Who we are
The Global Maritime Forum is an independent not-for-profit organisation committed to shaping the future of global seaborne trade. We focus on decarbonising the maritime industry and making life at sea more inclusive and appealing to people of all backgrounds.
We have created a community united by purpose. We discuss collective challenges – those that are too complex for any one stakeholder to solve – and work together to develop new solutions and recommendations for action. We do this by bringing together forward-thinking leaders and experts who, through dialogue, collaboration, and collective action, strive to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human well-being.
Catalyst for change
The maritime sector plays a crucial role in the global economy, and we believe it can be a catalyst for positive change. We strive to facilitate connections, spark ideas, and support concrete solutions that will help the international community reach its shared climate goals while promoting human welfare and dignity.
Our flagship event, the Annual Summit, is the global nexus for co-creating the ideas and actions that will propel the industry towards a better future. Convening key decision-makers from around the world in a different maritime capital each year, the Annual Summit has been the launchpad for several highly regarded initiatives, including the Getting to Zero Coalition, the All Aboard Alliance, and the Poseidon Principles.
Our other initiatives include the Sea Cargo Charter, the Neptune Declaration and other efforts aimed at improving operational efficiency and mobilising the next generation of maritime leaders.
Partners and funders
Since our inception in 2017, we have worked closely with our partners and the wider maritime community to develop and distribute research and insights, launched innovative projects, and hosted workshops that drive conversations and encourage collaboration, among a range of other activities.
The Global Maritime Forum is funded through a combination of grants and partner contributions. We operate independently of any outside influence and do not support individual technologies or companies.
Headquartered in Copenhagen, we are a dedicated team of around 45 staff members representing more than 15 different nationalities.
Meet our dedicated team
Johannah is responsible for leading the organisation and working with the board and leadership team to deliver on the Global Maritime Forum’s vision and strategy.Johannah Christensen
Chief Executive Officer, Global Maritime Forum
Michael is accountable for the day-to-day management of the foundation, overseeing the successful implementation of organisational policy, developing strategic plans, and maintaining an effective team and organisation.Michael Søsted
Managing Director, Head of Finance and Operations, Global Maritime Forum
Christian leads the community team and is responsible for building and mobilising a strong community of companies, organisations, funders, and partners to engage in and support our initiatives, including the Annual Summit.Christian Jacob Hansen
Director, Partnerships and Community Engagement, Global Maritime Forum
Ingrid is responsible for the successful delivery of the Annual Summit and for incubating new initiatives and projects in line with the Global Maritime Forum's mission.Ingrid Sidenvall Jegou
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Head of Annual Summit, Global Maritime Forum
Susanne leads the human sustainability programme, setting out to develop impactful and ambitious global standards for the safety, health, inclusion, and well-being of everyone impacted by maritime supply chains.Susanne Justesen
Director, Human Sustainability, Global Maritime Forum
Rasmus is responsible for the output of the communications team and the team's well-being. His focus is on strategy and making all the pieces fit while helping the team reach its goals and targets.Rasmus Nord Jørgensen
Director, Communications, Global Maritime Forum
Jesse leads the decarbonisation work at the Global Maritime Forum.Jesse Fahnestock
Director, Decarbonisation, Global Maritime Forum
Marieke helps lead the decarbonisation portfolio and oversees the industry action team.Marieke Beckmann
Deputy Director, Decarbonisation, Global Maritime Forum
Randall supports the operational efficiency work and advises on broader decarbonisation strategy. He has also served as the facilitator for several Annual Summits.Randall Krantz
Senior Advisor, Shipping Decarbonisation, Global Maritime Forum
Lara spearheads the advancement of key aspects of the Singapore-Rotterdam Green and Digital Corridor, leading industry engagement to facilitate the development and implementation of innovative commercial structures.Lara Kamal
Senior Advisor, Global Maritime Forum
Ludovic provides expert advice and guidance to the organisation’s leadership on policy, strategy, technical matters, and other areas of expertise. Ludovic Laffineur
Senior Advisor, Shipping Decarbonisation, Global Maritime Forum
Morgane leads the secretariats for our three transparency initiatives, along with her team. She focuses on strategic development, relationships with signatories/prospects, operations, representation, and ESG support.Morgane Graffion
ESG Lead, Transparency Secretariats, Global Maritime Forum
Elena oversees our portfolio of analytical work for decarbonising shipping. Together with her team, she provides insights for the sector’s energy transition, from progress on green corridors to the role of governments.Elena Talalasova
Senior Project Manager, Team Lead, Global Maritime Forum
Sophie leads our decarbonisation team's efforts within policy and government engagement. She also advises on our three transparency initiatives.Sophie Deyon
Senior Project Manager, Team Lead, Policy & Government Engagement, Global Maritime Forum
Els supports a coalition to deliver key aspects of the Singapore-Rotterdam Green and Digital Corridor, working on finance and regulation to support the development and implementation of commercial structures. Eleanor Criswell
Senior Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Justin is responsible for editing all Global Maritime Forum communications, from long-form publications to newsletters and social media posts. He is also the team's point person for all video content. Justin Cremer
Senior Communications Manager, Editor, Global Maritime Forum
Molly is the strategic communications advisor for all Global Maritime Forum programmes and initiatives. In addition to her role, she leads all PR efforts, working closely with the media to ensure visibility and impact. Molly P. Hannon
Senior Communications Manager, PR and media, Global Maritime Forum
Anna works on decarbonisation projects in our industry action team, where she currently leads our work on the Australia-East Asia Iron Ore Green Corridor.Anna Rosenberg
