Adrian Kahl graduated as a naval architect in 2002 and is currently working at DNV’s Maritime Advisory Center in Hamburg in the department Structural Analyses and Measurements. He has worked at Germanischer Lloyd, Blohm&Voss and as a research engineer at Hamburg University of Technology. His technical background primarily comprises structural strength analysis with the focus on fatigue strength. He was involved in various rule development projects at DNV and within IACS, among others, for anchoring and mooring.

Capt Ben van Scherpenzeel, AFNI, Director Nautical Developments, policy and plans at the Port of Rotterdam spent 15 years at sea on tankers, reefer vessels and cruise liners, he was also project manager of new build programs before joining the Port of Rotterdam in 2004. His present responsibilities are optimization of port operations, port information (including being Chairman of the International Taskforce on Port Call Optimization), Chairman of the Shipping Advisory Board North Sea, Project Officer of the International Harbour Master Association and Vice-Chair of the IMO GIA Low Carbon Shipping group – work stream Ship Port Interface.