Awards Categories & Requirements 2026

Martha Selwyn works with industry, workers and policymakers across the Blue Economy – from shipping, ports and offshore wind – to support the implementation of ambitious, science-based sustainability strategies, including climate (mitigation and adaptation) and biodiversity targets, as well as upholding robust human and labour rights standard.

In this capacity, she works with stakeholders at the UN Global Compact and its Ocean Stewardship Coalition and helps manage and develop the Maritime Just Transition Task Force established at COP 26 by industry, the United Nations and seafarers’ unions. The Task Force is a global-first, dedicated to ensuring a human-centred transition to a zero emission shipping industry by 2050.

Martha completed her Master of Public Policy with Summa Cum Laude Honours at Sciences Po, Paris. Prior to Sciences Po, Martha worked at the German Federal Foreign Office. She completed her First Class undergraduate studies in German and Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh from 2012-2016.

Andreas A. Papandreou is a Professor in the Economics Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He received his B.Sc. in Economics from the University of London, Queen Mary College and his M.Sc. in Economics from London School of Economics. He became a Doctor of Philosophy at Merton College, Oxford University, in 1990. Dr. Papandreou has over 30 years of academic experience in various Universities, including University College London and Harvard. His research and published work are mostly in the fields of environmental economics, institutional economics, political economy, and welfare economics. Among his publications are “Externality and Institutions” (1998) Oxford University Press. He is a member of the Climate Change Impacts Study Committee (CCISC) of the Bank of Greece that completed the first comprehensive study of the impacts of climate change on Greece, prepared the Greek National Adaptation Plan and recently published the Economics of Climate Change. He is the Director of the MSc in Philosophy and Management at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He is the Director of the Political Economy of Sustainable Development Lab (PESD) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Co-chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network Greece (SDSN Greece). Professor Papandreou is a sustainability consultant for the global shipping company Star Bulk.

Kostas has a long-term vision for the industry and an organisation’s role in it, and as a leader and manager he likes to think both strategically and operationally. Kostas enjoys challenging the status quo, introducing organisational improvements and innovations to progress a business and revamp it internally and externally.

Kostas is passionate about sustainability, ESG, and innovation, having worked for over 20 years in the shipping industry and energy before that, and on varying topics from maritime policy, environmental soundness and decarbonisation to market dynamics and intelligence. His background ranges from engineering and operations research to business and corporate responsibility.

He holds the position of Director / Secretary General of INTERCARGO since Oct. 2016. During his time, the Association’s membership has more than doubled to currently bringing together 250 forward thinking companies from 30 countries in uniting and promoting quality dry bulk shipping.

J.A.A.J. (Jan) Fransen, born 19 March 1958 in The Netherlands, always has been interested in shipping. So logically he choose for a career at sea and served in the Dutch merchant navy for about 12 years. Due to the recession in the Dutch maritime sector in the eighties, he became involved with Vessel Traffic Management systems with the Dutch Ministry of Transport and finally with the Port of Rotterdam. From his position as Traffic Manager and Casualty Officer with the Port of Rotterdam, Jan became acquainted with the ISO 9000 and 14000 systems, ISM and ISRS (International Safety Rating System) as well as auditing these systems. From here he became involved with the set-up of the Green Award Scheme and was employed by the Green Award Foundation since 1994. First Certification Manager and since 2005 Executive Director.

Apart from Green Award Jan is also active within the Environmental Ship Index program as well as within Equasis.

In the opinion of Jan Fransen, schemes like Green Award contribute to motivation and differentiation in Quality Shipping. The market mechanism (>175 incentive providers granting benefits for Green Award certified vessels (inland and ocean)) created by Green Award will result in a preference for Quality Tonnage on the charter market and elimination of substandard tonnage. Sustainable developments in maritime transport will be achieved. The UN-SDG’s are like a compass for his and the team course towards the future.

MINISTRY OF MARITIME AFFAIRS AND INSULAR POLICY

Manolis Koutoulakis serves as a General Secretary of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy responsible for the Aegean and Island Policy. Holds a Degree in Spatial & Urban Planning and Regional Development (Dip. Eng.) and has a MSc in Spatial Planning and Regional Policy. He is PhD candidate in International and European Relations at the University of Piraeus specialized in the research and analysis of the spatial and economic impacts of selected European policies in Greece.

