Speakers
Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL) is delighted to announce our speakers and panelists for the 5th Maritime Decarbonisation Summit.
Browse the programdriving the conversation
See who’s speaking at MIAL’s 5th Maritime Decarbonisation Summit 2025
Please note that confirmed panelists will be added to each session as details are received. (Last updated 3 June 2025)
Rod Sims AO
Chair, The Superpower Institute
Rod Sims AO is Chair of the Superpower Institute; Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University, Canberra; Chair of Opera Australia; Chair of the Competition Research Policy Network at the Centre for Economic Policy Research,
Paris; and Chair of Australia’s National Data Advisory Committee. He is also an Expert Adviser to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority on digital platform issues, an Expert Adviser to the Department of Home
Affairs Strengthening Democracy Task Force and an Expert Adviser to Treasury’s Competition Policy Task Force.
From 2011-March 2022 he was Chair of The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Prior to that he had a range of senior corporate positions, including on Boards based in Australia, the UK and Singapore, and he advised many major Australian companies on corporate strategy issues. He has also worked in the Australian Public Service including as the Deputy Secretary in charge of all domestic policy in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. From 1988-1990 he was the Principal Economic Adviser to Australia’s Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
Note: Rod Sims AO replaces the Hon Kim Beazley AC who was previously advertised as keynote speaker.
Riccardo Barbiellini (chair)
Data & Digitalisation Manager, Bureau Veritas
Riccardo Barbiellini is the Data and Digitalisation Manager for Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore for the SEAP region. He formulates partnerships and provides guidance for clients’ digitalization and innovation journeys. Riccardo has over 20 years’ experience, including 10 years as an electrical engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force and 10 years in the energy and utilities sector, leading programs for asset strategy, new technology, and innovation. Riccardo holds an MBA from Deakin University, a Master of Science in Military Electronic Systems Engineering from Cranfield University, and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of New South Wales.
Christer Øpstad
Global R&D Director Fouling Protection, Jotun
Christer Lorentz Øpstad has a background as Chemical Engineer (MSc) with a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and is currently finishing a Master’s in Digital Transformation. Since 2010 he has held various positions within Jotun’s R&D organization. For 6 years he held the position as Global R&D Director – Powder Coatings and for the last 6 years he has held his current position, Global R&D Director – Fouling Protection. In this role he oversees the work to develop new technologies, products, and solutions for the Shipping industry, with a focus on preventing fouling. The team spans a range of disciplines, including chemistry, marine biology, robotics, hydrodynamics, and CFD. In addition to his role in Jotun, Christer is also a member of the board at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at NTNU and involved in several organizations spanning the research and sustainability domains.
Pia van Wyngaard
Head of Shipping, CBH Group
– Head of Shipping, CBH Group, Perth, August 2024 – current
– Head of Chartering, CBH Group, Perth, February 2021 – August 2024
– Commodity Trader, CBH Group, Perth, July 2018 – January 2019
– FX & Derivatives Trader, CBH Group, Perth, November 2015 – July 2018
– ICS – Member Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers London 2023
– Bachelor & Master Degree in Business and Economics
Lara Kamal
Senior Advisor, Global Maritime Forum
Lara Kamal supports the Global Maritime Forum’s decarbonisation initiatives focusing specifically on advancing the Singapore-Rotterdam Green Corridor and strengthening regional engagement for other green corridors in Asia. In her role, she leads engagement with key stakeholders across the maritime value chain to develop and implement innovative commercial frameworks that enable the transition to scalable solutions for green fuels. Drawing on her sustainability expertise across Asian and Nordic markets and experiences in strategic planning, project management, Lara brings a global perspective to driving actionable change.
Tristan Kathage (chair)
Assistant Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and Local Government
Tristan has held the Assistant Secretary role since 2017 and has been with the Department for about 18 years in its various forms. Currently, Tristan heads up the Reducing Surface Transport Emissions branch. The branch is the pre-eminent advisor to Government on decarbonising the maritime, rail, heavy vehicles and light vehicles sectors. Previously, Tristan worked in Communications Infrastructure Division, heading up the Telecommunications Market Policy branch. Tristan holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University.
Jenny Ruffell Smith
Senior Shipping & Logistics Expert
Jenny brings nearly two decades of experience in commercial and operational roles within the global shipping and logistics industries, having worked across Europe, Australia, and the Pacific. Most recently, Jenny was seconded by Swire Shipping to the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), where she contributed to pioneering maritime decarbonisation initiatives, with a particular focus on regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU and the Net Zero Framework. Beyond her professional commitments, Jenny is an active supporter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Australia, where she served on the committee for several years, and is also involved with the Mission to Seafarers.
