Giovanni Satta is Associate Professor in Economics and Business Management at the University of Genoa (UNIGE). He has published over 100 research papers and contributed to more than 70 international events, focusing on sustainability, green strategies, and investments in the shipping and port industry. He has advised leading transport companies (e.g., GNV, Costa Crociere, PSA) and institutions such as UNEP, MASE, and Assarmatori, and collaborated with Ernst & Young and CNR. Giovanni has directed over 40 national and international research projects on shipping, ports, energy, and alternative fuels. He teaches courses in transport finance, ship management, marketing, and coastal tourism. He holds a PhD in Logistics, Transport and Environment and degrees in Management and Business Economics.

Martin Stopford is a leading authority in maritime economics, best known as the author of the seminal textbook Maritime Economics. After studying philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford and earning a PhD in Economics at Birkbeck, he began his career in shipping consultancy in 1971, later serving as group economist at British Shipbuilders and global shipping economist at Chase Manhattan Bank. In 1990 he became Managing Director of Clarkson Research, later joining the Clarkson’s board. A frequent visiting professor worldwide, he has received multiple honors, including Lloyd’s List Lifetime Achievement Award.

Our speaker lineup is constantly evolving – check back regularly for the latest updates.

Veronica Asta is the founder of OPTIMeasy, an innovative startup and spin-off of the University of Genoa, created with the aim of transferring academic knowledge and advanced optimization tools to the industrial world. She earned a PhD in Logistics and Transportation from the University of Genoa, during which she spent a research period in Montreal, Canada. With a degree in Maritime and Port Economics and Management, in 2018 she received the Italian Cruise Day award for her thesis on cruise route optimization. Passionate about mathematics, she focuses on modeling and optimization applied to transportation systems, aiming to integrate academic approaches and solutions for the industrial sector.

Enrico started his professional journey working on data acquisition and analysis for “Il Moro di Venezia”, the Italian Challenger for the 1992 America’s Cup.  He then moved to London where he was digital media consultant and lecturer for over ten years. Back to Italy in 2010, in 2012 he co-founded GS4C srl to promote the transition to Circular Economy for the composite industry. With GS4C he patented an out of autoclave Fiber Metal Laminate manufacturing process and collaborated on the development and technology transfer to the industry of several innovative solutions.

Naval Architect by trade, Luca Costa evolved his career in shipping from the V.Ships Global Graduate Program to Transformation Officer at Cargill Inc., until his latest pivot into applying emerging technologies to transform the industry. Currently Founder at costa.ai LLC in Geneva, Luca and his teams explore how advanced data analytics, automation, and predictive systems can enhance the profitability and competitiveness of their customers. Known for bridging traditional maritime knowledge with cutting-edge innovation and transformation, he actively collaborates with industry experts and researchers to design practical, forward-looking AI- driven solutions. Luca is committed to shaping the future of maritime operations through technology and strategic insight.

Dr. Carola Cremonesi is a Technical and Project Manager working as an Owner’s Representative on complex yacht refit and new build projects. Based in Genoa, she operates at the intersection of engineering, operations, and communication – coordinating shipyards, technical teams, and owners. With a degree in Naval Architecture and nearly a decade of experience across classification societies and shipbuilding, she brings a strong technical foundation together with a practical, human approach. She worked on everything from superyacht refits in the Med to Polar Code expedition vessels.

Matteo Della Valle, based in Genoa, Italy, is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at GNV. Shortly after earning his Ph.D. in Economics and completing a Master’s degree at the Paris School of Economics, he began his career in the shipping industry within the Revenue Management department at Costa Crociere. He then joined GNV, where he has gained extensive experience through a series of leadership roles, starting as Business Development Manager in 2014. He then progressed to Business Development and Trade Manager in 2017, Trade Business Development and Charter Manager in 2018, Passengers Sales & Marketing Director in 2021, and Chief Passenger Commercial Officer in 2023. Since November 2024, he has been Chief Commercial Officer at GNV. Matteo also holds an Executive Master in Sales and Marketing from Bologna Business School (2016-2017).

Isabella Susy De Martini is an Italian doctor, Professor and politician. She is a Medical Officer on Board and Member of the European Parliament Former Members Association. A specialist in neurology, she taught at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Genova, where she also directed the Neuron Culture Research Laboratory.  In 2013, she obtained the seat at the European Parliament during the VII legislature, becoming Member of the Delegation for relations with the United States and of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Deputy Member of the Committee on Budgets and of the Delegation for relations with Israel. In 2021, the Mayor of Genova awarded her with the title of “Ambassador of Genova in the World”.