He served as a Special Advisor at the Ministry of Development and Competitiveness (2010-2012) on issues related to the evaluation of Public and Private Investments, preparation of special funding schemes for entrepreneurship and monitoring of implementation of Public Investments Program.

During the period 2014-2015 he was a Special Advisor at the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Welfare in the field of policy analysis and planning of Social Economy Programs, design of specific measures on the promotion of employment, formulation of Sectoral funding policy on Lifelong learning and Youth Guarantee Action Plan.

He has participated as an expert in International and European Organizations on public sector reforms projects with an emphasis on Local Development and Public Administration. He has also participated or coordinated the implementation of numerous development studies and programs for Municipalities, Regions and has acquired specialization in European funding, strategic and operational planning for public authorities regarding blue growth, insularity and localization of EU cohesion policy.

He was the head of the Liaison and Innovation Office at the University of Piraeus (2017-2019) and coordinator of the European Information Centre of European Commission Initiative “Europe Direct” for Piraeus and the Islands of Attica.

From July 2019 until April 2021 served as a Special Advisor to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy on the management of European Policies for the sectors of shipping, maritime transport, maritime security and surveillance along with blue economy, insularity and management of the digital transformation of the Ministry. He was the head of the team responsible for the drafting and final presentation of the new legal framework on the Integrated Maritime Policy in the Insular Territory (Law 4770/2021).

Operations, Chartering & Business Development Manager, ENEA Management Inc

Second Vice President, Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA)

Elpi Petraki has been working for ENEA Management Inc. for the last 24 years, a Greek shipping company that manages a fleet of small sized, clean and specialised tankers. During this time, she has been involved in various parts of the business, with a primary focus on both operations and chartering of its fleet as well as business development.

Elpi is currently the President of WISTA International, the Women in Shipping and Trade Association, where goal is to encourage diversity and inclusiveness in the maritime sector, as well as to support women in furthering their careers, and ensure equal opportunities for all.

Prior to her appointment, Elpi was the President of WISTA Hellas, a position she is still holding, where she was instrumental in the National WISTA Association’s growth, and a number of initiatives designed to support women working in maritime and encourage the next generation to consider a career in the industry.

Serving as the 2nd Vice President of the Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA), Elpi is involved in the promotion and the overall development of short sea shipping within National and European borders. Additionally, Elpi is a member of the board of directors for the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and is an active member of Intertanko. Most recently, Elpi was invited to be an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the highest honour to be bestowed by the institute in recognition of an individual’s contribution to commercial shipping.

Elpi is also a member of the board of the Hellenic Maritime Museum, assisting in the preservation of maritime history and the development of a culture whereby younger generations are exposed to and come to appreciate maritime and naval traditions.

She is a well-known personality in shipping, both in Greece and internationally, and an active member of the shipping community. Elpi regularly speaks at industry conferences and events on a wide range of topics, from diversity in maritime and attracting the next generation of talent, to decarbonisation, new technologies and how to address the challenges facing the industry.

Elisabeth Vishnevskaja, CFA, is Head of Fixed Income at the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). As part of the Guidance team, she is responsible for the development of practical tools for PRI’s signatories relating to fixed income responsible investment practices. Elisabeth has a long-standing career in financial markets, with experience in both sell-side and buy-side institutions. She has hands-on experience incorporating environmental and broader ESG considerations in investment portfolios and she has keenly participated in the evolution of ESG solutions over the past few years.

Elisabeth holds a Masters Degree in Asset Management from Université Paris Dauphine – PSL, she is a CFA^® charter holder, and holds the Certificate in ESG investing from the CFA Institute.

Sascha has previously worked as Vice President Environment and Sustainability for CLIA on whose behalf he had worked within the European Sustainable Shipping Forum on the implementation of Fuel EU Maritime for the Cruise Sector. One of the key projects launched during this tender, was the alignment of the cruise operators to invest into a combined ocean and river study. Together with CLIA, IGRC, DNV, Ricardo and RINA, the biggest ever research was launched to outline the pathways for fuel and onboard technology infrastructure for the next decade within cruise.

In April 2024, he joined one of CLIA’s partners, United Waterways – the largest white label operator on the waterways, where he now holds the position of CEO. Sascha is also the Vice President of the European River Cruise Association.

