the South African Women in Oil, Gas and Marine – WOGAM. WOGAM is aimed at growing women’s participation in the Oil, Gas and Marine Industries.

Mmabatho holds various degrees, including a post-graduate degree from UCT in Policy and Administration and a certificate from the KIT royal tropical institute in Amsterdam Holland.

She has extensive experience in the areas of economic development. This includes driving the establishment and implementation of establishing various programs supporting women entrepreneurs and ensuring the appointment of women at both executive and senior management levels as part of the Department of Trade and Industry, (now the dtic).

Her passion for women empowerment has seen her establishing, Managing the South African Women Entrepreneurs Network (SAWEN) and all programs in all 9 provinces with two offices in Cape Town and KZN; Facilitated the Technology for Women in Business Program which supported and celebrated women’s achievements in SA and Facilitated the Establishment of Isavande – A Fund for supporting women (Now Managed by the IDC).

She has been awarded the Finalist Emerging Countries Category: La Tribune is launching the La Tribune Women’s Awards 2011 (France, Paris), the Winner of Leading Women in Supporting and Facilitating the Economic Empowerment of Women in SA Government (2009); the Winner of Top Women in Business and Government, Young Achiever (2005); and Awarded as the dti Phenomenal Women for Leadership on Gender & Transformation (2003).

Marine Operations, BP South Africa

Over a decade ago, Nondumiso Molefe became a part of bpSA's Assets and Operations division. She actively supported the implementation of the capital expenditure roll-out and successfully launched the bp & Pick n Pay convenience offer. With experience in Oil & Gas, banking, and telecommunications spanning over 10 years, Nondumiso brings a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in project management across various sectors. She joined the diverse bpsamarine team and currently holds the responsibility for bunker operations (both upstream and downstream) in all ports and modes of transport where bpmarinesa is physically present, such as Durban, Cape Town, and Richards Bay. Her resilience was evident during the transition to very low sulfur fuel oil VLSFO 0.5 (IMO 2020) and, most recently, during the shift to becoming a net importer when the SAPREF refinery went into a pause in 2022. Nondumiso has always been motivated to learn and thus enrolled in The Oxford Bunker Course in 2022, deepening her knowledge and passion for the maritime industry.

Human Capital & Transformation Manager, Damen Shipyards Cape Town (Pty) Ltd | HR

Bunker Business Manager, Linsen Nambi

Gavin Naidoo, Bunker Business Manager at Linsen Nambi Bunker Services, boasts over 25 years of industry expertise. He holds an MBA and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree. Diligently maintaining SAMSA and IMO certifications, Gavin oversees crew training, development, and ensures vessels are operated safely by a qualified team, aligning with customer's commercial needs. His commitment and wealth of knowledge define him as a seasoned leader in the maritime sector.

Finance & Admin Manager, Linsen Nambi, Member ExCo, WISTA South Africa

Vanessa Naidoo, Finance and Admin Manager at Linsen Nambi Bunker Services, brings over 15 years of maritime sector expertise. An accomplished finance professional with an MBA, Vanessa adeptly oversees administrative functions while contributing her seasoned financial acumen to the company. As a valued member of the Linsen Nambi team she plays a crucial role in the administrative and operational efficiency of the business, exemplifying dedication and proficiency in the maritime industry.

Head, Lawhill Maritime Centre

In 2015 Debbie Owen was appointed a Maritime Ambassador for the United Nation’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and currently heads an award-winning education programme which has – for more than 28 years - successfully prepared young Africans for post-school employment in the international and African maritime sector.

In 2022 she received the SAIMI Imbokodo ‘Best Mentor’ award, as well as the ‘’sHERO of the Maritime Sector’’ Award in 2023.

Before moving into education, Debbie spent close on 20 years working internationally for a European-based company where she gained invaluable experience in PR and Media, Business Strategy, Corporate Social Investment, Communications, Branding and Marketing. She is also a former business owner and magazine editor.

Debbie is passionate about skills development, youth empowerment and building a more equitable society.

Inspired by the nation-building example of the late Nelson Mandela (whom she met in 1996), Debbie believes in ‘’lifting others as you rise’’ and in the potential of individuals and businesses to effect meaningful, large-scale societal change.

Director, Peta Attorneys Inc.