She holds a Master’s degree in Naval Engineering from the University of Genoa, with further studies in CFD and FEM at TUHH University of Hamburg and École Centrale de Nantes. After graduation, she gained 10 years of experience in several shipyards as a project engineer and later as a project manager, overseeing the production of composite yachts in leading European shipbuilding companies. In 2023, she founded P2M, an innovative start-up developing solutions for the digitalization of industrial processes, bringing technical expertise and strategic vision to the yachting and advanced shipbuilding sectors.

Thomas Frizlen is the founder and CEO of Swiss Ocean Tech, a start-up born from his lifelong connection to the sea. Having grown up on the water and sailed since childhood, Thomas developed a deep respect for the ocean and an early curiosity about how things could be done better. One question in particular stayed with him: why wasn’t there a smarter way to know what an anchor was doing beneath the surface? That question became the foundation for AnchorGuardian— a technology that monitors anchor position and movement in real time to make anchoring safer, more reliable, and more sustainable.

Valentina Gigante is the first Shipboard Psychologist in Italy, a pioneer bringing psychological science into the daily life of maritime operations. She works on RoRo Pax vessels, conducting crew climate assessments, organizational well-being analysis and leadership development, while collaborating with the Ship’s Senior Officers to integrate human factors into safety and performance. She is also a qualified RSPP (Health and Safety Officer), registered with the Order of Psychologists of Veneto and member of WISTA Italy. Her innovative work has already attracted strong media attention, positioning her as one of the most visible and influential new voices in the maritime sector, who guide leadership toward a bold and human-centered horizon.

Valerio Giovannini, an Italian-qualified attorney and Associate at Squire Patton Boggs in Brussels, is an EU regulatory lawyer specialising in ESG and environmental law. He advises clients on the EU Green Deal, transport, and chemicals, with particular expertise in maritime decarbonisation. Valerio regularly guides shipping companies on compliance with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and its extension to maritime transport, as well as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). He has published articles in peer-reviewed EU law journals and previously worked at UEFA and as head of regulatory law at a Berlin-based mobility technology company.

Giordano Bruno Guerrini is Secretary General at Centro Internazionale Studi Containers i.s. in Genoa, since 2002. He serves as Board Member at the Bureau International des Containers – BIC in Paris, Board Member of Assiterminal since 2010, and Chair of IT & Digital Commission since 2021. He has been Chairman of Hapag-Lloyd Italy, for the same group, he covered the position of Senior Vice President Operations for Southern Europe in Hamburg, and Expat Manager in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Founder and partner of Italy’s largest maritime agency, he served as lecturer on maritime transport for accredited institutions in Liguria and as a board member of industry associations. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the title of “Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito” of the Italian Republic.

Susan is a Maritime and International Trade Law academic, legal training provider and consultant, and a CEDR accredited mediator. She speaks regularly at both commercial and academic seminars and undertakes corporate in-house legal training and advisory work to commercial and trade organisations on a national and international basis. She is a member of the Advisory Board for Vespka AS, based in Oslo, which provides marine claims consultancy services to the shipping, insurance and audit sectors. Before going into academia, Susan qualified as a barrister, subsequently working in P&I. She contributes to the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers’ (ICS) online courses for their London School and Athens Branch and is a visiting lecturer at various universities.

George Huxley is Deputy Syndicate Manager at the UK P&I Club in London, a leading mutual marine insurer providing Protection & Indemnity (P&I) cover for shipowners worldwide. With a decade of experience in marine insurance, George assists in overseeing the EMEA2 Claims team and handles claims relating to cargo, collisions, and property damage for Members in Greece, Italy, and the UK.

Prof. Andrea La Mattina is an Of Counsel at BonelliErede, provides in- and out-of-court advice concerning maritime, logistics and transport law, insurance law and private international law. He acts as counsel and arbitrator in domestic and international disputes including ICC Arbitrations. Since 2021, he holds the chair of Navigation Law at the University of Naples Federico II. Previously, he has been professor of Navigation Law at the University of Genova and at the University of Pisa – Accademia Navale di Livorno. He has been a member of the Managing Board of the Port Authority of Genova-Savona-Vado.

Eng. Marco Leveratto is Naval Architect and Marine Engineer with 36 years’ experience in shipping. Between 1992 and 1993 he worked at Fincantieri Oarn Ship Repair and Fincantieri Sestri Newbuilding. Since 1993 he worked at RINA, as Area Manager Turkey/Georgia and Russia. Between 1999 and 2001, he was the New Building Site Manager in Korea at Premuda. He later worked with Premuda in Genoa, where he reached the position of Director. Since 2023, he works at Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. as Ship Management Coordinator.

