Hafnia - Experts & Thought Leaders

ABS hosted the second edition of the Middle East Women in Maritime Summit at the Address Dubai Mall, gathering more than 150 industry professionals to celebrate the expanding role of women in the region’s maritime sector. Themed “Advancing Women in Maritime – Challenges and Opportunities,” the summit showcased stories of leadership and mentorship across the Middle East’s fast-growing maritime ecosystem. Keynote address Guests of honour included Her Excellency Engineer Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the UAE Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs and outgoing President of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), and Engineer Khalid Alhammad, President of Bahri Ship Management. In her keynote address, H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek reflected on her tenure leading AWIMA and announced the appointment of Noura Alqathami of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority as the association’s new president. Next generation of maritime pioneers “The success of women in maritime is not a women’s issue, it is an industry success story,” said H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek, adding “When we include more perspectives, we strengthen safety, innovation, and competitiveness.” “This year, our commitment has been exemplified by training 25 female cadets in partnership with Sharjah Maritime Academy and under the Saudi Flag IMO NextWave Seafarers program. These talented women are now part of our fleet, setting a new standard for the region and inspiring the next generation of maritime pioneers. We also extend our sincere gratitude to ABS for their steadfast support and for hosting this important event. Together, we are shaping a more collaborative, innovative, and resilient future for maritime,” said Eng. Khalid Alhammad. Event’s panel discussion Moderated by Jessica Mahaffey, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, the event’s panel discussion featured: Eng. Mashael Al Marzooqi, Vice President of Asset Management, ADNOC Logistics & Services Alia Al Janahi, Vice President, HSE, DP World Anan Abdullatif, Senior Manager, Commercial Operations, Asyad Shipping Natalie Sallaum, Chief Relationship Officer, Sallaum Lines Nicolai Friis, CEO, Adani Ports & Harbour Services International How collaboration fuels innovation The panel explored how collaboration fuels innovation, how companies can establish structured career pathways for women, and how mentorship can help more women succeed in maritime careers. The program also featured a fireside chat, “Leading the Way: Stories of Female Trailblazers in Maritime,” with Dr. Carolin Stumm, Area Managing Director at Hapag-Lloyd Middle East; Maria Kristina Javellana, General Manager – Head of Fleet at Hafnia Chemical Tankers, and Bahri cadets Dr. Mariam Alshaikh and Anoud Al-Blooshi, who shared first-hand experiences from life at sea and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation. Collaboration across industry  “Each story we heard today — whether from seasoned pioneers or new cadets — shows that talent, not gender, defines excellence,” said Dheeraj Sharma, ABS Vice President, Marine & Offshore Regional Business Development (MEA). He adds, “This summit continues to grow because collaboration across our industry is making real change possible.”

Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd, an industry pioneer in wind-assisted propulsion systems, has announced that it is collaborating with Hafnia Limited, Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), and DNV to develop the integration design of Rotor Sails suitable for installation on 50,000 dwt Medium-Range (MR) tanker vessels. The companies signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) in April 2025 to develop a new generation of efficient and environmentally friendly Rotor Sail vessel designs to increase the efficiency of MR tankers within the wider global fleet. How Rotor Sails can improve Anemoi and Hafnia will undertake several engineering studies to establish specifications As part of the project, Anemoi and Hafnia will undertake several engineering studies to establish specifications related to how Rotor Sails can be safely and efficiently installed on the deck of MR tankers, alongside additional electrical and control system layouts for these vessels. In addition, the studies will include calculations to examine how Rotor Sails can improve the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) values of existing and future MR tankers. Rotor Sail’s design integration GSI will apply its naval architecture and marine engineering principles to develop essential technical documentation for the new Rotor Sail’s design integration, while DNV will undertake an Approval in Principle (AiP) assessment to ensure that the design is feasible and verifies that no significant obstacles exist to prevent the design from being realised based on current and foreseeable regulatory and class requirements. “Participating in this joint development project allows us to collaborate with industry partners to unlock the full potential of Rotor Sails on MR Tankers. It supports Hafnia’s decarbonisation strategy to assess and embrace the potential of innovative technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce vessel emissions,” shared Jesper Kristiansen, Hafnia’s General Manager Technical. Vessel energy efficiency DNV will undertake an Approval in Principle (AiP) assessment to ensure that the design is feasible “WAPS, like Rotor Sails, are spreading throughout the industry, enabled by new materials, data and software, and evolving rules and regulations. Across all segments, we still have room to improve vessel energy efficiency and WAPS have emerged as one of the most attractive tools for shipping to make immediate, impactful gains in this area." "DNV is very pleased to be part of this forward-looking group, and build on a cooperation with Anemoi, Hafnia and GSI that is driving shipping’s journey towards a more sustainable future,” said Mr Shao Guang Chi, Station Manager of Guangzhou Station at DNV Maritime. Integrating Rotor Sails into MR tankers “With new regulations driving the need for lower emissions, the time is right to adopt highly efficient ship designs." "Integrating Rotor Sails into MR tankers is a necessary step, and together with our partners, we’re committed to delivering vessels that meet both environmental and commercial demands,” said Deputy Chief Engineer, Huang Jun of Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI). Tanker sector for novel technology Rotor Sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are vertical cylinders that harness the renewable power “There is growing interest within the tanker sector for novel technology that can help reduce the carbon footprint of their vessels and increase their value, particularly as the MR tanker fleet is expected to grow in the coming years." "Our partnership with Hafnia, alongside GSI and DNV, will ensure a new generation of MR tankers that utilises Rotor Sails to improve their efficiency and sustainability credentials hits the water in the not-too-distant future,” said Nick Contopoulos, Chief Production and Partnerships Officer of Anemoi. Reduce the carbon emissions and fuel consumption Rotor Sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are vertical cylinders that harness the renewable power of the wind to provide additional forward thrust and improve the energy efficiency of the vessel. This energy-saving technology is increasingly being sought after by ship owners and operators as a cost-effective and immediate solution to reduce the carbon emissions and fuel consumption of their vessels, as well as helping meet international emission reduction targets.