Dineo Peta is a seasoned attorney with 18 years post-qualification experience. She holds numerous qualifications including a masters degree in Environmental Law (Wits University), a post-graduate diploma in International Maritime Law (World Maritime University, Sweden) and a certificate of attendance in Bunkering (Petrospot).

Ms Peta runs her own practice (Peta Attorneys Inc.) which specializes in the fields of maritime, environmental, mining and energy laws together with commercial law within these practice areas. Prior to practicing, she acquired the greater part of her working experience in multi-national companies such as BHP Billion and South32.

Dineo further holds various board positions including being Deputy Chairperson of the National Nuclear Regulator (accountable to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy) and interim non-executive director of Alexkor SOC Ltd which is state-owned diamond mining company (accountable to the Minister of Public Enterprises). She is further a member of the environmental appeals panel for the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which adjudicates, and advises the Executive Council on appeals lodged in the Gauteng Province, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act.

Business Line Leader, Caleb Brett South Africa, Intertek

Desigan is the Business Line Leader for Intertek Caleb Brett Sub Saharan Africa. He has extensive experience of 30 years across refining, production, quality and the testing & inspection industries having work in the African and the Middle East regions.

Desigan joined Intertek Caleb Brett in 1996, having started as a chemist in the laboratory before progressing to the position of Technical Director for SSA and Middle East. He has held various senior leadership roles in the industry and is committed to providing total quality assurance. He holds a degree in Chemical Technology as well as a national diploma in Analytical Chemistry. 

Senior Trader, Monjasa

Simone Piredda is a Senior Trader at Monjasa, where he has been working since 2018. As an integral part of Monjasa’s West African team, Simone Piredda focuses on trading, building, and maintaining strong relationships with group customers and stakeholders in the West African market.

Simone Piredda was born in Italy and holds a bachelor’s degree in law and a master’s degree in Maritime Business from the UK. Simone Piredda started his professional career in 2016 where he worked in the UK and Belgium from 2016 to 2018 as a Ship Agent in the Port of London and Port of Antwerp, where he developed his background in Shipping and Operations.

In addition to this, Simone Piredda is also an external lecturer at the Danish Shipping Academy, where he teaches the technical aspects of marine fuels.

Director, Trinity Maritime

Ann Pletschke is the Director of Trinity Maritime, a maritime consultancy firm based in both South Africa and the United Kingdom. She is a Master Mariner specialising in autonomous vessels, offshore vessel inspections, tutoring and general maritime consultancy services. Ann is currently completing research into the potential opportunities for marine autonomy to improve diversity and accessibility in the maritime industry for women and people with disabilities or medical conditions. As well as inspecting offshore vessels in the Middle East and Africa, Ann also periodically returns to seagoing trips as a crewmember, most recently as Captain of a seabed drilling vessel.

In addition to over 20 years in the maritime industry, Ann has been a volunteer for three years for Safer Waves, a Gender-Based Violence charity aimed at supporting any seafarer globally who has encountered harassment, discrimination or sexual assault onboard merchant vessels.

Senior Research Engineer, CSIR

Thomas Roos is a Senior Research Engineer at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research or CSIR, in the Energy Centre located in the Smart Places Cluster.  He holds a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch.

His 30-year research career at CSIR has been predominantly in the field of thermodynamics, heat transfer, turbomachinery and energy.  

His main professional interest is the economics of renewable hydrogen production in South Africa and the benefits it presents to the country.  He has published and presented on this topic, and is involved in several projects developing the evidence base for this. One application of renewable hydrogen is sustainable maritime fuel, an area of growing international interest.

Regional Manager (Africa), Global Head Events, IBIA

Tahra Sergeant became an integral member of the IBIA Secretariat when she joined in 2014. As the Regional Manager for Africa and its adjacent islands, she also plays a pivotal role as part of the Global Marketing and Events team at IBIA, as Global Head Events. Under her astute management, the association has witnessed notable growth in the African region. Tahra’s strategic vision and leadership are evident in her orchestration of the IBIA Annual Dinner, her meticulous management of all IBIA events, and her influence in the association’s marketing strategies.
With a career spanning over 20 years, Tahra brings with her a rich expertise in marketing and project management. Her journey started in the design and publications sector, later transitioning into the competitive world of advertising. In this realm, she demonstrated her strategic acumen by overseeing some of Africa’s most significant local and international brands. Tahra’s reputation as an efficient and visionary marketing and project manager underscores her knack for bringing ideas to life.

