Capt. Irani is also the exclusive Deputy Registrar of Antiqua and Barbuda Maritime Registry (a whitelisted flag with IMO), and he was invited in 2022 to join the advisory committee of Lloyds Register Marine and Shipping (MEA), which he accepted. Over 32 years of work experience in the Maritime insurance industry, of which 18 years as an independent surveyor having concluded 26,000 nominations as principal of Constellation Marine. (A Master Mariner holding MCA class I license Unlimited foreign going (FG) (valid until 2027.) Constellation Marine Services is under Capt Irani’s leadership had won the Seatrade & Lloyds list

• Outstanding SME performance Award.
• MARITIME RISK MANAGEMENT CANNOT EXCLUDE THE FUTURE OF RISK MITIGATION
• WHICH IS UNDOUBTEDLY DIGITAL”– as quoted by Zarir Irani.

RK Sethi - A dynamic leader who seamlessly bridges the maritime and technology sectors, RK currently serves as the CEO of Seaknotiq Ship Management and Group COO at YC Ventures in Dubai. With over two decades of experience, he has emerged as a transformative force in the maritime industry, consistently pushing boundaries and championing innovation.

RK's journey began as a Marine Engineer Officer, where his hands-on experience at sea laid the foundation for his comprehensive understanding of maritime operations. His career trajectory has been marked by remarkable achievements, including generating $5 million in sales revenue through new business initiatives and managing a fleet of vessels serving industry giants like ExxonMobil, Total, and Chevron.

What sets RK apart is his unique ability to blend traditional maritime expertise with cutting-edge technology solutions. His ongoing doctorate in Business Administration, coupled with certifications from prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School and Wharton, reflects his commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

Beyond his corporate achievements, RK's entrepreneurial spirit led him to successfully launch and operate a fine dining restaurant in Singapore, demonstrating his versatility in business leadership. His multicultural experience across Asia and the Middle East has shaped his inclusive leadership style and global perspective.

A strong advocate for digital transformation, RK is currently pioneering innovative ship management solutions at Seaknotiq while driving operational excellence across YC Ventures' portfolio. His vision centers on leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to revolutionize the maritime sector while maintaining a steadfast focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction.

Known for his ability to simplify complex challenges and foster collaborative environments, RK continues to shape the future of maritime technology while mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. When not transforming the maritime industry, he indulges in his passion for collecting unique timepieces, viewing each watch as a testament to precision engineering and timeless craftsmanship.

Mr. Rashid Isa Rishi AlHeddi (B.Com, LLB, FICS, MNI) is the Group Managing Director at Seamaster Maritime L.L.C. and has been since January 2000. Born in Gujarat, India, Mr. Rashid has a career spanning over 50 years in the industry. He sailed on bitumen tankers as a training . From there, he moved onshore to continue to work in the Maritime Industry, providing port side assistance to cargo vessels starting with P&O, and the Mackinnon Mackenzie Group of companies. Opportunities led him to the Arabian Gulf in 1982, with Gray Mackenzie Marine Services, BMMI and MMI (Inchcape Shipping Services), before joining V.Ships (Part of V.Group ) as the Middle East Managing Director; and was promoted to Worldwide Head of Agency Services V.Groups’s V.Ships Agency in 2005. He left V.Ships after 8 years and settled down to run Seamaster Maritime L.L.C., and has been instrumental in the Seamaster group of companies growth since then.

Mr Rashid holds B.Com and LLB degrees from Bombay University and has attended numerous training courses regarding various aspects of Shipping in the UK, Netherlands, Hong Kong and India. Additionally, he attended a Shipping Management course at IIM Ahmedabad, and a Marketing Diploma from UK. He has been an active member of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and is qualified as FICS, the Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Executive Committee of the Nautical Institute since 2001, where for past 7 years he has been the Deputy Chairman of the UAE branch. He was awarded in September 2023 an Aimri Honorary PHD Doctorate for Shipping & Logistics. Mr. Rashid was awarded The Maritime Standard’s “Life time achievement Award” in November 2023. Mr.Rashid has been on various Speakers forums participating in TMS , SMM and Seatrade Conferences and has also spoken at the Hamburg Rathaus Germany in 2016.

Mr. Rashid AlHeddi is married to a Bahraini national and has two children. His son, Mr. Ramee Rashid. has been working with the family group of companies since 2010, now as a Director. His daughter, Mrs. Reem R, resides in the United Kingdom pursing a successful career in HR within the industrial automation field.

