28-30 November 2023
Antwerp expo
Belgium

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SPOTLIGHTING THE BEST, BRIGHTEST & BRAVEST OF THE NEXT GENERATION

The AntwerpXL 40 Under 40 campaign showcases the rising stars of the breakbulk and heavy lift industry. Our 40 Under 40 recognises both those with the greatest potential to become industry leaders in the future and those who have achieved greatness already. Our chosen 40 successful applicants will be celebrated at AntwerpXL itself with a special drinks reception held in their honour.

CELEBRATE THE WINNERS AT ANTWERPXL 2023

Class of 2023

Abhishek Shah

Abhishek Shah

CEO, RSA Global

A visionary leader end entrepreneur who has created a company which is indispensable for the 3PL logistics landscape in the Middle East, linking various regions from Africa to India and Middle East together. Constantly drives the change and expansion to new areas of global supply chain, like cold chain and ecommerce.

Alexandra Hagerty

Alexandra Hagerty

Fleet Superintendent, The Pasha Group

Alexandra is a champion of diversity in maritime, initiating programs for underrepresented groups, setting an inclusion standard. She founded Captains Without Borders to foster global collaboration, breaking down industry entry barriers. Her leadership, both professionally and through the initiative, exemplifies dedication to industry enrichment. Alexandra's nomination for AntwerpXL's 40 Under 40 signals her commitment to excellence and leadership, poised to inspire the next generation. Her visionary approach and impactful work align perfectly with AntwerpXL's values, making her an exceptional candidate.

Andy Eyre

Andy Eyre

Managing Director, Norast Supply

Having previously studied with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Andy launched Norast Supply last year, with the aim of bringing digitalisation to the ship supply industry. He is passionate about the maritime industry and an advocate for bringing decarbonisation and sustainability onto the shipping agenda.

Ayse Asli Basak

Ayse Asli Basak

CEO, Maritime Innovation & Strategic Investment, MAB Maritime

Meet Capt. Ayse, a 32-year-old entrepreneur and ship investment strategist, leaving an indelible mark in the maritime sector. Ayse's journey began on Supramax bulk carriers and progressed to influential roles ashore, including Marine Inspector for vital international steel scrap shipments at Mid-Ship Group LLC. She holds impressive academic credentials and actively contributes to industry organizations, earning recognition from Google and Medicat's #SheMakes initiative. Ayse's dedication to innovation and gender equality has redefined industry standards, making her a trailblazer and a "40 Under 40" nominee.

Barbara Sellin

Barbara Sellin

Heavy Lift Specialist, Hitachi Energy

Barbara is a young professional with outstanding commitment and results in the project cargo business, since 2020 she has led the heavy lift transport for Hitachi Energy Brazil delivering transformers all over the world, with innovative solutions and becoming a reference on the heavy lift market in Brazil. Her success leading these operations is even more outstanding when considering that Brazil has not a developed transport infrastructure for Heavy lift cargo and this is a market which most professionals are male and much older than Barbara, so to do her job with this high level performance she has to overcome a lot of bureaucracy, corruption and prejudice towards her age and gender.

Daniel Tisell

Daniel Tisell

Regional Project Cargo Director, G2 Ocean

Daniel has worked at G2 Ocean for 12 years and has been an invaluable member of our team. In his previous role as Senior Project Cargo Manager, he has helped to grow the Project Cargo revenues to record highs.

Danielle Southcott

Danielle Southcott

CEO, Veer Group

Danielle Southcott, an under-40 leader, is transforming the maritime industry by spearheading the deployment of the world's first clean container ship powered by wind and green hydrogen. Her innovation earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in maritime by RINA, along with accolades like the EarthShot Prize nominee and Young Entrepreneur Award shortlisting. Beyond her groundbreaking achievements, Danielle's visionary leadership in sustainable shipping and active involvement in fleet management make her an ideal candidate for the AntwerpXL 40 Under 40, reflecting her existing contributions and future potential in the industry.