Himanshu Chopra
Managing Director, Anglo-Eastern
Captain Himanshu Chopra is the Managing Director of Anglo-Eastern Maritime Services Singapore, leading a team of 38 professionals managing a fleet of 46+ bulk carriers, including LNG-fueled vessels, for eight global shipowners. He previously served as MD of Anglo-Eastern’s London unit, where he helped establish the office in 2020. With a maritime career spanning over 25 years, Himanshu has held senior roles at Anglo-Eastern, NYK, and Shell, including Master and QHSE Superintendent. He has extensive experience in tanker operations, QHSE management, and business development, and has worked across Hong Kong, London, and Singapore. A strong advocate for sustainable and safety-led operations, Himanshu brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to the evolving challenges of the shipping industry.
Karlene Bylund
Executive General Manager Customer and Strategy, Pilbara Ports Authority
Ms Bylund joined Pilbara Ports in March 2010, serving in property and commercial management roles before being appointed Director Commercial from October 2017. In June 2020 she was appointed Managing Director – Hedland Maritime Initiative, before taking on the role of Executive General Manager Customer and Strategy in July 2023. Ms Bylund has extensive experience in commercial management and corporate governance, including critical infrastructure and service provider projects. In her current role, Ms Bylund’s responsibilities include customer relationships, strategy, sustainability, critical port services, and the Hedland Maritime Initiative.
David Bartnik
Head of Innovation, Svitzer Australia
David has been Head of Innovation at Svitzer Australia since 2018, where his focus is on implementing digital solutions to improve operational efficiency and overseeing the company’s decarbonisation strategy in Australia. David’s previous career spanned the consulting, technology, energy and finance sectors, and he has over twenty years’ experience in positions of increasing responsibility with a range of blue-chip organisations, including Schlumberger, McKinsey, Enron and Westpac.
Simon Roycroft
Future Fuels Manager, Refuelling Solutions
Simon Roycroft is the Future Fuels Manager at Refuelling Solutions, Australia’s largest On-site Refuelling Service, which serves over 6,500 customers across the nation. In this role, Simon is at the forefront of advocating for renewable low-carbon liquid fuel solutions, such as ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel, to help decarbonise diesel-intensive and hard-to-abate sectors. His leadership in the renewable energy space reflects his deep commitment to advancing sustainable fuel alternatives and promoting environmental stewardship within the energy sector. Simon previously served as the Chair of the Cleaner Fuels Alliance at Bioenergy Australia. He also held senior positions as the NSW General Manager at Coca-Cola and the Regional Manager for Foxtel, where he honed his skills in operational management, market strategy, and business development. Simon’s extensive background in both the bioenergy and corporate sectors has shaped his comprehensive understanding of the intersection between technology, sustainability, and industry growth. He is dedicated to promoting innovation in fuel solutions and advancing the global transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.
Brigadier Mark Baldock
Director General Fuel Capability Branch, Australian Army
Brigadier Baldock has experience at all levels of logistics in Defence. As a senior logistics officer, his postings have included Staff Officer Grade One Sustainment within the Directorate of Logistics-Army, Commanding Officer of 1st Combat Service Support Battalion and Colonel Logistics (G4) within Forces Command Headquarters. In September 2019, he deployed to Afghanistan as the Logistics Director for NATO and US Special Forces. On return to Australia, in January 2021, he commenced as the Director of Delivery Support for Fuel Services Branch, within Joint Logistics Command. From May 2022 to January 2023, Brigadier Baldock performed the role of Acting Director General Fuel Services, before reverting back to a Director role in 2023. In 2024, Brigadier Baldock completed the Defence Strategic Studies Course at Weston Creek, before being promoted to Brigadier and assuming his current appointment as Director General Fuel Capability Branch in January 2025. Brigadier Baldock was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for his service as the Colonel Logistics in Forces Command and a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his operational service as Logistics Director for NATO and US Special Forces.
Jonathan Abrahams (chair)
Head of Maritime Advisory, DNV
Jonathan is the Head of Maritime Advisory in Australia and India, and has spent 16 years with DNV working in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. Another (complementary) role Jonathan holds is that of DNV’s Regional ESG/Sustainability Practice Lead and, apart from delivering at a client level ESG-related services (including reporting), has regularly presented at conferences in Asia-Pacific concentrating on the implementation of holistic sustainability strategies at a company level integrating the needs of regulators, cargo owners, employees and the general community.
Tim Dornom
Senior Sustainability Manager, Port of Melbourne
Tim leads Port of Melbourne’s Sustainability function including strategy, climate and decarbonisation programs. He has over 15 years’ experience focusing on these areas across infrastructure and consulting. The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest general cargo and container port, facilitating more than one third of the nation’s container trade. The port has a Net Zero emissions target for its own operations by 2030, and a commitment to engage with port stakeholders to facilitate decarbonisation across the port supply chain. Port of Melbourne has working relationships at the government, industry and port level with many international ports, with an increasing focus on decarbonisation challenges that require global collaboration
Vicki Watson
CEO, The Aotearoa Circle
As Chief Executive for The Aotearoa Circle, Vicki is helping drive systems level change to restore nature and ensure enduring prosperity in Aotearoa for future generations. Vicki has private sector experience spanning three decades that focuses on building organisations from scratch, forming and executing strategies, creating structures and workplace cultures that last, reaching ambitious funding or revenue goals, coordinating large scale events, and collaborating with leaders to achieve positive outcomes for our communities and Aotearoa.
