Our unique onboard ferry conference delivers unmatched intimacy, approachability, and efficiency—where every delegate stays connected, networking flows naturally, and no one disappears to separate outside meetings, which is often the case at land-based events.

WHERE? GNV’S RHAPSODY
ROUTE? Genoa - Olbia and return
WHEN? 5-7 May 2026

• Two days of programme with industry expert speakers
• Intimate, approachable and efficient networking
• A proper exhibition area
• Value-for-money. All events, meals and cabins included
• A guaranteed both educational and enjoyable event!

REGISTER NOW

(Cancellations made before 1st March 2026 will be subject to a small administration fee. After that date, no refunds will be issued)

EXHIBITION AND SPONSORSHIPS

Maximise your exposure – book an exhibition area and/or sponsorship (few left)

OPTIONAL EXTRA NIGHT ON BOARD RHAPSODY BEFORE THE CONFERENCE (4–5 MAY 2026)

For those of you arriving the day before the conference starts, we offer the possibility to stay on board RHAPSODY also between 4–5 May, 2026, in the same cabin you will occupy during the conference (5-7 May).

This option provides a cost- and time-efficient alternative to a hotel stay for guests arriving in Genoa the day before the conference begins. It is also an excellent opportunity for exhibitors and/or sponsors to set up their exhibition tables at a relaxed pace.

This extra night can be booked through the regular registration page 

The cruise ferry RHAPSODY provides excellent conference areas with a large 600-seat auditorium and an exhibition area in one large room where all exhibitors are guaranteed exposure.

Conference programme

THEME

"OPTIMISING OPERATIONS, ENHANCING EXPERIENCES"

MAIN PROGRAMME SESSIONS

Moderators
Frederik Erdmann - Moderator and contributing correspondent Shippax
Alan Lam - Co-moderator and correspondent and analyst Shippax

RoPax executives panel debate 1
Matteo Catani - CEO GNV
Christophe Mathieu - CEO Brittany Ferries
Pierre Mattei - CEO and Owner of Corsica Ferries group
Étienne Melliani - CEO La Méridionale
Kasper Moos - CEO P&O Ferries
Marcus Risberg - CEO Viking Line
More TBA

RoPax executives panel debate 2
Götz Becker - Managing Director FRS
Carlos Santos - Managing Director Porto Santo Line
Brian Thomson - Managing Director Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
More TBA

RoRo executives panel debate
Mohamed Badawy - Chairman UME Shipping
Elvir Dzanic - CEO Wallenius SOL
Euan Lonmon - Director Grendi
Dan Mikkola - Managing director Godby Shipping
More TBA

Keynote speakers
Tobias Billström - Former Swedish minister for foreign affairs, migration, deputy speaker of parliament, entrepreneur and advisor
Thomas P. Illes - Maritime business consultant and university lecturer
Bruce Peter - Professor of Design History at the Glasgow School of Art
More TBA

New ships & projects
Robert Clifford - Chairman Incat
Frederik Gerhardt - Lead Naval Architect RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden)
Nikias Ioannidis - Business Development LMG Marin
Victor Laravoire - Project Execution Director LMG Marin
Kristian Lind - Chief Technical Officer OSK Design
Ivana Melillo - Energy Efficiency Director GNV
Juan Pablo Molina - Corporate Technical Director Balearia
Roberto Prever - CEO NAOS Ship and Boat design
Per Westling - Managing Director Stena RoRo
Zhou Zhiyong - Vice President Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI)

Ferry industry performance and megatrends
Frederik Erdmann – Moderator and correspondent for Shippax
Alan Lam - Co-moderator and correspondent and analyst Shippax

New technologies and inspirations
Diego Caride - Business Development Director, Marine Division, Ingeteam
Giorgio Caviglia - Global Business Development Manager GF Piping Systems
Magne Ekerum - Chief Design Officer Seat Innovation
Manos Giakoumelis - Chief Technology Officer Liknoss
Tony Jinvresse - Business Development Manager for Marine & Offshore VID FIREKILL
Konstantina Katachana - Product Manager Liknoss
Alex Rubio - Group Product Manager Quvia
Markus Tompuri - Account Director, Ferry (Global), Safety Solutions, NAPA
Oier Urrutia Madariaga - Key Account Manager Ingeteam
Wärtsilä - Speaker TBA
Zelim - Speaker TBA

Rules & Regulations Debate
Johan Roos - Director of Regulatory Affairs, Interferry
Tiina Tuurnala - CEO of the Finnish Shipowners' Association
More TBA

Designers' Talking Table
Thomas P. Illes - Maritime business consultant and university lecturer
Emelie Posniak Hansen - Architect and Sales Manager for Interior at OSK Design
Bruce Peter - Professor of Design History at the Glasgow School of Art
More TBA

Interferry update
Mike Corrigan - CEO Interferry
More TBA

Shippax Awards
Frederik Erdmann, Alan Lam

SPEAKER SUGGESTIONS?

For relevant speaker suggestions to our sessions, please email us at conference@shippax.se

SO, WHO’S ATTENDING?

RoPax, RoRo and High-Speed ferry operators and shipowners, shipyards, ports, shipbrokers, naval architects, designers, classification societies, trade associations, interest groups, regulators, banks, financial institutions and suppliers, etc.