Marianna Levtov is SVP Strategic Alliances at Hoopo, building partnerships that drive the digital transformation of logistics. She is also Vice President of the Smart Container Alliance, advancing global collaboration for safe and interoperable smart container adoption. As Convenor of ISO TC 104/SC 4/WG 2, Marianna leads the development of international standards for smart container functionality and identification, shaping how innovation is applied across global trade. Alongside her corporate and standards leadership, Marianna is a business coach and researcher advising founders and executives on scaling technology ventures. She is the author of Strong Start-Up Playbook, offering practical tools and career insights to help entrepreneurs build resilient, human-centered businesses.

Mr. Paolo Massari has significant experience at the Customs Agency, FCA Group, and consulting firms provided extensive expertise in assisting national and international groups on customs and excise matters. Key areas include international transactions, customs planning and strategy, special procedures and simplifications, customs valuation and TP, classification, origin, and excise duties. Author of numerous publications and three books on customs, international trade, EU VAT, and excise, and a speaker at seminars, training courses, and specialized master programs.

Enrico Molisani, a lawyer specialized in maritime, insurance, yachting and transport law, is Managing Partner at WEGAL since 2022. He graduated in Law from the University of Genoa in 2002 and from UCAM in 2010, with further specialization at the University of Southampton (2011) and in London (2005). Admitted to the Bar in Barcelona (2010) and Malta (2015), he regularly advises insurers, shipowners, freight forwarders and P&I Clubs in litigation and international consultancy also related to credit risk and compliance.

Silvia Moretto is the CEO and partner of D.B. Group S.p.A., a multinational company specializing in international shipping, logistics, and customs consulting, headquartered in Montebelluna (Treviso, Italy). She holds a degree in Business Administration from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and completed an executive course in General Management and Business Success at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan. Silvia began her career at D.B. Group as Group Accounting Manager, later becoming Project Leader for the launch of new branches in the United States, China, Australia, and India. She was subsequently promoted to Chief Financial Officer, and since 2010, she has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. She has served as Director of ANAMA – the Italian National Association of Air Freight Agents, President of Fedespedi – the Italian National Federation of International Freight Forwarding Companies, and Deputy Vice President of CONFETRA – the Italian General Confederation of Transport and Logistics. Silvia currently sits on the Presidential Council of Confindustria Veneto Est, part of the General Confederation of Italian Industry.

Dr. Araavinth Murugavel is a logistics and terminal operations expert with a background in transport safety engineering and an MBA focused on Lean Supply Chains in port terminals. Since 2016, he has worked at Intermodal Marine Terminal (part of the Messina Group) in Genoa, a multipurpose terminal handling containers, Ro-Ro, general, and project cargo. IMT is strategically located and integrated with intermodal rail networks serving Northern Italy. Dr. Murugavel coordinates terminal operations, cost control, digital process optimization, and KPI development. He contributed to workforce scheduling and was instrumental in adopting IT tools, smart monitoring, and robotic patrols for enhanced security. 

Mario Napolitani, born in Teramo and residing in Giulianova, is a Purser specializing in Food & Beverage and Services on small cruise lines and hospital ships. He holds degrees in Administrative Sciences and Maritime Law and Economics, along with certifications in hospitality, logistics, and disaster management. A Captain in the Italian Army’s Special Auxiliary Corps (S.M.O.M.), he is an expert in logistics and hospital ship operations. Known for his problem-solving and coordination skills, he is passionate about sailing, hiking, cooking, and volunteering. Charismatic and knowledgeable in maritime affairs, he has also served as a football and rugby referee and a scout.

Capt. Fabio Pagano has been a pilot for the Leghorn port since 2002. He was born on the island of Procida. He studied at Nautical Technical Institute, where he graduated in 1993. After he started sailing in tanker vessels, he gradually escalated all ranks up to Master Mariner in 2002. Since 2022 he has been vice president of the Italian Federation of Harbour Pilots (Fedepiloti).

Leonardo Parigi is a journalist specializing in maritime affairs, international relations, and the environment. He holds a degree from the University of Pavia and studied at the University of Copenhagen. His work focuses on communication and journalism in the shipping industry. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Osservatorio Artico, the first Italian magazine dedicated to the Arctic. The publication promotes awareness of Arctic issues in Italy and collaborates with institutions such as the Italian MFA, National Research Council, Navy, universities, and think tanks. Though distant, the Arctic is increasingly connected to Italy through climate change, rising sea levels, and emerging shipping routes—bringing economic shifts, social impacts, and new geopolitical challenges.