Denis Abramov

Denis Abramov

CEO, Daco Project Logistics GmbH

“Successful logistics of heavy cargo is based on the competent connection of each link in the chain, taking care of every little detail in an ever-changing information flow”

Denis is logistics mentor working in heavy lift and OOG project logistics by road, sea and air. He now owns a company that handles dozens of large logistics projects every month.

Dhruv Thapar

Dhruv Thapar

Operations Director, G2 Ocean

Dhruv is leading the Operations department for G2 Ocean USA. He has extensive responsibility of Port and Voyage Operations under his belt. G2O is the largest Open Hatch vessel operator in the world. The cargo moved and the port calls called under his supervision is extensive.

Divya Sreekumar

Divya Sreekumar

Business and Marketing Manager, RAK PORTS

A new venturer to the Ports Industry, Divya is business-focused, results-driven and entrepreneurial business executive with strong leadership and operations management experience across a broad range of industries. Spent over 10 years managing business management and marketing strategy across corporate environments from medical industries to law firms.

Emilia De Hertog

Emilia De Hertog

Operations Manager Europe, Saga Welco AS

Emilia De Hertog did a fantastic job as operation superintendent traveling around in Europe to load and or discharge our vessels and in June 2023, she was promoted to be the Operation Manager Europe and head of our regional office in Antwerp,

Gautham Krishnan

Gautham Krishnan

Logistics manager | Project Logistics & Analytics, Fluor Corporation

Gautham, a Project Logistics pro at Fluor Corporation's India Logistics Competence Centre, led Fast LNG project management, oversaw Fluor Logistics' Digital Transformation, and contributes to Fluor's Sustainability Supply Chain Committee. With an impressive background in Naval Architecture and an MBA from IIM Bangalore, his articles on freight analysis and sustainability are industry standouts. Active in events like Breakbulk Middle East 2023, Gautham, at 30, seeks AntwerpXL's 40 Under 40 recognition to enhance industry representation and promote sustainability, aligning with his commitment to advancing the sector.

Ievgenii Shchipak

Ievgenii Shchipak

Break Bulk Technical Specialist, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean

Starting with my break bulk career in the age of 19 working as a seaman onboard of heavy-lift vessels for 9 years I moved on the shore-based job as a Breakbulk Technical Specialist at Wallenius Wilhelmsen solving the project tasks related with special equipment handling, lashing and safe delivery around the world.

Igor Alves

Igor Alves

HUB Logistics Manager, Hitachi Energy (former ABB group business)

Spearhead vital projects for the Energy Industry in Brazil, the US, Canada, and the UAE. Drive improvements in Brazil's Heavy Lift transport sector, introducing new methodologies and influencing transport regulations. Contribute to global projects at Hitachi Energy, enhancing our transport organization's efficiency and competitiveness. Experience rapid career growth, progressing from an intern to regional logistics roles. Inspire and mentor colleagues and students through motivational speeches, as highlighted in the attached link.

James Kellett

James Kellett

CEO, Spot Ship

James, a key force behind Spot Ship's success, co-founded the company in late 2019. Under his leadership, the company has grown from two people to over 50 across four countries. He secured our largest contract, setting us on a path to profitability and a series A funding round with a major American VC firm this year. James ensures our software meets client needs and expands into various shipping sectors. He transformed Spot Ship from zero capital to raising £2M in three rounds, building a top-notch tech team, and winning grants for industry-leading AI aimed at efficiency and CO2 reduction.

Jaquelyn Burton

Jaquelyn Burton

Head of Creative Design, Kongsberg Maritime

She is a brilliant, young individual who has sat on multiple maritime boards, charities, SAMS, Captains Without Borders, and is pursuing a PHD on transforming the maritime industry.

Jesse Brink

Jesse Brink

Chief Revenue Officer, ioCurrents

Jesse has become a leader in the Data Analytics space to help reduce fuel and drive the industry to Net Zero. His creativity and expertise in data analytics has helped companies reduce fuel and emissions by 37% without expensive, heavy machinery or alternative fuels.

