The ‘industry leader’ panel sessions at Interferry conferences are firmly established among the most popular features of the speakers program – and that is sure to continue thanks to the exceptional line-up at this year’s 46th annual event in Seattle.
Wrapping up both days of presentations, the hour-long interactive sessions combine thought-provoking panelist debate with an equally engaging Q&A opportunity for the audience via the Interferry46 conference app. Here’s your guide to the ‘can’t afford to miss’ panel agenda for 2022…
Day 1 • Monday, October 3: Ferry Leaders Panel
Addressing fundamental issues raised by the 2022 conference theme ‘Power and People’
Håkan Agnevall – president & CEO, Wärtsilä, Finland
With 17,000 staff in 68 countries, Finland’s Wärtsilä is a global leader in sustainable technologies designed to improve both environmental and economic performance.
John Garvey – Deputy Commissioner and COO, Staten Island Ferry, USA
Capt. Garvey has been instrumental in expanding classroom and simulator training. He also spearheaded the development of electronic systems to streamline crew functions.
Jan Hanses – president & CEO, Viking Line, Finland
Promoted in 2014, Hanses had been executive VP since 2005 and deputy CEO since 2008. Previously he was the company’s general counsel, head of human resources and director of legal matters.
Peter Hebblethwaite – CEO, P&O Ferries, UK
Peter joined P&O in 2019 and worked as managing director in two ropax divisions before being appointed CEO last November. Formerly he held senior management positions in the hospitality, pharmaceuticals and supermarket sectors.
Mary Ann Pastrana – Executive VP & treasurer, Archipelago Philippine Ferries
Mary Ann combines her role at the Fastcat ferry operator with multiple positions including president of the Archipelago Seafarers Training Institute and the Scorpio overseas manning agency.
DAY 2 • Tuesday, October 4: Innovators Panel
Emerging technologies explained by activists for transformational change
Bob Clifford – founder & chairman, Incat, Australia
The catamaran builder’s LNG-powered Francisco, operating in Argentina, is the world’s fastest large passenger vessel – but the company is now focused as much on operating efficiency as speed.
Seamus Murphy – executive director, San Francisco Bay Ferry authority, USA
Seamus is a recipient of Mass Transit magazine’s ‘Top 40 Under 40’ award recognising his leadership in building strong coalitions to solve the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Max Olson – founder & CEO, Seachange, New Zealand
The electric hydrofoil specialist is currently leading the build of the world’s first hydro-foiling ropax in New Zealand – enabling emissions-free, high speed, long range sailing.
Billy Thalheimer – founder, Regent, USA
A multidisciplinary aerospace engineer with previous experience in developing electric aircraft, Thalheimer now manufactures the Seaglider, an all-electric wing-in-ground-effect coastal vehicle.
Heidi Wolden – CEO, Norled, Norway
One of Norway’s largest ferry and express boat operators, with an 80-strong fleet, Norled is considered as a world leader in pioneering the development of completely new emissions-reducing technologies.
I think this diverse array of expertise demonstrates yet again the benefits of attending our panel sessions and why they are always so eagerly awaited. And of course there are many other reasons to join us. The whole event runs from October 1-5, with a host of networking and social functions supporting the conference.
Here’s to seeing you in Seattle!
Mike Corrigan – CEO, Interferry