Capt. Chetan Dighe serves as the FPD Training Manager at Bahri Ship Management, leveraging over two decades of maritime expertise. With 23 years of sailing experience before transitioning to a shore-based role, Capt. Dighe has dedicated the past eight years to advancing HSEQ standards, seafarer training, and fleet personnel operations.

An accomplished triathlete and an Ironman finisher in 2024, Capt. Dighe brings discipline and perseverance to both his professional and personal pursuits.

Today, he will share valuable insights on Quality Crew Retention and explore Emerging Seafarer Trends in the GCC Region, drawing from his extensive experience in the maritime industry.

Nameer is currently working as a Partner Manager for EOS overseeing MENA and Eastern Europe, managing sales for the region. He gained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in management at ESMT Berlin followed by executive education completion at the MIT Sloan School of Management, which led to his interest in new technologies. Nameer brings a wide diversity of experience along with him together with a passion for data-driven decision making when consulting clients. He has been working with EOS over the past 5 years. Nameer started off as a consultant for EOS consulting arm AdditiveMinds. In his time at AdditiveMinds Nameer has consulted numerous customers over the past years in developing their journey towards adopting additive manufacturing. His expertise lies in determining business cases and financial feasibility for customers planning to enter additive manufacturing.

Vinay Sharma is the CIO at Gulftainer. In his role, he is responsible for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology environment across the board. He drives the digital transformation strategy of the Group’s value chain globally, explores emerging technologies, assesses their impact on the company's business, prototypes and evaluates new concepts, and recommends new approaches and solutions.

Vinay joined Gulftainer in 2012. As a technology executive and business partner with more than two decades of experience, his core focus is on digital transformation and innovations. Since joining Gulftainer, he orchestrated a complete transformation of Gulftainer's existing IT infrastructure, mission-critical systems, team composition, and IT culture.

In his previous roles, Vinay gained vast experience in the various business verticals of the global supply chain, ports, logistics & transportation, manufacturing, contracting, and distribution.

Vinay holds a master’s degree in computer science, specialisation in strategy from Harvard Business School, and an Executive MBA from SP Jain School of Global Management. Vinay is also a member of the CIO global forums, port & logistics industry groups and has won many industry accolades such as CIO100, CXO50 and World CIO 200

Mohamed is a partner based in Stephenson Harwood's Dubai office and leads the shipping and insurance practices for the Middle East region.

He has over two decades of experience representing clients in throughout the maritime industry on a wide range of disputes across various courts across the Middle East, covering civil, commercial, and criminal cases.

His client base comprises of shipowners, P&I clubs, ports and terminals, ship agencies, charterers, energy companies, freight forwarders and traders. Mohamed manages complex disputes throughout the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, relating to wet shipping issues such as collisions, allisions, ship abandonment, fire, salvage, groundings and oil pollution. He also provides support to clients on dry shipping matters including ship arrests, charterparty disputes, bills of lading and cargo claims. Mohamed's experience within the maritime sector extends to transactional advice, assisting clients in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts such as sale and purchase, logistics and trade agreements

Mohamed is ranked highly for Shipping: Dispute Resolution in the Chambers and Partners Global 2024 Guide and is listed as a "Leading Individual" for Shipping and Insurance within The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 Guide, UAE. He is also recognised as a "Recommended Lawyer" in The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 Guide for Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation.

Dr. Bader is a certified Lawyer and Arbitrator with over 20 years of experience in the legal field. He specializes in a broad range of industries, including Maritime, Oil & Gas, Energy, Logistics, Pharmaceutical, Banking, Insurance, Tax, Aviation, and Retail. Known for his expertise in negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution, Dr. Bader efficiently resolves conflicts in a fair and impartial manner.

As the Managing Partner at Fahad AlSuwaiket & Bader AlBusaiyes Lawyers LLC in Al Khobar since 2006, Dr. Bader oversees the firm’s administrative and strategic operations, ensuring strong client relationships and sound business decisions. His legal expertise covers maritime and logistics, contracts management, corporate law, trade regulations, intellectual property, foreign investment, mergers & acquisitions, and commercial arbitration.

Dr. Bader’s clients include major public and private sector organizations. His work is focused on delivering justice with a strong commitment to results, providing expert legal counsel in various corporate and commercial matters. Dr. Bader's leadership and passion for resolving disputes have earned him a stellar reputation in the global legal community.