Lara Kamal (chair)
Senior Advisor, Global Maritime Forum
Lara Kamal supports the Global Maritime Forum’s decarbonisation initiatives focusing specifically on advancing the Singapore-Rotterdam Green Corridor and strengthening regional engagement for other green corridors in Asia. In her role, she leads engagement with key stakeholders across the maritime value chain to develop and implement innovative commercial frameworks that enable the transition to scalable solutions for green fuels. Drawing on her sustainability expertise across Asian and Nordic markets and experiences in strategic planning, project management, Lara brings a global perspective to driving actionable change.
Lara Kamal (chair)
Senior Advisor, Global Maritime Forum
Lara Kamal supports the Global Maritime Forum’s decarbonisation initiatives focusing specifically on advancing the Singapore-Rotterdam Green Corridor and strengthening regional engagement for other green corridors in Asia. In her role, she leads engagement with key stakeholders across the maritime value chain to develop and implement innovative commercial frameworks that enable the transition to scalable solutions for green fuels. Drawing on her sustainability expertise across Asian and Nordic markets and experiences in strategic planning, project management, Lara brings a global perspective to driving actionable change.
Garret Ripa
Senior Manager Strategy, Rio Tinto
Garrett Ripa is Senior Manager Strategy for Rio Tinto’s Marine & Logistics business, based in Singapore. As part of his scope covering end-to-end strategy, he looks after Rio Tinto’s shipping decarbonisation approach and partnerships.
Tristan Kathage
Assistant Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and Local Government
Tristan has held the Assistant Secretary role since 2017 and has been with the Department for about 18 years in its various forms. Currently, Tristan heads up the Reducing Surface Transport Emissions branch. The branch is the pre-eminent advisor to Government on decarbonising the maritime, rail, heavy vehicles and light vehicles sectors. Previously, Tristan worked in Communications Infrastructure Division, heading up the Telecommunications Market Policy branch. Tristan holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University.
Paul Hodgson (chair)
Executive Director Regional Futures – Energy Transitions, and Director of the Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy at CQ University Australia
In addition to his substantive roles, Paul is also Chair of Queensland Manufacturing Institute and Vice Chair of the Hydrogen Flight Alliance. Prior to joining CQUniversity last year, Paul was Interim CEO of a bid for a Scaling Green Hydrogen Cooperative Research Centre, developing a 10-year $213m research and training program with the support of 97 partners from 12 countries.
Fiona Simon
CEO, Australian Hydrogen Council
Fiona Simon is the CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC), the peak body for the Australian hydrogen industry. AHC connects the hydrogen industry and its stakeholders in building a secure, clean and resilient energy future that sustainably produces and uses hydrogen within the energy mix. AHC’s members are from a range of sectors, including energy, transport, consulting, banking, and technology. Prior to joining AHC, Fiona worked for close to 20 years in energy policy and regulation, specialising in energy retail competition and consumer protection matters. Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Melbourne and has published a well-regarded academic book on retail energy regulation in Australia.
Jordan Glanville
CEO and co-founder, Oceon Energy
Jordan Glanville is the CEO and co-founder of Oceon Energy, leading the charge to electrify the maritime sector through Electrified Ocean Networks (EONs). A Naval Architect with nearly 20 years of experience across shipbuilding, defence, port management, offshore construction, and offshore wind, Jordan brings a comprehensive understanding of marine and energy project execution. His diverse expertise uniquely positions him to address the challenges of maritime electrification. Jordan is deeply committed to strengthening Australia’s maritime industry and advancing sustainable maritime solutions.
Matthew Palmer
Global Nuclear and Naval Submarines Segment Director, Lloyd’s Register
Matthew Palmer joined Lloyd’s Register (LR) in 2012 from the Royal Navy where he was engineering officer on nuclear powered submarines. Mt primary role was to support and grow LR’s naval submarine business, through the development of goal-based assurance. I have been involved in the publication of several goal based standards such as the Naval Submarine Code, LR’s Submarine Assurance Framework and LR’s Code for Unmanned Marine Systems. Matthew is the LR lead for the application of these standards, which has led to the growth in LR’s naval submarine business, with various new construction and in-service projects around the world. More recently from his previous experience of goal-based Standards, Matthew has been leading LR’s development in the assurance of floating nuclear reactors.