Johannes Drees

Johannes Drees

Director Indonesia and SEA+, Orbia B&I

Johannes is responsible for managing one of Orbia B&I Wavin's biggest CAPEX investment in the last 10 years with first investment in Indonesia. Investment announced by the President of Indonesia. He finds diversity and inclusion important with a leadership team of 50% female and male in Indonesia. He quickly become P&L and end responsible for Indonesia and South East Asia and Australia / NZ. Within Orbia B&I one of the drivers behind the global digital transformation and implementation of global order system. Finally he experience in different roles and functions; PhD, board advisor, chief of staff and commercially responsible.

John Runcie

John Runcie

Director of Commercial Development and Port Facilities, Saint John Port Authority

John Runcie joined the Port of Saint John in 2018. In his role he has assisted in driving the growth of the leasing portfolio, and in creating collaborative spaces that bring together rail, stevedores, labour, and the Port Authority to find ways to eliminate road blocks and ensure the bulk cargo reaches the end customer. John leads the non-containerized cargo sector for the Port of Saint John. His leadership in the area resulted in 2022 Breakbulk volumes more than doubling the 2021 volumes with various projects coming through the port.

John Schmidt

John Schmidt

Program Manager, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers

John spearheads green shipping, trade development, and smart ship initiatives, while also shaping maritime transportation policy for eight Great Lakes states, Ontario, and Quebec. John's commitment to both economic development and environmental protection has led to international partnerships with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and recognition as an "Emerging Leader" by the European Union. He champions maritime decarbonization, smart shipping, and innovative projects, making him a standout candidate for Antwerp XL's 40-under-40 recognition in the evolving Great Lakes St. Lawrence region.

Levent Ozkan

Levent Ozkan

Managing Director (Middle East & Africa), Esalco Logistics

With a decade steering global projects, fostering innovation, and championing customer-centricity in logistics, I epitomize leadership. A proven track record and strategic acumen make me a prime AntwerpXL 40 Under 40 candidate, dedicated to propelling the industry forward.

Luca Schmid

Luca Schmid

Breakbulk Technical Expert, Global Industrial Account Development, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean

Luca Schmid is the one of 4 technical team Experts at Wallenius Wilhelmsen - the biggest RORO carrier in the world with Break Bulk project cargo. There are many rail, wind, power energy, tunnel boring and other projects which Luca is leading from calculation to execution. He is a perfect technical manager with maritime background and huge experience.

Madeléne Rodhe

Madeléne Rodhe

Senior Project Cargo Manager, G2 Ocean

As a Senior Project Cargo Manager at G2 Ocean, Madelene manages project cargo shipments within the company's trading lanes. Her responsibilities include developing new business, marketing G2 Ocean's services, providing market intelligence, and securing contract and spot cargoes. She has successfully orchestrated complex projects, including the transportation of oversized cargo, contributing significantly to G2 Ocean's success. Madelene is not only a trailblazer in her professional life but also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the shipping industry. She serves as an inspiring role model for young women aspiring to excel in the shipping field.

Mehdi Ben Mouloud

Mehdi Ben Mouloud

Chief Operating officer and Deputy Managing Director, APM TERMINALS

Mehdi successfully lead the largest terminal automation project TM2, named as the best automation project in the industry as well as the recent transformation of APMT Moin into apmt most efficient port in the region

Mohamed Rashed

Mohamed Rashed

Chartering Manager, Egypt Trade Maritime Services (ETMS)

Being a young Egyptian posed challenges, pushing me to work tirelessly, attend global shipping events, and connect with clients worldwide. Through meticulous planning and relentless effort, I became a renowned broker in both the Egyptian/Arabian and European markets, securing complex projects and strengthening our chartering desk. My marketing skills and team collaboration also led to successful long-term agency agreements, bolstering our agency department. Today, I head the chartering department, maintain an excellent reputation among major European and Asian owners, and continue to strive for greater success in shipping.