Dr. Bader is an active member of several prominent professional associations, including, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators London, ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR International Bar Association, European Maritime law Organization, London Maritime Arbitration Association, Dubai International Arbitration Center, Abu Dhabi Global Market Arbitration Center, The European Court of Arbitration – Kuwait Chapter, Association of International Energy Negotiators, Energy Industries Council. He is also a member with various Chambers of commerce like Greater New York, Arab-Hellenic, Arab-Swiss, Astro-Arab, Argentine-Arab, Australia-Arab, Mexican Arab and holds leadership positions as Chairmen of Saudi Mexican Business Council, Vice Chairmen of the Saudi Business Council to Latin America and Executive Member of Saudi Business Council to the Central Asian Countries.

Abdul has been with TT Club since January 2013, initially based in the London office before relocating to the TTMS (Gulf) office in Dubai in August 2020. Prior to joining TT Club, Abdul served as an Insurance and Claims Manager for a CMA-CGM subsidiary in London.

He holds master’s degrees in Marine Policy from Cardiff University and Maritime Law from Swansea University. Since 2013, Abdul has specialized in the ports and terminals, freight forwarding, multimodal logistics, and container shipping industries.

In addition to his professional expertise, Abdul is fluent in both English and Arabic.

Omar joined Al Tamimi & Company in 2008. He is a Partner, Head of the Transport & Logistics sector group, and Head of the Insurance practice in the UAE. Omar is also a core member of the Projects sector group.

Omar’s experience as a marine lawyer and advocate covers almost all aspects of the industry. With a multinational team covering all the GCC countries, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan, his team advises many governmental bodies on the establishment and development of maritime and land transport laws, regulations, and policies. In addition, Omar has distinctive experience in laws related to logistics and customs in the GCC.

Omar regularly advises on cargo, container, marine agency, shortages, groundings, bunker, collisions, salvage, seaworthiness, and insurance claims. He has also advised on many vessel sales and purchases, which includes drafting, reviewing, and advising on related legal and finance documents. He has also drafted and advised on various types of maritime documents such as recaps, charter parties, B/L, LOIs, Agency Agreements, Insurance, and P&I cover.

Omar is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers & Partners and ranked as a Leading Individual by Legal 500 EMEA for Shipping UAE. He is also an author of the UAE Vessel Registration and Mortgage Section in the internationally renowned Kluwer International Maritime Law Handbook.

Capt. Tanuj Balani is a distinguished maritime professional with a career spanning over 25+ years in the global shipping industry. As the Managing Director of Stag Marine, he leads the company’s operations across Dubai, Singapore, and India, providing shipowners and managers with comprehensive marine compliance services, including audits, SIRE, RightShip, TMSA, DryBMS, training, crewing, and 24/7 remote operations surveillance. Under his leadership, Stag Marine has earned a reputation as a trusted marine compliance partner worldwide.

In addition to his work at Stag Marine, Capt. Balani founded iSail Marine, a recruitment company aimed at guiding maritime professionals into shore-based careers. Through innovative recruitment and tailored training programs, iSail Marine bridges the gap between maritime professionals and organizations seeking top talent.

Prior to founding Stag Marine in 2018, Capt. Balani held senior positions at leading ship management and shipping agencies in Dubai, Singapore, and India. His extensive maritime career, from Master on tankers to senior management roles, is supported by academic credentials, including an MBA. He is currently pursuing the Chief Strategy Program at the National University of Singapore (NUS), reflecting his dedication to continuous learning.

Capt. Balani is also a qualified Marine Surveyor and Lead Auditor with experience conducting inspections on over 1,000 vessels. His passion for maritime education has seen him previously serve as a Nautical Course Officer, offering specialized training for Oil & Chemical Tankers and other STCW courses.

Through his leadership at Stag Marine and iSail Marine, Capt. Balani remains committed to enhancing industry standards, safety, and the career growth of maritime professionals globally.

Vanessa Welch is a forward-thinking leader and strategist with over 30 years of experience transforming businesses and advancing strategic relations across various sectors related to maritime and logistics. As the Managing Director of V3 Consulting, she delivers solutions that drive growth, leveraging new tech and AI systems to optimize operations and elevate organizational performance on a global scale.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and a Strategy MBA candidate, Vanessa has collaborated with multinational shipping and logistics firms to redefine corporate planning and business development. Her approach is rooted in progress and adaptability, enabling businesses to thrive amidst constant change.

