Smart Maritime Network Rotterdam Conference
15 April 2026
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The SMN Vision
Smart Maritime Network Rotterdam 2026 will bring together global industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders on 15 April 2026 aboard the iconic SS Rotterdam.
This full-day event will feature engaging keynote presentations, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive roundtable sessions. Key topics include port efficiency innovations, transformative digital technologies, advancements in autonomous shipping, and the power of data-driven collaboration.
With contributions from some of the leading companies in shipping technology, this event offers invaluable insights into the latest tools, strategies, and solutions shaping the future of maritime operations.
Join us for unparalleled networking and a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements driving the maritime industry forward.
Throughout the day we will also provide increased opportunities for networking and developing the conversations further through bespoke roundtable sessions. And of course, the day will end with the all-important SMN Conference Networking Reception – a chance to unplug and chat with fellow delegates and speakers.
For more details please contact cathy.hodge@smartmaritimenetwork.com
Conference Sponsors
Supporting collaboration in the maritime technology sector
Smart Maritime Conferences Global Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Event Partner
SMN Rotterdam 2026 - Event Highlights
With an expert line up ready to share their knowledge and experience:
- ANNA HOLM GJERAKER, HEAD OF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, CEATAEC/WILHELMSEN
- ANTOON VAN COILLIE, DIRECTOR, ANGLO BELGIAN SHIPPING COMPANY
- BAS VAN SON, PROGRAM MANAGER / ADVISOR – SHIPPING SAFETY, RIJKSWATERSTAAT
- CAPTAIN BEN VAN SCHERPENZEEL, CHAIRMAN, INTERNATIONAL TASKFORCE PORT CALL OPTIMIZATION
- CATHY HODGE, COO, SMART MARITIME NETWORK
- CHRISTEL PULLENS, DIRECTOR, PORT XL
- CYNTHIA EVERDUIN,OPERATIONAL DIRECTOR, DE BOCK MARITIEM B.V.
- INGE RAKEN-LUCASSEN, SENIOR CONSULTANT, TNO
- JACO VOORSPUIJ, MEMBER, THE DIGITAL TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS FORUM
- JINSHUN SHIN, GENERAL MANAGER, BUSAN PORT AUTHORITY
- MARE STRAETMANS, FOUNDER, PLATFORM ZERO
- MARIELLE GEHLERT, TECHNICAL MANAGER, REDERIJ GROEN B.V.
- MARTIJN SNIJDER, CO-CEO, OLMAR SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS SERVICES
- MIKLÓS DOMA, BUSINESS MANAGER, PORT OF ROTTERDAM
- MILOU AERTS, MARITIME RISK MANAGEMENT & PROGRAM MANAGER PORT CALL OPTIMIZATION, HARBOUR MASTER DIVISION – PORT OF ROTTERDAM
- NANCY SCHEIJVEN, STRATEGIC BUSINESS DIRECTOR, SEAFAR
- PETER BROADHURST, DIGITAL CONSULTANT, LLOYD’S REGISTER
- QUINT VEDDER, COO, MARIS FIDUCIA
- ROB O’DWYER, CHIEF NETWORK OFFICER, SMART MARITIME NETWORK
- SEAN CROWLEY, SR ELECTRICAL PROJECT MANAGER, STOLT TANKERS
- TOR ANDERS HØKSÅS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION MANAGER, INMARSAT MARITIME
- ZERA ZHENG, GLOBAL HEAD OF BUSINESS RESILIENCE & CONSULTING, MAERSK
Learning
Learn from our expert speakers and get up to date on the latest technology developments.
Sharing
Share ideas on how to transform the shipping business using digital technologies.
Networking
Reconnect with your peers in the maritime IT sector and make new contacts to benefit your business.
Conference Agenda // 15 APRIL 2026
Agenda to follow shortly - Sign up to our mailing list for updates! For further enquiries please contact cathy.hodge@smartmaritimenetwork.com.
Conference Agenda // 15 April 2026
Registration and Welcome Refreshments 9.00 AM
Introduction & Welcome from Smart Maritime Network 10:00 AMCATHY HODGE, COO, SMART MARITIME NETWORK
Opening Notes from our Conference Chair 10:10 AMMARE STRAETMANS, FOUNDER, PLATFORM ZERO
KEYNOTE FIRESIDE CHAT: OPERATING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY - WHAT THIS MEANS IN PRACTICE 10:30 AMA short, informal conversation to open the day, focused on how the current environment is impacting shipping in practice.
ZERA ZHENG, GLOBAL HEAD OF BUSINESS RESILIENCE & CONSULTING, MAERSK & CATHY HODGE, COO, SMART MARITIME NETWORK
Panel Session 1: PORT CALL OPTIMISATION AND DIGITAL PORT ECOSYSTEMS 11:00 AMFrom Pilot Projects to Scaled Operations
Topics include just-in-time arrival, port community systems, data exchange standards, and cross-port collaboration.