In his earlier career, he worked as Vice President, Nautical Operations and has had several roles within hotel operations, and learning and development, for Viking Cruises. Before working in the cruise sector, he held the position of Senior Consultant Brand Protection for Richey International with responsibility for Asia and the US. Formerly, Sascha worked for leading hotel brands, namely Marriott, Intercontinental and Hilton in Russia and Central Europe. His cruise experience also includes roles onboard Seabourn Cruise Line and Cunard.

Sascha holds a Doctorate in Business from Nottingham Trent University, an MBA from Oxford Brookes University and an Executive Master Environmental Policy Making and International Negotiations from IHEID Geneva.

Michael Lund serves as the Deputy Secretary General, overseeing key aspects of BIMCO’s operations. His primary responsibilities include membership development and engagement, shipping market analyses, coordinating training activities, and managing offices in key global locations such as Singapore, Shanghai, Houston, and Athens. 

Originally from Denmark, Michael Lund earned a Master of Science in Economics degree from Copenhagen University in 1992, with a specialization in international trade and politics. His professional journey began with roles in Danish government administrations, contributing to World Trade Organization (WTO) and EU council negotiations. In 1999, Michael transitioned to the shipping industry, joining the Danish Shipowners’ Association. During his tenure in Copenhagen, he focused on tonnage tax, trade policy, and other pertinent issues.

In 2003, he moved to Brussels, representing shipowners and concentrating on regulatory developments within the EU. Michael returned to the Association’s headquarters in 2007, dedicating his efforts to addressing Greenhouse Gas issues. In December 2007, Michael Lund embraced the challenge and opportunity of joining BIMCO, drawn by the prospect of working in an international shipping environment. BIMCO is working on a range of ESG topics and has established an ESG Network among its members.

Dr. Tafsir Matin Johansson joined the World Maritime University (WMU) in 2013 and currently serves as an Associate Professor in Ocean Sustainability, Governance, and Management at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) in Malmö, Sweden.

Dr. Johansson holds a Ph.D. in Maritime Affairs from WMU — supported by the Government of Canada — and an LL.M. in Maritime Law from the University of Lund in Sweden. His academic and research portfolio is rooted in international and national laws and policies related to maritime and marine technology, as well as artificial intelligence, for a changing and dynamic ocean governance. At WMU-GOI, he leads cutting-edge research, teaches across interdisciplinary fields, and supervises postdoctoral, Ph.D., and MSc candidates.

Dr. Johansson has had impactful publications on Arctic governance, marine pollution, maritime decarbonization, trust and liability associated with remote inspection tech, climate resilience, fisheries and politics, and the evolving legal frameworks shaping autonomous ocean systems for the protection of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

He has led and contributed to numerous high-profile, interdisciplinary research projects, including long-standing regulatory development initiatives funded by Transport Canada since 2014, and work under Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. His collaborations span organizations such as the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM), and the Danish Shipowners’ Association.

In 2024, Dr. Johansson completed his role as Co-Principal Investigator on the EU Horizon 2020 project BUGWRIGHT2: Overcoming Regulatory Barriers for Service Robotics in an Ocean Industry Context, receiving high commendation from the European Commission.

Currently, he serves as Principal Investigator for the Ocean Technology and AI pillar of the Nippon Foundation’s Future of the Oceans programme, and for a Decarbonization in the Eastern Mediterranean project funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

Dr. Johansson is a guest lecturer at various international universities, a member of the ESG Shipping Awards judging committee, and serves on the editorial board of Ocean Development and International Law, a reputed and leading journal in the field.

Dr. Aspasia Pastra has been appointed Assistant Professor on Research/ Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management at the World Maritime University-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) in Malmö, Sweden. To date, she has been involved in a number of State-of-the-Art Regulatory Projects and has published extensively in the fields of maritime policy, ocean technology, and decarbonisation. She has also worked for many years in Greek shipping companies and organisations.

 Dr. Michael Ierides is an experienced Secretary General with a demonstrated history of working in the environmental services industry.

Skilled in Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Issues, Sustainable Business, and Biodiversity. Strong business development professional with a DEUGS B, Licence, DEA, Doctorat focused in Biochemistry from Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier.

From Sept 1992 he serves CYMEPA (Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association) as Secretary General. He is Visiting Lecturer at Frederick University, teaching ‘Management of the Sea Environment’. From April 2009 – December 2011 he served as Dean & Secretary General Managing Director at MAST (Magellan Academy of Shipping & Transport). At QMS Maritime Training Center of K.C.Lyrintzis Group he serves as Agent and Representative & Organising Maritime Teaching.