Vanessa’s guiding philosophy, "disruption is constant, and progress is essential," underscores her commitment to creating impactful strategies and enduring partnerships. Recognized for her ability to turn complex challenges into actionable strategies, she empowers organizations to achieve sustained success in an ever-changing global landscape.

A seasoned technology and maritime industry executive with expertise in driving digital transformation, strategic planning, and business growth. He currently holds multiple leadership roles across various organizations. Aditya is the Co-founder and CEO of Codomo, an education technology company transforming 21st-Century learning through gamification and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Yuriy Zaika serves as the Head of Technical Sales – Refrigeration at Wilhelmsen Ships Service, where he oversees offering of the Refrigeration product portfolio globally. He holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and brings over 20 years of experience in the Refrigeration and HVAC industry, with a significant focus on Marine and Offshore applications. Throughout his career, Yuriy has held various leadership roles with leading equipment manufacturers and service providers across the Middle East and Europe.

As a strong advocate for sustainable design and operation, Yuriy drives the advancement of vessels towards Net Zero emissions.

Dr Abdul Rahim is the Chief Maritime Strategy & Innovation Officer, at Lila Global, Dubai. Prior to this, he was a Corporate Officer, and the Managing Director, Europe and Africa, of ClassNK based in London. He has been with ClassNK for more than 3 decades, serving long stints in various roles in Tokyo, Singapore, London, Mumbai and Dubai. He also held the position of Chairman of NAPA Group, Finland.

Dr Rahim has a Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Ship Building from Cochin University of Science and Technology, and Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Ship Structures from Hiroshima University. He has published more than 120 technical papers. Some of his accolades include the Joint RINA SNAME IMarEST Institute Branch Award, Singapore (2004), IMarEST Stanley Grey Medal, London (2005), Maritime Personality of the Year Award, Dubai (2017), Maritime Professional Excellence Award, London (2023).

Menelaus is a Partner in Stephenson Harwood's Dubai office.

He has a broad practice encompassing all areas of international commercial law with a particular focus on marine, international trade and energy. He has developed a reputation as a problem solver for clients and supports state-owned energy companies, banks, trading houses and ship owners. He is results driven and prides himself on his dedication to obtaining the most effective solutions for clients.

On the contentious side, Menelaus represents his clients in a wide variety of jurisdictions and arbitral bodies such as LMAA, ICC, and LCIA tribunals, as well as the English High Court and Appellate Courts. Menelaus also specialises in enforcement action and is regularly instructed in relation to arrests, attachments and asset tracing. He has extensive experience acting for clients in disputes concerning fraud and obtaining injunctive relief.

His practice covers non-contentious commercial matters, including advising clients on commercial contracts and handling sale and purchase transactions, with a particular focus on asset finance. Menelaus is also a leading sanctions lawyer, recognised for his expertise and strategic approach in handling complex international sanctions. His ability to deliver clear, practical advice and successfully resolve high-stakes sanctions issues has earned him a reputation as a trusted and highly sought-after advisor in this field.

Menelaus is a Lord Denning Scholar of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn and was called to the bar prior to being admitted as a solicitor.

Capt. Vikas Pandey is a veteran of the Maritime sector and a successful entrepreneur.

He has 17 years of expertise in the shipping industry and 11 years of entrepreneurial experience in the Maritime sector, advanced technologies, telecommunication and biotechnology.

He is a thought leader and an advisor to multiple Web2 and Web3 projects

Gireesh M Menon is the Managing Director of Aries Group of companies. Headquartered in Sharjah, the company established in 1998, now operates in 29 countries around the world. With interests in diversified fields like oil & gas, Shipping, event management, 3D animation, studios, theatres and film production, the group now has 76 companies in its portfolio. Mr. Menon is a Naval Architect by profession and has a degree in Naval Architecture from Cochin university, Masters in marine technology from Newcastle university, and also is an MBA Degree holder.

He has been at the forefront of many innovative designs, consultancy works and organizing events undertaken throughout his 22-year tenure with Aries Group. Leading a team of over 500+ engineering personnel, he has been instrumental in establishing Aries marine as one of the leading Engineering and design consultancy firm in the world, with expertise in a wide range of activities including Offshore Engineering, Naval Architecture, Surveys, Auditing, 3D scanning, Drone inspections, Subsea Engineering and much more. Under his leadership, the company has been involved in new build designs, retrofits and conversions of a wide variety of ship types including tankers, Cable ships, LNG ships, Rigs, offshore platforms and many more.