Moderated by: JACO VOORSPUIJ, MEMBER, THE DIGITAL TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS FORUM, DTLF
Panellists include
• ANNA HOLM GJERAKER, HEAD OF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, CEATAEC/WILHELMSEN
• CHRISTEL PULLENS, DIRECTOR, PORT XL
• INGE RAKEN-LUCASSEN, SENIOR CONSULTANT, TNO
• JINSHUN SHIN, GENERAL MANAGER, BUSAN PORT AUTHORITY
• MILOU AERTS, MARITIME RISK MANAGEMENT & PROGRAM MANAGER PORT CALL OPTIMIZATION, HARBOUR MASTER DIVISION - PORT OF ROTTERDAM
Panel Session 2: DIGITAL SHIPPING - DATA, AI AND OPERATIONAL DECISION-MAKING 11:50 AMTopics include fleet data analytics, predictive operations, cyber resilience, and organisational change in digital fleet management.
Moderated by: CATHY HODGE, COO, SMART MARITIME NETWORK
Panellists include:
• BAS VAN SON, PROGRAM MANAGER / ADVISOR - SHIPPING SAFETY, RIJKSWATERSTAAT
• IVAN RENETTE, BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGER, EXMAR SHIPMANAGEMENT
• NANCY SCHEIJVEN, STRATEGIC BUSINESS DIRECTOR, SEAFAR
• PETER BROADHURST, SENIOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CONSULTANT, LLOYD'S REGISTER
• TOR ANDERS HØKSÅS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION MANAGER, INMARSAT MARITIME
Lunch & Networking 12:40 PMEnjoy some food and take the opportunity to tour our partners’ Technology Display Zones to learn how they are working towards a smarter shipping future.
Roundtable Discussion Groups – Hosted by our Partners 1:45 PMDelegates join informal discussion tables hosted by industry partners. Topics may include FuelEU Maritime implementation, port call optimisation case studies, maritime cyber resilience, AI applications in shipping operations, maritime connectivity, and data sharing between ports and ship operators.
Tea/Coffee Break 3:00 PM
Panel Session 3: STANDARDISED IMO DATA IN ACTION - BUILDING A COMMON LANGUAGE FOR MARITIME DATA 3:30 PMDiscussion of the IMO Compendium expansion and how standardised operational and emissions data can enable interoperable digital reporting across shipping, ports and maritime stakeholders.
Moderated by: ROB O’DWYER, CHIEF NETWORK OFFICER, SMART MARITIME NETWORK
Panellists include:
• CAPTAIN BEN VAN SCHERPENZEEL, CHAIRMAN, INTERNATIONAL TASKFORCE PORT CALL OPTIMIZATION
• MIKLÓS DOMA, BUSINESS MANAGER, PORT OF ROTTERDAM
• SEAN CROWLEY, SR ELECTRICAL PROJECT MANAGER, STOLT TANKERS
Panel Session 4: THE ENERGY TRANSITION IN PRACTICE - OPERATIONAL REALITIES OF DECARBONISING SHIPPING 4:20 PMTopics include FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS operational impact, alternative fuel supply chains, vessel performance considerations, and managing technical and regulatory risk.
Panellists include:
• ANTOON VAN COILLIE, DIRECTOR, ANGLO BELGIAN SHIPPING COMPANY
• CYNTHIA EVERDUIN, OPERATIONAL DIRECTOR, DE BOCK MARITIEM B.V.
• MARIELLE GEHLERT, TECHNICAL MANAGER, REDERIJ GROEN B.V.
• MARTIJN SNIJDER, CO-CEO, OLMAR SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS SERVICES
• QUINT VEDDER, COO, MARIS FIDUCIA
Conclusions, followed by the SMN Rotterdam Networking Party 5:10 PMSummary of conference conclusions followed by the SMN Rotterdam Networking Party - at Queen's Lounge, SS Rotterdam
Kindly sponsored by Sofar Ocean
PHOTO GALLERY
Conference Sponsors
Supporting collaboration in the maritime technology sector
Smart Maritime Conferences Global Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Event Partner
Venue
SS Rotterdam
3e Katendrechtse Hoofd 25
3072 AM Rotterdam
Registration
Shipping Company VIP Pass
€ 0
- Free conference registration for qualifying vessel operators (includes ship owners, ship managers, ship builders, ports & terminals - subject to confirmation by the organisers).
Conference Delegate Pass
€ 645
- Delegate pass for admission to all conference sessions, tea and coffee breaks, lunch and the evening Networking Party. (Discounts are available for multiple delegate bookings.)