Interferry, the global voice of the ferry industry, has unveiled an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and ferry leaders for its upcoming annual conference. Running from October 31 to November 4, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, the event centers on the pivotal theme “Stronger than Ever… Together.” This year’s focus highlights the industry’s collective drive to tackle unprecedented operational and environmental shifts through global unity. 

“Gathering such a massive cross-section of ferry operators in Bangkok proves that solidarity is our greatest asset,” noted Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan. “The ferry sector is currently navigating intense global transformations, from geographic uncertainty and strict sustainability targets to evolving regulatory compliance. Accelerating economic growth while upholding uncompromising safety regulations cannot be achieved in isolation. Coming together at this conference allows us to build a more resilient, unified industry capable of thriving through these changes.”

The Interferry2026 speakers program anchors its discussions with two prominent keynote speakers chosen specifically for their roles in bridging complex viewpoints. Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Thailand Ministry of Defence, will offer crucial insights on the current geopolitical landscape from a unique maritime and military perspective. Transitioning from geopolitics to environmental action, Charlotte de Jong, Director of Business Development APAC at The Ocean Cleanup, will detail how her organization builds multi-stakeholder coalitions to eliminate plastic debris from major waterways, showcasing their localized efforts on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.

A significant portion of the conference program will be devoted to the lessons learned from the electrification of the ferry sector, one of the most promising approaches to decarbonizing the industry.

The confirmed executives represent diverse global regions, breathing immediate life into the conference theme by bringing a complete international perspective to the table. This collaborative spirit will drive the conference’s core sessions, which include specialized panels on workforce optimization, regional focus blocks on Thailand and Singapore, and interactive strategy updates covering vessel electrification and international safety standards.

Interferry is honored to confirm the participation of the following ferry industry leaders:

Dr. Paul Adalikwu – MOWCA, Côte d’Ivoire

Götz Becker – FRS, Germany

Claes Berglund – Stena AB, Sweden

Robert Blažinović – Jadrolinija, Croatia

Matteo Catani – GNV, Italy

Worawit Chanchayanon – Thai Smile Boats, Thailand

Neil Chapman – Red Funnel, UK

Sean Collins – Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, UK

Mike Corrigan – Interferry, Canada

Surachet Dejkajornrittha – Marine Department, Thailand

Panos Dikaios – Attica Group, Greece

Paul Gannaway – Batamfast/Asianfast, Singapore

John Garner – JG Maritime Solutions, UK

Mathieu Girardin – DFDS, Denmark

Darren Johnston – BC Ferries, Canada

Rio Lasse – ASDP Indonesia Ferry, Indonesia

Niclas Mårtensson – Stena Line Group, Sweden

Tim Mooney – Fire Island Ferries, USA

Seamus Murphy – San Francisco Bay Ferry, USA

Ronny Øksnes – Norwegian Seafarers Union, Norway

Anders Ørgård – OSK Design, Denmark

Marco Pavoncelli – E-Dea, Italy

George Philip – Penguin Group, Singapore

Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram – Chao Phraya Express Boat, Thailand

Marcus Risberg – Viking Line, Finland

Johan Roos – Interferry, Sweden

Carl-Ulfert Stegmann – Reederei Norden-Frisia, Germany

Jacqueline Tan – Singapore Cruise Centre, Singapore

Katy Taylor – Wightlink, Isle of Wight Ferries, UK

Brian Thomson – The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, UK

Pierre-Antoine Villanova – Corsica Linea, France

Mark Wilson – Northumberland Ferries Ltd./Bay Ferries Ltd., Canada

The complete Interferry2026 schedule and speaker grid will be published shortly. Discounted Early Bird registration for members runs through August 15, with general ticket sales opening on August 1. For detailed logistics regarding the conference program, social events, and room bookings at the Shangri-La Bangkok, please visit https://interferryconference.com/.

Interferry is the global ferry trade association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization and similar influence at the European Union as well as many other maritime governance authorities. With membership exceeding 280 companies and representing plus 2,200 individuals in more than 40 countries, its primary purposes are to represent the ferry industry on regulatory and policy matters including safety and sustainability; to speak on behalf of the worldwide ferry sector which provides transport for over four billion passengers and 370 million vehicles annually; and to facilitate networking and communications among its members.