Michael is a Partner at Watson Farley and Williams and Head of the Assets and Structured Finance group in the firm's Dubai office. Michael specializes in cross-border asset and project finance transactions across various sectors, with a particular focus on the maritime industry. He advises financiers, owners, and operators on a wide range of domestic and international asset and structured finance products including debt and equity financing and leasing, as well as on restructurings and workouts. Michael also provides regulatory and enforcement advice across WFW’s core sectors of Transport and Energy. On the maritime side in particular, Michael also represents shipping companies in relation to non-contentious commercial shipping matters, including sale and purchase, newbuilding contracts, charters, and other contracts of employment for ships, shipping-related assets, and offshore assets. Michael is recommended as an expert UAE-based finance lawyer by the leading legal directory Legal 500 EMEA and is recognized as a ranked lawyer in Chambers and Partners Global Guide for Shipping Finance and Non-Contentious matters. Michael has also been commended by Seatrade Maritime Middle East as one of their "20 Under 40" Leaders of Tomorrow.

Nicolai is a recognized thought leader and turnaround strategist from within the maritime sector starting as a deckhand onboard fishing vessels in New Zealand to becoming CEO’s of some of the biggest infrastructure and maritime providers in the world.

Nicolai brings a depth of experience and a track record of a deep servant leadership style across blue companies and from multiple C-suite roles.

Nicolai is currently serving as the CEO at Adani Ports and Harbour Services International here in Dubai, a brand under the Indian conglomerate Adani group. A company with international ambitions to become one of the biggest marine and shipping company in the world.

Prior to joining Adani, Nicolai served as CEO for Africa, Middle East & Asia at Svitzer. A Company under the Maersk brand

Nicolai is most proud of having been an advocate and momentum creator for diversity and inclusion initiatives at sea.

Nicolai holds an MBA from Henley Business School.

Ramee is a very dedicated and had working maritime professional who started his journey in the maritime industry in 2009 serving a large FSO conversion project in the Dubai dry-docks. He joined Seamaster Maritime L.L.C. in 2010, learning the ins and outs of the maritime industry, rapidly gained knowledge and helped expand the group by opening the office in Sohar – Oman, making it the first office outside of the UAE. With the experiences gained, he took over the reins of the family group in 2018, and has since then continuously improved and elevated the company’s profile and international recognition. Investments in the company is still at the forefront, with the current aim to digitalize the company with new systems and work methods, bringing it into a new age.

Effat Mostafa is currently the Founder and General Manager of SeaScope MENA, the first integraed hub for maritime PR and Business Excellence in MENA. Mostafa worked as Executive Director at Tactics Creative Communication and the Managing Editor for Marasi News, the award winner Maritime Media Platform for “Best Maritime Media” from ShipTek Awards.

Effat has more than 14 years of experience in different media fields such as PR, Publishing, Event Management, Reporting and TV Script Writing. Effat’s published articles have been anthologized in different books and journal essays such as “Issues in Comparative Politics” that was published in USA by Todd Landman. Effat is also a contributing writer in several UAE newspapers such as Gulf Today.

Effat has a special passion for the maritime sector and is proud to be the youngest Arab Journalist who successfully published more than 500 articles 36 business studies and covering different fields within the maritime sector. Mostafa has been the first professional to introduce "Maritime PR & Business Exellence" field in the MENA with successful collaboration between private and government sector through many initiatives such as "Maritime Leaders Roundtable" which created the first of its kind direct dialogue between private and government parties.

Nooshin Rahmani is the Managing Director of Ruby International Maritime and Legal Consultancy. She is a highly accomplished lawyer with over a decade of experience and an exemplary track record of delivering excellence, working with clients within the maritime, shipping, and energy industries. Nooshin has extensive experience in handling complex disputes and advises a broad variety of national and international clients, including government and private sectors. She provides broad global counsel to energy leaders and successfully led negotiations and drafting of suppliers and strategic partnership agreements, including agreements between international private individuals and government entities. She possesses wide knowledge in diverse legal domains, including legal and business consultancy for maritime and energy projects, commercial agreements, banking issues, corporate investment, and financial consulting. Her main expertise is in ship financing and investment in energy projects.

Nooshin often participates in webinars, conferences, and publications, showcasing her expertise in legal, dispute resolution, business advisory, and key issues on enforcement of contracts.