Mykola Kazadayev

Mykola Kazadayev

Director, Green LEAFt

Mykola has started his career as a deck cadet onboard of MPP/Project ships of one of the leading Breakbulk shipping companies - BBC Chartering. Over the period of about 6 years he made his way being Ordinary Seaman, Able Seaman/Heavylift Crane Driver, 3rd Officer, 2nd Officer and Chief Officer by working on board of different types of MPP ships. After that he was invited to join HQ of BBC Chartering where he worked in Chartering Broker position. Then he joined Peter Doehle Schiffahrts by working in MPP team and afterwards he opened a Hamburg branch for G2Ocean. Today he has own broker company and promoting knowledge about heavylift and project cargo industry. His career path is motivating.

Natalya Nikulina

Natalya Nikulina

Business Development Manager, Kuehne Nagel

Natalya is a hard working person who managed to get a successful career in the project industry in a short time as she started in this industry 2017, and since then she has worked on some key projects for the power industry showing dedication and quick learning skills and these skills also allowed her success working in some of the biggest forwarders in the market like deugro, Fracht and now Kuehne+Nagel.

Nikhil Koyate

Nikhil Koyate

Chartering Executive, Trans Coral Shipping

Being a Chartering Professional in Shipping & considering the value of Antwerp XL platform this nomination would give me a recognition in the field in which I've been working for past 5 yrs. It shall also give me an exposure to a vast group of Shipping Professionals who have a long history and experience on their back. It would really be a great opportunity to meet & be on the same stage with the best, brightest & bravest of the field. It would be motivating to work harder & achieve significant heights in my career. Mostly it would be a learning & highly encouraging myself to receive such a honorable award.

Nitesh Ranvah

Nitesh Ranvah

CEO, 21 Knots

Nitesh Ranvah founded 21 Knots, a naval architecture and ship design firm, in 2014 at age 27. In its ninth year, the company has expanded globally with offices in Singapore, India, and the UAE. Serving esteemed clients, 21 Knots offers naval architectural services, dry docking management, sustainability, and green shipping solutions. Nitesh holds a B.Tech in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and boasts 14 years of experience in marine and offshore design, engineering analysis, and vessel upgrades. He actively consults for ship owners, offshore contractors, and oil and gas operators, focusing on rule compliance, design reviews, and sustainability initiatives in the shipping industry.

Patrycja Walisch- Azizieh

Patrycja Walisch- Azizieh

Sales Director, Shipnext BV

I feel like in the last years of me entering the industry I did not only made my name but what is more important reach goals for my companies. I have learned the industry i the very short amount of time and currently I am one of the most recognizable sales people in the industry specially at the conferences.

Pushpank Kaushik

Pushpank Kaushik

Director, Jassper Shipping

With over 12 years in shipping, I've excelled as a director in ship broking, vessel agency, and chartering, deserving recognition. Throughout my career, I've fostered growth by implementing strategic initiatives, leading a dedicated team, and excelling in negotiations and client relationships. Embracing digitalization and eco-friendly practices, I've enhanced operations and sustainability efforts.

Rafal Swiderek

Rafal Swiderek

Head of Category Management, Hitachi Energy

Rafal is highly focusing on the journey of category management excellence and make best in class team. His energy and dedication to set best, efficient processes, new concepts addressing new challenges is seeming a standard and bar for the function. What is important is that he also provides a high focus to team development and maturity so that whole organisations uplifts to new level.

Robert Bond

Robert Bond

VP Sales and Marketing, Tri-Lift Industries

Working toward advancing electrification efforts on material handling equipment and warehouse solutions. Constantly working to apply innovative ideas and theories to the aged blue collar industrial equipment industry. Building a team focused on culture and onboarding "new blood" into the industry to break the cycle of institutional knowledge retiring and not having a succession plan to share or hand down knowledge.

Sam Bersey

Sam Bersey

Business Development & Operational Manager, Lubbers Logistics Group

Sam is a solution driven person who always find solutions for our clients on complex projects. With the focus on the solution he really makes the difference for our clients and clients are very satisfied with the service and solutions. Sam developed his self in the last years extremely and has the ambition to growth further and I think it bring a lot for his own development as well to meet 39 other ambitious persons under the 40.