The Brun Bear Foundation, a registered charity established by Edwin Lampert, executive editor of Riviera Maritime Media, is pleased to announce the launch of “Mealtimes With My Maritime Friends.” This unique cookbook celebrates the global maritime community while raising funds for important causes. Featuring 60 inspiring recipes from around the world, contributed by prominent figures in the maritime industry, this book offers a taste of maritime culture alongside the personal stories of its contributors. It is available for purchase in both paperback and Kindle formats. More than just recipes Mealtimes With My Maritime Friends is not merely a collection of delicious recipes. Each dish is paired with a personal story or anecdote from a member of the maritime community, offering insight into the diverse cultures and experiences that shape this vital industry. Featured pioneering maritime personalities include: Arsenio Domínguez - Secretary General, International Maritime Organization Eman Abdalla - Global Operations and Supply Chain Director, Cargill Mark Cameron - Chief Operating Officer, Ardmore Shipping Corporation Anna Ziou - Director, Maritime and Regulatory Affairs, Carnival Corporation Mikael Skov CEO, Hafnia Catrine Vestereng, Senior Vice President and Business Director Tankers, Maritime DNV John Rendi, Vice President Global Business Development, Maritec Marine Environmental Services Katharina Stanzel, Managing Director, INTERTANKO From Maria Dixon’s Spanish Tortilla to My Nguyen’s Chicken Curry Wraps and John Rendi’s Thousand-Layers Taro Mooncakes, there is something to tantalise every palate. The book also includes nutritional information and allergen declarations for each recipe, ensuring accessibility for all readers. A culinary voyage for a cause These funds will also support the newly launched MarineBEAR Award This cookbook stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the maritime community. All royalties from book sales will be donated to essential community initiatives, medical advancements, marine conservation, and animal welfare causes. These funds will also support the newly launched MarineBEAR Award. The MarineBEAR Award The MarineBEAR Award is an annual initiative aimed at enhancing maritime education, promoting research, advancing sustainability, and recognising excellence within the maritime sector. The award will support to an outstanding conservation technology project focused on marine conservation. This funding can be utilised to purchase new equipment, access critical resources, or support training for projects addressing various marine-related issues.  Championing maritime sustainability Applications are open to individuals at all stages of project development, from those exploring new ideas Applications are open to individuals at all stages of project development, from those exploring new ideas to those involved in established projects. Selection will be conducted by renowned experts in marine conservation, technology, and sustainability, including Dr. Beverley Mackenzie (Director of Marine Environment at BIMCO) and Dr. Olive Heffernan (freelance science journalist and lecturer specialising in ocean and climate science communication). Book Launch Event A special launch event will take place on Wednesday, 20th November from 17:30 at the ING offices in London (8-10 Moorgate, Moorgate EC2R 6DA). The event will feature a welcome reception, an art tour, a wine tasting and buffet dinner, a presentation of the cookbook, and a live auction. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the book’s launch, meet the contributors, and support the important causes it champions.