Ms. Akanksha Batura Pai is a prominent leader in the maritime industry, serving as the Executive Director at Sinoda Shipping Agency and Strategy Head at RAKS International Pte Ltd and TransAsia Marine Services Pte Ltd. She drives strategic partnerships, growth initiatives, and digital transformation across these companies, contributing to operational efficiency. Her work has been recognized as industry-leading and was featured by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA). More details on this can be found here.

Ms. Batura Pai is also the Director of SeaMind Blue Ocean Pte Ltd, where she collaborates with a global board to advance decarbonization in maritime and agribusiness. As a UN International Maritime Organisation Goodwill Maritime Ambassador for Singapore, she actively promotes the maritime industry, frequently speaking at events in Singapore and internationally, including the 2024 Women in Maritime Administration at Korea Maritime Week and the Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum.

In addition, she serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the International Committee at the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), is an SSA Council Member, a Global Ambassador for Mission To Seafarers (MTS), and holds positions on multiple committees, including the Nautical Institute (Singapore) and the Maritime Business Society (MBS) Board of Advisors. As the Liaison Officer at the Hon. Consulate-General of Malta to Singapore, she fosters diplomatic relations between Singapore and Malta.

Ms. Batura Pai has been honored with awards such as CEMS Alumni of the Year 2021, NUS Outstanding Young Alumni 2023, MCC Woman Achiever of the Year 2023, and the Fame Times International Excellence Award 2024. She debuted as Number 11 on the 2024 Top 100 Women in Shipping list and was recently featured in Marex Media’s “India Maritime Icons 2024” List.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Honours), a Master of Science in Management, and a CEMS Master in International Management from the National University of Singapore (NUS), she is also an alumna of the NUS University Scholars Programme. Ms. Batura Pai recently earned a Professional Doctorate from the European International University and is pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Executive Maritime Management from the World Maritime University.

An active volunteer, Ms. Batura Pai contributes to various organizations, including the Singapore Logistics Association (SLA), and serves on multiple alumni boards, including the NUS Business School Alumni Association and the CEMS Local Chapter in Singapore. She has raised significant funds for NUS initiatives and, during the Covid lockdown, raised SGD 2,350 through crochet sales, donating to charities supporting migrant workers and children with cancer.

On a personal note, Ms. Batura Pai is a mother of two, enjoys traveling, and has visited 69 countries.

With over 35 years of collective experience in the mining, drilling, and maritime industries, Justin serves as the Vice President of "Technical & Marine Services" at International Maritime Industries (IMI). Having spent nine years with IMI, he previously held roles as the "Yard Development and Technical Services VP" and "Asset Management VP".

Justin's journey at IMI has been marked by overseeing the entire lifecycle of one of the world's largest maritime yards, from basic design to construction and maintenance. This facility offers integrated services for the oil and gas industry, new builds, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sectors.

Before joining IMI, he spent 17 years with Lamprell in the UAE, where they initiated and managed drilling operations across East and West Africa, achieving a peak rig count of 56 rigs of varying types and sizes.

He has successfully led and delivered numerous complex projects, including the construction of offshore and onshore rigs, vessels, and platforms, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Furthermore, his role in asset management and marine operations at IMI has been pivotal, leading teams to provide optimal solutions for marine transport and logistics for both the yard and its clients.

Driven by a shared passion for innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the maritime industry, he is committed to leveraging his collective expertise and capabilities to advance IMI's vision of becoming a global leader in maritime services and associated industries.

Jasmin is a dual qualified English and German Solicitor and has been specializing in marine insurance law since the start of her career in 1997. She studied law in Hamburg and maritime law in Southampton and gained valuable experience in international law firms in Hamburg and London in the respective marine insurance departments.

After three years of working in the city of London, she moved to Dubai in 2002 and joined a leading marine insurance broker as legal counsel for the Middle East. She established an excellent network within the maritime community and developed her legal skills further by handling marine insurance claims, from salvage, collisions, wreck removal to cargo claims and personal injury. This gained her the reputation as one of the most experienced marine insurance experts in the region who has been ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers Global consistently as a leading expert.

In 2005 Jasmin established Fichte & Co LLC, one of the leading law firms in the Middle East, with the support of the shipping community. The company has since grown to one of the largest full-service law firms and represents not only ship owners, P&I clubs, insurers and re-insurers, trading houses but also numerous clients from a variety of sectors and industries. She publishes frequent articles on diverse subjects of marine insurance, shipping, and transportation law and regularly works closely with the UAE Federal Transport Authority and the Dubai Government.