SANJNA VARDHAN

SANJNA VARDHAN

General Manager- International Business, PROCAM LOGISTICS PRIVATE LIMITED

She is a passionate breakbulk /heavy lift professional who is under the age of 40 on 28 November 2023, making a real difference to our organisation and to the wider industry with her excellence and commitment.

Stan Shparberg

Stan Shparberg

Chief Marketing Officer, Airbus

I’m the head of marketing for the largest aerospace company in the world and am responsible for a global positioning of Airbus products. I’m the youngest group executive in the organization

Stella ZHOU

Stella ZHOU

Market Manager, FLYING WHALES

Stella, an economist with a strong academic background from prestigious Chinese and French universities, embarked on her career as a consultant and strategist in industrial companies. In 2020, she joined FLYING WHALES to spearhead the development of the revolutionary Large Capacity Airship, LCA60T, transforming the air cargo industry. At FLYING WHALES, Stella leads strategy and business development across various sectors, including wood, industries, and heavy cargo transport. She represents the company at international conferences and trade shows and cultivates government relations for the LCA60T's strategic development and implementation.

Stéphanie Feys

Stéphanie Feys

Managing Director, Zuidnatie

Since 2016, Stéphanie Feys has led Zuidnatie, a family business specializing in breakbulk logistics in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for over a century. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategy earned Zuidnatie the Best Managed Company Gold and T&L Employer of the Year awards. Stéphanie's focus on HR policies, health, wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion has made Zuidnatie an attractive employer, reducing retention rates and absenteeism. Safety remains a top priority, with decreasing work incidents, and sustainable practices have cut CO2 emissions by 33% in six years. Stéphanie's dedication to long-term partnerships with clients, suppliers, and employees has transformed Zuidnatie into a close-knit family.

Teo Japarashvili

Teo Japarashvili

Head of Transport Department, Gebruder Weiss LLC

After arriving on Georgian market, Gebruder Weiss had a great impact on overall market situation. Starting from the very first days Teo has influenced internally and externally. By her deserve as a woman leader, Transportation has stepped up not only in Georgia but in Caucasus region.

Valds Stunza

Valds Stunza

Marketing & Business Development Director, ELEVEN DANIR 19

Valds expert opinion about the industry periodically are published in different niche magazines. Thanks to Valds, our company was nominated (and highly commended) for Heavy Lift Award in 2022. An incredible amount of pioneering accomplishments and innovations inside the company. Values and his attitude to sustainability, modernisation and innovations are transforming every project to something really valuable. His vision sometimes is way ahead of industry and world, I firmly sure that if he will not "turn over" an industry, he will leave a significant impact on it.

Stéphanie Feys

Stéphanie Feys

Managing Director, Zuidnatie

Since 2016, Stéphanie Feys has led Zuidnatie, a family business specializing in breakbulk logistics in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for over a century. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategy earned Zuidnatie the Best Managed Company Gold and T&L Employer of the Year awards. Stéphanie's focus on HR policies, health, wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion has made Zuidnatie an attractive employer, reducing retention rates and absenteeism. Safety remains a top priority, with decreasing work incidents, and sustainable practices have cut CO2 emissions by 33% in six years. Stéphanie's dedication to long-term partnerships with clients, suppliers, and employees has transformed Zuidnatie into a close-knit family.

Teo Japarashvili

Teo Japarashvili

Head of Transport Department, Gebruder Weiss LLC

After arriving on Georgian market, Gebruder Weiss had a great impact on overall market situation. Starting from the very first days Teo has influenced internally and externally. By her deserve as a woman leader, Transportation has stepped up not only in Georgia but in Caucasus region.

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show opening times

  • 28 November 2023
  • 17:00 - 20:00
  • 29 November 2023
  • 10:00 - 20:00
  • 30 November 2023
  • 10:00 - 15:00

venue

  • antwerp expo
  • hall 4
  • Jan van rijswijcklaan 191
  • 2020, antwerpen
  • belgium

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