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Christian manages the All Aboard Alliance and the Future Maritime Leaders Network.Christian Breenfeldt Andersen
Project Manager, Human Sustainability, Global Maritime Forum
Judith leads initiatives on the exploration of maritime book-and-claim systems for shipping decarbonisation. She also works on other industry action projects, such as green corridors.Judith Musau
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Lena is responsible for running the Sea Cargo Charter Secretariat and the main point of contact for signatories and companies interested in joining the Association.Lena Faber
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Live manages our overarching relations across initiatives, including potential and current partners, Annual Summit participants, and relevant stakeholders for our different working areas.Live Gilje
Community Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Martine leads our people and culture efforts.Martine Siesbye
People and Culture Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Nathalie is responsible for organising, executing, and supporting decision-making processes in the board, management, and leadership teams. She supports the strategic development of the organisation and helps drive strategic initiatives.Nathalie Kold-Hansen
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Arron works on industry action projects, such as green corridors, focusing on their commercialisation. He also leads the operational efficiency initiative and serves as the organisation's trusted shipping guru.Arron Welling
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Femke is responsible for the Getting to Zero Coalition as well as the Coalition’s IMO Policy Action Group, an industry group that closely follows and supports IMO policy developments.Femke Spiegelenberg
Project Manager, Getting to Zero Coalition, Global Maritime Forum
Harpa Hrönn Stefánsdóttir
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Jemma is the content manager responsible for planning and executing content for the Global Maritime Forum's programmes and initiatives, covering everything from social media to newsletters and videos.Jemma Tracey Wandel
Content Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Joe produces research and analysis supporting our work on shipping decarbonisation. This has included work on green corridors, the business case for zero-emission ships, and supplying new fuels at ports.Joe Boyland
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Katarina is the captain of office supplies and snacks, ensuring the office is stocked, coffee is flowing, new hires feel at home, and everything runs smoothly. She supports the team so they can focus on our mission.Katarina Hanova
Office Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Quanshui manages relations with potential and current partners, Annual Summit participants, and relevant stakeholders for our different working areas.Quanshui Bai
Community Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Rita is responsible for managing the Secretariat of the Poseidon Principles and Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance. She is the main point of contact for current and prospective members and facilitates the daily operation of both Associations. Rita Hjelm
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Trine is in charge of the Global Maritime Forum branding and visuals and is the resident Adobe Creative Suite master. She also lends her key eye to proofreading printed materials. Trine Kirketerp-Møller
Communications Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Zoë is a data analyst on the human sustainability team, transforming both quantitative and qualitative data into clear, actionable insights that drive understanding and impact.Zoë Sakura Ogahara
Project Manager, Global Maritime Forum
Hana coordinates the work of the Diversity@Sea initiative, currently addressing systemic challenges like sexual misconduct and pregnancy at sea. She's also involved in our efforts to improve seafarers’ mental health and well-being.Hana Nguyenová
Project Coordinator, Global Maritime Forum
Ida is responsible for researching into new areas towards developing and incubating new projects and programmes. She also works on the content and design of the Annual Summit and is responsible for identifying speakers.Ida Tang Mikkelsen
Project Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives and Annual Summit, Global Maritime Forum
Juš coordinates the Diversity@Sea pilot project, which includes 12 companies and pilot vessels and aims to improve working and living conditions at sea.Juš Javornik
Project Coordinator, Global Maritime Forum
Layla coordinates Getting to Zero Coalition activities, supports work pertaining to the Zero Emission Shipping Mission, and assists with global opportunity initiatives.Layla Chamilothoris
Project Coordinator, Global Maritime Forum
Ross coordinates meetings, workshops, and reports for the Sea Cargo Charter and operational efficiency initiative. He works closely with stakeholders to improve reporting and drive emissions reduction in global shipping.Ross Berridge
Project Coordinator, Global Maritime Forum
Umme helps manage financial processes and operational workflows. She also assists in people and culture activities and collaborates with the team to ensure smooth daily operations.Umme Jahan
Project Coordinator, Finance Controller, Global Maritime Forum
Sebastiano is a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen, researching topics related to shipping decarbonisation and international trade from a legal perspective.Sebastiano Gianino
PhD Fellow/Student, Global Maritime Forum
Anika assists the communications team with content production, newsletter development, and media monitoring. She also works with the human sustainability team on its various initiatives.Anika Tasnim Nishat
Project Assistant, Global Maritime Forum
Aninda supports our decarbonisation team with data collection, organisation, and analysis, contributing to projects on green corridors and the business case for zero-emission ships.Aninda Annisa
Project Assistant, Global Maritime Forum
Parnica assists in administering the Sea Cargo Charter, the Poseidon Principles, and the Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance. Her focus is on governance, operations, and communications.Parnica Srimal
Project Assistant, Global Maritime Forum
Uliana assists with the management, administration, and coordination of our decarbonisation team's various initiatives within policy and government.Uliana Boiarchuk
Project Assistant, Global Maritime ForumOur partners
We collaborate with stakeholders from across the maritime value chain and beyond who share our ambition to drive change. With our valued partners at the core, we have created a community that is united by purpose and committed to sustainable long-term economic development and human well-being.