A Master Mariner with 25 Years of Experience in both Deep Sea and the Offshore Industry . Worked Previously with ADNOC Group for 8 Years in Abu Dhabi and currently serving as CEO of Greenfield Marine Technologies , a Company that creates smart Digital Solutions using cutting edge technologies .

A firm believer that Technology is at the cusp of revolutionizing the Maritime Industry

Jaideep Vohra began his sailing career as a Junior Engineer on board tankers and OBO vessels, having completed his Marine Engineering at DMET/MERI. He stepped ashore after gaining valuable technical expertise over his 15-year sailing career, the last five of which were as a Chief Engineer with Maersk Tankers. In 2008, he joined Mideast as a Technical Superintendent, responsible for VLCC operations. His exceptional performance led to his appointment as Assistant Fleet Manager in 2014, overseeing VLCCs, RORO vessels, and Bulk Carriers. Jaideep then became Fleet Manager in 2019, managing a mixed fleet of Product Tankers, RORO vessels, and Bulk Carriers. In 2021, he moved over to the Fleet Performance Department, overseeing the vessels' digitalization journey with a focus on monitoring and optimizing the fleet's performance. He currently holds the position of the Director, Fleet Performance and Drydocking.

Tim Coffin is the Chief Executive Officer of Tristar Eships, the maritime logistics division of the Tristar Group. He has over 25 years of experience in the shipping industry. Tim has managed privately-owned and publicly-listed shipping entities across multiple jurisdictions. He holds an MA from the University of St. Andrews and an MBA from Bayes Business School.

Capt. Dheeraj Sharma is the Vice President of ABS, for the Middle East and Africa and is based in Dubai.

Dheeraj joined ABS in early 2022. Prior to this, Dheeraj spent almost a decade at the United Arab Chemical Carriers (UACC) as their General Manger/Owners Representative at their head office in Dubai overseeing the daily running of the 26 tankers and office teams in Singapore, Mumbai & Hongkong. Before coming ashore, he sailed for 17 years with NOL Singapore, Kuwait Oil Tankers (KOTC) and World-Wide Shipping as Master on Shell & BP-chartered vessels.

Dheeraj is qualified Master Mariner from the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, holds an MBA in Oil and Gas Management and is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London. Having worked for shipowners, managers and oil majors in marine operations, safety, commercial and new building departments, Dheeraj brings a wealth of commercial shipping experience and an owner's perspective with him.

Mr Jamil Al Ali graduated in 1990 as a Marine Engineer from South Tyneside College, UK after completing his engineering cadetship sponsored by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC). He sailed onboard all classes of vessels within the KOTC fleet, serving onboard products tankers, VLCC and Gas carriers during his tenure at sea, sailing up to the rank of Chief Engineer before joining KOTC Head office as technical Superintendent in 2002.

He has held various managerial positions in KOTC Head Office spanning from fleet engineering group manager to managing the Fleet new building group and has developed a vast experience in the tanker and gas carriers segments throughout his vast career.

He was often recognized for his key role in ensuring the KOTC fleet was maintained to the highest industry standards and has often received prestigious industry awards such as Tanker Operator of the year etc.

He has headed the Kuwait delegation at the IMO MEPC meeting in London and represented Kuwait at COP 23 – Shipping Initiative in Bonn, Germany.

After a very successful 30 years career at KOTC, Jamil Al Ali is appointed as Head of Regional Commercial & Business Development for the Middle East Region within the Marine and Offshore Division of Bureau Veritas.

Well-educated and equally experienced, Eng. Hessa Ahmed Hamdan Al Malek has been a trailblazer in maritime both regionally and globally. Accomplishing a number of noteworthy achievements on both personal and professional levels, she has paved a path for ambitious women all over the world to follow. Currently, Eng. Hessa serves as the Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

With over 20 years of experience in distinctive fields such as urban planning and development, maritime transport, land design and management, and public works, Eng. Hessa is well-versed as it pertains to the ins and outs of the industry. Her expertise includes: maritime strategy, policy, and governance in the maritime sector, maritime legislation, maritime education and training, port development infrastructure, as well as certifications in a number of maritime training courses related to strategy, policymaking, management, human resources and more.

