ZESTAS - Key Persons
Founder of Veer Group, a two-time EarthShot Prize-nominated clean shipping startup, Danielle Southcott was named by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects as one of the most influential women of the century, and listed by The Ocean Opportunity Lab as an "Inspirational Female Founder of Ocean & Energy". Danielle was selected as a top "40 Under 40" by AntwerpXL and by TradeWinds as a "Top 10 Innovator".
Danielle passionately speaks about clean energy and inspiring others to challenge existing structures. Danielle & her husband Julian live in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and spend their summers on their wooden schooner "SEA CHANGE."
David joined ZESTAs in August 2020 after graduating from the MESPOM (Master's of Environmental Science, Policy and Management) program at Lund University, Sweden. Building on his thesis experience in zero emissions wind-assisted propulsion technology and policies, David researches international regulatory information and policies concerning ZESTAs member technologies, writes educational technical content for the website and facilitates new member research and recruitment.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Advisor / Partner, Kennedys Law LLP
Eric specialises in all aspects of shipping and commercial dispute resolution. Eric handles disputes in relation to the full spectrum of shipping contracts including charterparties, contracts of affreightment, bills of lading, letters of indemnity, bank guarantees, MOAs, shipbuilding agreements as well as contracts for the sale and purchase of energy. Eric handles an increasing number of ESG related issues for clients. More recently such issues have included charterparty decarbonisation endeavour in view of the IMO's EEXI.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the Advisory Board
Frank Nieuwenhuis studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Delft with a master on measurement and control techniques.
He worked in several companies in the medical field, rehabilitation and physiotherapy in R&D, sales, production and general management. In 2005 he did a MBO and continued as entrepreneur in treadmills for rehabilitation.
After selling the company in 2015, he started Econowind together with Conoship International to support decarbonization of the maritime sector through wind-assisted ship propulsion.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the Advisory Board
- Environmental Manager at the Port of Trelleborg
Jennie Folkunger works as the Environmental Manager at the Port of Trelleborg, Sweden, one of Sweden's largest ports with high environmental ambitions across the board but especially when it comes to emissions reductions.
Jennie holds a Masters of Laws specializing in environmental law and has also studied biology, ecology, ecotoxicology and chemistry. Jennie has over ten years experience from local and regional governance in Sweden with a focus on marine environmental and port related issues. During her time at the World Maritime University Jennie conducted research within the field of international maritime environmental law especially relating to ballast water and invasive species in the Arctic.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the ZESTAs Board of Directors
- Chief Commercial Officer
Jogchum Bruinsma has worked in several senior engineering and management positions at Boskalis and Huisman Etech Experts, where he was in involved in many innovative and challenging projects.
He is actively involved in the Hydrogen Europe Maritime workgroup and contributed to the IEA-HIA task 39 expert group.
Johan is working on a day-to-day basis with business development in the maritime industry where he implements true zero emission technologies. With a broad maritime experience and knowledge ranging from energy transition to clean technology Johan is contributing to the work of ZESTAs at all levels. Further, he believes in though leadership and tangible actions and measures to create disruption in the established marine industry.
Madadh is a visionary social entrepreneur leading the drive towards zero emission (ZE) shipping. Her extensive network includes thousands of connections engaged in the energy transition across the maritime sector.
Her background in ZE shipping began in 1999 with designs for a ZE multi access cargo vessel for Fair Winds Trading Company's sustainable development project in West Africa.
She began working in the wider industry as co-founder of the International Windship Association.
Madadh has a strong background in hydrogen, having represented PEM electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power in Shipping and Maritime. She is also the founder and CEO of ZEM Tech ltd, an innovative system design, engineering and project management consultancy focused on ZE ship design and ZE marine fuel infrastructure and supply chains.
Maria Brandsøy has been part of ZESTAs advisory board since its foundation. She is a Business Developer in Ocean Hyway Cluster, a maritime cluster based in Norway focusing on hydrogen-based fuels. She believes that sharing knowledge about markets, players and technology provides new insights, and that collaboration across sectors and businesses breaks down barriers and stimulates innovation.
Before joining the cluster, Maria worked in FMC Technologies (now TechnipFMC). She holds a master's degree from Newcastle University in International Business Management and a bachelor's degree in PR, Media and Communication from Volda University College.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- CEO and Founder of Dealfeng New Energy Technology Ltd
Mr. Li Zhi, the CEO and founder of Dealfeng New Energy Technology Ltd, has more than decade of working experience in shipping industry. He has focused on wind assisted propulsion technology for many years, committed to help accelerate the decarbonisation process for global shipping industry.
Job Titles:
- Board Member / Co - Founder and CEO of AURELIA Green Ship Concept Design With Strong Vision in the Clean Shipping
Co-Founder and CEO of AURELIA Green Ship Concept Design with strong vision in the clean shipping.
Aurelia was born from the pursuit of helping the planet to have zero emission vessels that provide uniqueness and innovation in ship operations. Believing in clean shipping, and working toward having a green maritime environment by providing zero emissions and GHG reduction designs for shipowners.
Silvie has spent the last 14 years focusing on strategic communications and digital marketing within the clean technology industry, much of which focused on marine electrification, first with Corvus Energy, then Shift. Silvie's ultimate goal is to raise awareness and provide clarity on the necessary technologies and regulatory framework that will drive collective action towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Member of the Advisory Board
Stuart MacDonald's interest in zero emissions shipping stems from moderating a panel, about mobilising finance to support new technologies, at the 2021 ZESTA conference in Glasgow. He is Managing Partner at Bride Valley Partners, a corporate finance firm focussed on alternative investments and bankable technologies. He is also Chairman of Aaro Capital, a DLT/ Cryptoassets investment firm and Planit Holdings, a UK financial services acquisition vehicle. With over 30 years' experience of working across the world, his special expertise is in capital raising, corporate strategy and truly innovative thinking. Previously, he was Director of Hedge Funds at Henderson Global Investors and worked in a senior capacity at firms like Aquila Capital, West Merchant Bank and Buchanan Partners, winning several industry awards. He often Chairs leading investment conferences and presents the award-winning alternative investments and technology radio show, the Naked Short Club on London's Resonance FM, on which ZESTA has featured. For many years, Stuart was a Visiting Lecturer at London University and he serves on the Trustee or Advisory Boards of several Charities, Community and Arts organisations.
Tim has substantial experience working for global technology leader ABB as an Engineer for their Motion business, and more latterly as Head of UK Sales and Marketing for their Marine and Ports business. More recently, Tim founded a hydrogen infrastructure start up based in London, and he also chairs the National Maritime UK Marine Hydrogen Working Group. Throughout the course of his career Tim has built up a substantial network of contacts within the marine and ports sector. A proud tech geek who can speak fluent Portuguese, Tim is passionate about maritime sustainability.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Operations Manager
Tristan's diverse career spans international film and television, where he's made his mark as a documentary film cinematographer. As a sailor and leader of expeditions in experimental maritime archaeology, his love for the sea steered his interest toward sustainable shipping solutions and led him to co-found EcoNav in 2005, a French network advocating for eco-navigation and sustainable sailing. Tristan's expertise further extends to organizing educational maritime events and conferences.
In addition to his environmental and nautical endeavors, Tristan is also a photographer and graphic artist. At ZESTAs, he is responsible for managing the website, designing media content, and assisting in various administrative tasks. His multifaceted role highlights his versatility and dedication to both environmental stewardship and artistic expression.