Global Lead of New Fuels, Dan-Bunkering

As the Global Lead of New Fuels at Dan-Bunkering, my professional journey has recently been shaped by a relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions in the maritime sector. With a tenure spanning four years, I initially contributed to the AMOIL office before the transformative merger with Dan-Bunkering Cape Town.

Entrusted with my current role, I am dedicated to driving positive change in the industry. The intricacies of the regulatory landscape surrounding new fuels are not just challenges but opportunities that I actively explore. Navigating this dynamic environment has become a cornerstone of my growing knowledge base.

Bunker Broker, Nautical Supply International Limited (NSI)

Karl Shrowder is a Bunker Broker at Nautical Supply International Limited (NSI). As well as broking he is primarily handling the correlation and analysis of data for clients energy transition requirements. He has led seminars on ETS and CII for a number of blue-chip shipowners and charterers and takes a special interest in the potential impact of legislation on the bunker market. NSI is the largest independent marine energy brokerage with offices in the UK, US, Dubai and Greece

CEO, South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA)

Adrian was Director of the Centre for Open Learning at the University of Cape Town where he also served on the UCT Senior Staff Management Group and Higher Education Development Committee.  Prior to UCT, he held positions at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (previously Peninsula Technikon) for 17 years, where he was Director of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Senior Lecturer and Lecturer respectively.  Adrian was employed in the FET College sector for several years, as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer and worked in the City Engineer’s Department of the City of Cape Town as a Professional Assistant.

He lead a number of significant local and international projects such as; Project Director of an Australian/South African Technology Development Project, Vice Chair of the DHET Adult Education Standard Generating Body nationally, established Learning Circles in prisons, lead research in a Ford Foundation funded skills project. Adrian was Chair of South African Presidential Phakisa work group on offshore skills and represents the South African Minister of Higher Education on the Northlink College Council as Chairman.  He serves on the Advisory Boards of SAIMI and the Oil and Gas Community of Practice (COP), based at Nelson Mandela and Wits universities respectively.

Adrian is a life-long learner. His first qualification was in Civil Engineering.  In addition to which he holds degrees in Psychology, Economics, Education and Business Administration from UNISA and the University of Stellenbosch, Business School respectively.  He is a trained life coach.  He completed a Project Management Certificate at Nelson Mandela University.

Chief Operations Officer, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)

Business Divisional Manager: Marine, FFS Refiners

Wilhelm’s journey in the Petrochemical industry began with his tertiary studies in Chemical Engineering in Potchefstroom whereafter he started his career at Natref in 1995 (the crude oil refinery jointly owned by Sasol & TotalEnergies in Sasolburg). Whilst at Natref, his responsibilities centered around the Refinery’s crude scheduling, planning and production apportionment between the two shareholders, moving on to fulfilling the role of Refinery Operations Manager.
After 20 years at Natref and in his quest for change, growth and development, Wilhelm joined FFS and moved to Cape Town where his portfolio included the Cape Town harbour tank terminals and FFS processing facilities in the region.
Wilhelm’s passion for all things “chemical related” motivated him to assume the role of Business Division Manager for FFS Marine in 2020. He continues to lead his team to greater heights within the Maritime industry, actively expanding FFS Marine’s national footprint.

Marine and Aviation Manager, VIVO Energy Mauritius

Vy-Anne Young has 12 years experience in the Oil and Gas industry, starting with Shell’s downstream business in Mauritius in 2011, just before the corporate transition to Vivo Energy. She has been part of the inland commercial team prior joining the Marine team in 2017. Heading the International Businesses (Marine and Aviation) in Mauritius, Vy-Anne Young focuses on building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders, while ensuring operational excellence of bunkering operations.    

Prior joining Vivo Energy, Vy-Anne Young’s first position was that of After Sales Manager in a company commercializing Medical and Laboratory equipment. She thereon integrated a prestigious jewellery production unit, manufacturing high-end jewellery for the local market, and semi-finished goods for export. Over the years, she oversaw Production, Quality Assurance, and Research & Development of the jewellery production company.

Vy-Anne holds a B.Eng in Mechanical and Production Engineering from NTU Singapore and an MBA from Bradford University, UK.