Eng. Hessa worked in the Ministry of Public Works for 14 years as she was promoted from Project Manager in 2000 to Undersecretary Assistant for Public Works in 2012. During her work at the Ministry, she gained extensive experience, leadership and management skills, especially in the management of the public works management such as effective design, implementation and management of engineering projects and maintenance (buildings - roads) and specialized knowledge associated with urban planning and GIS.

In her postion at the FTA, Eng. Hessa contributed to the prosperity of UAE maritime by successfully fulfilling her responsibilities of supervising all works of the local maritime sector at a federal level. This included updating the UAE’s new maritime law, enhancing maritime education, protecting the country’s maritime infrastructure, overseeing ship registration development, and representing the nation in industry related events. Furthermore, Eng. Hessa also plays a key role in the strategic framework of the UAE’s policy and strategies for maritime administration by acting as the head of the Maritime Technical Executive Council.

Today, Eng. Hessa is also the President of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), where she continually strives to empower and encourage aspiring females to remain relentless in their pursuit of a maritime career. Through these efforts and an unwavering work ethic, Eng. Hessa has become an inspiration for countless women who are seeking to enter and make a name for themselves in the maritime industry.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is the Chairman & Group CEO of KBI-uae which is a conglomerate operating in several sectors including oil & gas, energy, navigation and industry. H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is a board member of Gulf Craft Inc and Asia Think Tank Group for future maritime transformation and the Global advisor for the MareForum, formerly he was Board Member and MD and Group CEO of Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC and Board Member of Drake and Scull International PJSC. H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is the Chairman of the Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries, the specialized industry council formed to promote the interests of the offshore and maritime industry in Dubai and the UAE. He is Honorary Advisor to Hong Kong Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) and also Chairman of Arab Association for Petroleum Professionals (AAPP), for the professionals in the oil and gas industry in the Middle East and the world to connect, network and collaborate to tackle major challenges facing the industry. In addition, he is the former Chairman of the Federal Committee for the Revision and Update of the UAE Maritime Law, the committee was created to review and update the UAE Commercial Maritime Law and formulate a new & futuristic law that will propel and govern the ongoing potential growth of business and the maritime industry in the UAE and the region.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Drydocks world and Maritime world and Chairman of the Board of DDW-PaxOcean Asia PTE Singapore and has successfully led the organization through its restructuring during the global financial crisis. His leadership and direction have been instrumental in the company being able to acquire several pioneering projects on a global scale. This leadership has seen the company move from close to financial failure, create major synergies, recognize potential and place the organization firmly on a path driven to sustainable profitability and growth.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is a Leading veteran in the oil and gas industry worked with Conoco and ConocoPhillips for 26 years and held various corporate and management positions, including vice president of Dubai oil company, a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips in the United Arab Emirates. He was also the Chairman and CEO of Regional Clean Sea Organization (RECSO) the oil industry environmental arm in the Gulf region.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is also involved in specialized transport for future critical minerals and in joint management, operation, and investment in different critical commodities. Such minerals aid the new technologies evolution and future clean energy and global communication and mobility. The KBI-uae /strategic partners involved in South America and East Africa mining.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim is involved in a number of leading private & public organization, he was member of the Dubai Government Crises and Disasters Management Team, member of the Advisory board of Emirates Classification Society (Tasneef), Vice Chairman of the Federal Transportation Authority Technical Committee, Advisor to the Career Gulf Development and Senior Advisor in the Middle East and North AfricaBusiness strategies & International Energy.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim has won many Awards and life time achievements, including being recognized as the most influential maritime top 50 personalities in the world by Tanker Shipping & Trade magazine of London 2015, The Maritime Standard Hall of Fame 2016, H.H sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Award 2014, The Tatweej Personality Award for leadership, management and business 2014, The "Outstanding Lifetime Achievement" award from Lloyd's List London for his contribution to the in an exemplary & profound manner and for his distinguished service to the maritime sector in the UAE, his role in reviving the legacy shipbuilder & helping to instill new energy into the Dubai & UAE maritime scene, The year personality award in the field of marine and maritime industry by International Ships Techniques 2013, Sword of Honors from the British Safety Council “ London 2014, The International Prize in Human Resource Management, The Archimedes Achievement Award "for excellence and exchange of knowledge" - United States of America and many others.

H.E. Khamis Juma Buamim holds Bachelor of Business Administration and Economics - United Kingdom and the National Administration degree in Crises Management and incident Command - United States of America and the High-accreditation on international human resources management (IPM) & a Credited executive in Mergers, acquisitions and transformation including corporate restructuring, finance, and growth.