Camilla Pericoli is currently, HSSE Business Partner at APM Terminals in Vado Ligure. A University of Genoa graduate, she offers over fifteen years of experience in health, safety, environment, and quality across industrial settings. She previously served as EHS Manager at Alstom and ABB and as QHSE Manager at Schlumberger, and as auditor for RINA. HSE Manager and RSPP, she is Lead Auditor for ISO 45001, 14001 and 9001, with expertise in management systems, incident investigations and stakeholder management. Today she leads HSSE projects with a pragmatic style, focused on continual improvement, effective training and measurable results to elevate safety culture.

Alberto Pongiglione currently serves as Yard Director at San Giorgio del Porto S.p.A. in Genoa, a leading shipyard with nearly a century of expertise in ship repair, conversion, construction, and demolition. He oversees key operational areas, including Production, Technical Office, Maintenance, Logistics, and Site Investments. He holds a Master’s Degree in Naval Engineering from the University of Genoa and subsequently obtained a Master’s in Project Management from the Polytechnic of Milan. He has exclusively worked for San Giorgio del Porto and its subsidiaries in Italy and France, holding various positions including project coordination and project management.

Stefano, former Chief Engineer and now an experienced Fleet Manager, has over 10 years in shore-based roles supported by a strong maritime foundation gained on board various vessels. He holds a Master in Sviluppo Manageriale from SDA Bocconi, strengthening his leadership and strategic management capabilities. With proven expertise in technical operations, maintenance planning, budget control, and regulatory compliance, he excels in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing fleet performance, and ensuring vessel safety and efficiency. His strong leadership and deep understanding of marine engineering and industry standards drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across the fleet.

Lorenzo Rizzello is Co-Founder and CEO of HoverSpect, a Milan-based startup building compact autonomous drones and AI-powered analytics for warehouse inventory and inspection. He previously worked in the drone industry with a leading American drone manufacturer and has several years of experience in software engineering and robotics across both startups and large corporations. Today, he is leading pilots with major logistics and manufacturing players to make operations faster, safer, and more accurate.

Alessandro is a blue economy entrepreneur recognised in the Forbes under 30 Europe list for social impact. Alessandro has a background in maritime engineering and spent his early career in the shipping and commodities sector before funding Ocean Twist. In 2020 he set off on a 40-day sailing trip on a cabinless catamaran and only ate the fish he could catch. There, he realised the poor state of our oceans and he promised that he would protect them at all costs. As the founder of Ocean Twist Biotechnology Alessandro and his team protected 12 million fish from ocean catch.

Tomaso Roncallo is Yacht and Aviation Claims Manager at Siat SpA, a role he has held since 2023. He joined the company in 2016 after a year and a half in London at Cambiaso Risso SpA, and has since focused on Marine Hull claims. While leading the Yacht and Aviation Claims Office, he continues to provide technical consultancy on Hull matters. He is Senior Associate of the Association of Average Adjusters. He holds a degree in Maritime Economics and Transport from the University of Genoa, earned while working at Synergy Cargo Management, an NVOCC in import-export operations. He regularly speaks at industry conferences.

Michela gained her master degree as Naval Architect and Marine Engineer from the University of Genoa in 2014. She joined RINA as part of the Marine Digital & Innovation team dealing with data analysis, fleet performance management and the development of software solutions. Michela focused on new Environmental regulations, being part of IMO some JIWG and RINA’s responsible for EU MRV Regulation as well as IMO DCS regulation, for the years 2018-2019. She is currently responsible for the developments and implementation of software solutions and added value digital services, coordinating other naval architects as well as software development teams.

Cristiana worked for over ten years in the chemical industry as Quality, Environmental Health&Safety Manager before moving to the professional sailing industry in 2005. She worked for the America’s Cup Management, “Mascalzone Latino” (32nd AC Challenger), “Audi TP52 powered by Q8” (Audi Medcup TP52) and was with the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team (Volvo Ocean Race) among others.  In 2012 she co-founded GS4C srl, and since then she worked full time as Sustainability Manager for the company. Under her leadership, GS4C pioneered cradleto-cradle production methods, patented sustainable composite manufacturing techniques, and collaborated on EU-funded research on sustainable composite materials. Cristiana serves on the board of “STEAMIAMOCI”, a network promoting female talent in science and tech.

Giangiacomo Zino, mechanical engineer, worked in 1992 in Miami at Martinoli Inc. as assistant to the Technical Director. In 1993 he started in Mariotti, Italy, covering most of the technical/management roles in newbuildings/refit/repairs up to the actual position of Commercial and Marketing Director. His primary role includes the processes of negotiation up to the contracts’ signature with owners He usually speaks in several conferences related to luxury vessels and megayachts’ market. He cooperates with the University of Genova specifically for nautical and marine design. He is also involved within the Company in innovation programs last of which the realization of an I.A. platform for the tenders’ quotation.