Driving Inclusive Growth, Decarbonization, and Strategic Regional Collaboration
By Theano Kalapotharakou and Stefanos Papandreou Co-Publishers, ELNAVI Magazine
The global maritime community gathered in the heart of Southeast Asia for the landmark WISTA International AGM & Conference 2026, held at the Grand Ballroom Foyer of the InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Representing ELNAVI Magazine, co-publishers Theano Kalapotharakou (also a member of WISTA Hellas) and Stefanos Papandreou visited Kuala Lumpur to deliver comprehensive coverage of this pivotal annual event.
Under the overarching spirit of unity and forward-looking leadership, the conference witnessed a powerful alignment of regional chapters. Reshma Yousuf (President of WISTA Malaysia and CEO of CLLB Sdn Bhd), Yukie Teo (President of WISTA Singapore and General Manager Headway International Pte. Ltd), and Isabel Tse (President of WISTA Hong Kong SAR and Managing Director of W V Ocean Consultancy Limited) joined forces to transcend geographical boundaries and organised a successful conference on how the maritime sector can collectively address modern commercial, regulatory, and technological challenges.
Ministerial Keynote Address
Delivering the Ministerial Keynote Address, Yang Berhormat Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, emphasized the critical importance of the maritime industry to Malaysia's national economy, highlighting its role in connecting people and markets. He outlined Malaysia’s strategic vision to build an integrated, competitive, efficient, and secure maritime and logistics system through digital adoption, artificial intelligence, and data analytics in vessel operations.
Minister Loke reiterated Malaysia’s firm commitment to International Maritime Organization (IMO) sustainability targets, emphasizing the creation of green shipping corridors and fostering innovation. He notably underscored that by combining strengths across regional centers—such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia—the region can successfully compete on a global scale alongside China.
IMO Secretary-General Welcome Address
Attendees received a warm video message from Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Secretary-General Domínguez reaffirmed the IMO’s strong backing for gender equality, diversity, and meaningful inclusion across the global maritime community. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Elpi Petraki for her passionate and impactful presidency, commending her measured progress, dedication, and overall contribution to advancing WISTA's mission.
In her opening address, outgoing WISTA International President Elpi Petraki (Operations, Chartering & Business Development Manager at ENEA Management Inc.) addressed the complex operational landscape facing shipping today, including geopolitical volatility and heightened cybersecurity risks. She highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue, continuous reach, and strategic partnerships, reminding delegates that leadership opportunities ahead should not be constrained by gender or nationality.
A major milestone of the conference was the official leadership transition following the conclusion of Mrs. Petraki’s distinguished term. It was announced that she is succeeded as President of WISTA International by Celine Mortimer, CEO of Bogarde Martin (Belgium).
Bridging Borders, Driving Change
Moderated by Isabel Tse (President of WISTA Hong Kong SAR; Managing Director, W V Ocean Consultancy Limited), the opening panel examined how Asian governments, port authorities, and corporate leaders are collaborating to boost competitiveness and establish future-ready infrastructure.
The panel brought together key industry leaders, including Elpi Petraki – President, WISTA International; Operations, Chartering & Business Development Manager, ENEA Management Inc., Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam – Chief Executive Officer, Fleet Management Limited (The Caravel Group), Dato' Capt. K. Subramaniam – General Manager, Port Klang Authority, Sakura Kuma – President, WISTA Japan; Managing Director, MOL (Asia Oceania) Pte. Ltd.
Building an Inclusive and Future
Focusing on the industry's human capital, this session explored crewing strategies, leadership pipelines, skills development, and how diversity operates as a tangible competitive advantage.
The panel was moderated by Michelle Yong – Partner, Stephenson Harwood (Singapore) Alliance and Sabrina Chao – Honorary President, WISTA Hong Kong; Chairman, SeaKapital and featured insights from panelists Ruzila Idin – Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), MISC Berhad, Mariana Noceti – Programme Officer, Women in Maritime, International Maritime Organization (IMO), Helio Vicente – Director (Employment Affairs), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
Creating Lasting Impact Beyond Shipping
In an inspiring guest session, Michelle de la Harpe (RTCA, Charter President, Meraki Daat Initiative) presented the work of the Meraki Daat Initiative. She detailed efforts in marine ecosystem restoration, plastic recovery, circular economy practices, and the Blue Economy in action across Sabah, highlighting how sustainable coastal livelihoods and women’s entrepreneurship directly empower coastal communities.
Connecting Ships, Ports and Global Trade
This session, moderated by Caterina Cerrini – Board Member, WISTA Italy; Project and Development Manager, Italian Shipping Academy, evaluated smart ports, shipbuilding innovation, alternative fuels, AI-driven digitalization, decarbonization pathways, and supply chain resilience across global trade corridors and featured insights from panelists Dr. Siti Noraishah – General Manager, Johor Port Authority, Roxana Ortega – President, WISTA Panama; Senior Project Manager, Maritime & Logistics Consulting Group, S.A., Ana Paula Costa – President, WISTA Brazil; Senior Operations Manager, DS NORDEN A/S, Manasi Bhopale – Senior Consultant – Sustainability, Lloyd’s Register Advisory.
Outlook for Maritime Growth and Development
A dedicated fireside discussion analyzed geopolitical dynamics, trade resilience, and global shipping growth trends and moderated by Cassandra Simpson – Vice-President, WISTA Hong Kong SAR China; General Manager, Corporate Communications, The Caravel Group with speaker Thomas A. Kazakos – Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
Building a Resilient Maritime Economy Through Global Partnerships
Addressing cross-border policy, maritime finance, P&I insurance, ESG investments, and legal frameworks, this panel underscored that cross-sectoral collaboration is essential to navigating global trade choke points and climate challenges.
Moderated by former INTERTANKO Managing Director Katharina Stanzel, the panel brought together key industry leaders, including Chris Hall, Managing Director – Hong Kong at the American P&I Club; Elizabeth Sloane, Partner at HFW; and Marina Ledakis, Market Reporter – EMEA Shipping & Freight, S&P Global Commodity Insights, Elisa Woodward – Chief Information Officer (CIO), Grand Banks Marine Group.
Women at Sea – Preparing for the Future of Maritime Work
The conference concluded with a celebration of female seafarers, providing firsthand insights into generational changes at sea, practical onboard experiences, and necessary leadership mindsets for modern maritime operations.
Moderated by Yukie Teo – President, WISTA Singapore; General Manager, Headway International Pte. Ltd the panel brought together key industry leaders, including: Capt. Emanuel Janta Anak Mujah – Harbour Pilot, Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Capt. Lydia Argyropoulou – Treasurer, WISTA Hellas; Port Captain – Dry Cargo Operator, Neda Maritime Agency Co., Ltd. Cynthia Everduin – Secretary & Board Member, WISTA The Netherlands; Operational Director, De Bock Maritiem B.V.
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