Professional Organisations: Member of Academy of Sciences (Cyprus), Member of the Biochemical Society (UK), Member of Cyprus Quality Association, President of the Cyprus Blue Flag National Jury and former National operator of the Blue Flag in Cyprus, Cyprus National Operator for Eco-Schools, Former Treasurer and Board member of the Foundation for Environmental Education, Member of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber PR Committee and Chairman of the Educational Activities Committee, Treasurer of the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (affiliated to the Travel Foundation (UK), Consultant to the Cyprus Government at the International Maritime Organisation, Honorary Secretary of the Tsavliris Cultural Foundation, Steering Committee Member of INTERMEPA (International Marine Environment Protection Association), Member of the Board of the Cyprus Foundation of the Sea – CY-FOS, Deputy Chairman (elected) Parallel House of Parliament for the Environment, Ecology-Sustainability and Health.

Awards: The 2005 – ECO-Q Quality Services Award – awarded by the Greek Quality magazine “Eco-Q” for the
Environment, Sep. 2006, Award for outstanding work on environmental issues by the Hellenic Bank on account of the
introduction of the Eco-Schools programme to Cyprus, Sep 2008., The Cyprus Tourism Organisation Award for outstanding work on environmental issues on account of the introduction of the Blue Flag and Green Key programmes to Cyprus, Sep 2008

Publications: 1985 Triacylglycerol increase in plasma very low density lipoproteins in
cyclophosphamide-treated rabbit: relationship with cholesteryl ester transfer activity Biochimica Biophysica Acta 0836 Issue 3 pages 376 – 384
1985 Cholesteryl ester transfer protein – Size of the functional unit determined by radiation inactivation FEBS Letters 3145, 0193 Issue 01 pages 59-62

Mrs Dafne Anghelidis is the owner and General Manager of Agencia Maritima Intercontinental S.R.L. ARGENTINA

Graduated in the University of Merchant Marine in Buenos Aires, Argentina, her diploma is Licencee in Shipping Business. Her professional career started with the attendance of break bulk shipments. Later on she continued her career in the reefer transportation industry as chartering manager of a Dutch shipping line, Seatrade Groningen, in Buenos Aires, being in charge of freight negotiations with fruit, beef and fish exporters. Five years later, she was hired by Maersk Line in Argentina to develop the containerization of reefer cargo, turning the fish and fruit shipments from reefer break bulk into containers. After 16 years of employment in Maersk Line, she became General Manager of the family company Agencia Maritima Intercontinental S.R.L. Shipping Agency, developing the Logistics Division of perishable cargo and the attendance of vessels as ship owners representative.

In 2014 she joined WISTA Argentina, in 2016 she became the Secretary General of WISTA Argentina, in 2019 she was elected president of WISTA Argentina, in 2022 she was elected EXCO member of WISTA International.

 Executive Director, Clean Shipping Alliance

Mr. Chrysostomou is a seasoned professional in the shipping industry. He holds an MBA (master’s in business administration) and he graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, with a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding.
Mr Chrysostomou has a long-standing career. He is currently the CSO of Tototheo Global and the Executive Director of the Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA). He previously held the positions of CEO of Marine-Fields Holding Ltd, Director of the Department of Merchant Shipping (the Maritime Authority of Cyprus), CEO of Transmed Shipping Co. Ltd., and Act. Secretary-General of CLIA Europe.
In his career Mr. Chrysostomou held senior management roles in fields such as safety and security, protection of the marine environment and administration. He also served as the elected Chairman of the Design and Equipment Subcommittee of the IMO and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) the later for 11 years. He was twice elected and re-elected Chairman of the International Mobile Satellite Organization and served as a member of the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University (WMU). He also served as President of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMAREST).
Mr. Chrysostomou’s skills and integrity have been acknowledged by peers, by awarding him the 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Shipping. In November 2011 he has also been presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award by the United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, for his invaluable service to International Shipping and in 2013 the GST Award – Leading Shipping Personality of the Decade 2003 – 2013. Furthermore Mr. Andreas Chrysostomou was awarded The Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Award – “International Personality of the Year” 2015, he received the YoungShip Cyprus Honorary Award in 2019the and has been awarded the GREEN4SEA Leadership Award 2020.