Webinar: Universal datasets and cyber-resilient standards: a blueprint for efficient, secure ports by Mercator Media

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About This Webinar

Could 2026 be the year that ports and shipping come together to create the digital blueprint for efficient and cyber-resilient operations? And if so, what might be possible by the end of the decade?

For years, the maritime industry has been seen to lag in both digitalising its operations and securing them against cyberattacks. The adoption of Maritime Single Window and Port Call Optimisation has been slow; BCOs complain about cargo traceability; supply chain experts worry about the vulnerability of the industry to another NotPetya.

But, as this webinar will explore, change is on the way – and IAPH is spearheading efforts, from the launch of a landmark Port Call Optimisation Guide to the gamification of new cyber-resilience guidelines – new standards are being set through a succession of dynamic cross-industry partnerships.

An expert panel from across IAPH’s membership will examine these exciting new developments – and consider where the spectre of AI integration into port and maritime operations might lead.

Presenters

Nick Blackmore

Content Strategy and Events Director, IAPH

Nick has worked for IAPH since 2023 and oversees content management of all IAPH publications and online tools in development. He has more than two decades experience as a journalist, and has managed several leading maritime publications.

Ingrid Boqué

Director of Institutional Relations, Port of Barcelona

Ingrid Boqué is the Director of Institutional Relations at the Port of Barcelona, a position she has held since October 2024. She has worked in the maritime industry for 14 years. She began her career in 2012 at the Port of Barcelona, working as Pier Supervisor for Carnival Corporation & plc and Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services. In this position, she was responsible for managing the turnarounds of cruise ships calling at the port of Barcelona.

In 2015, she moved to Hamburg to take on the role of Assistant Manager to the Managing Director for the Cruise Terminal Operator Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH. In 2018, Ingrid joined the Hamburg Port Authority as Global Strategic Networks Officer, where she also coordinated the chainPORT initiative and served as Assistant Manager to the CEO of the HPA for international affairs, representing the port in international associations and coordinating global collaborations.

Ingrid Boqué was appointed Chair of the IAPH Technical Committee on Data Collaboration in early 2025. She has been a longstanding and active contributor to the International Association of Ports and Harbors, providing support to both the Vice President and President roles in various capacities, while actively participating in multiple committees and international projects.

Ingrid holds a degree in Tourism Management from CETT-University of Barcelona and an MBA in International Business at the EU Business School.

Ben van Scherpenzeel

Director Nautical Developments, Policy and Plans, Port of Rotterdam

Ben spent 15 years at sea – comprising three years on tankers and reefer vessels as a deck officer and 12 years on cruise vessels as a deck officer, staff captain, and 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 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

Jeppe Skovbakke Juhl

Chief Naval Architect, Regulatory Department

Jeppe Skovbakke Juhl is a naval architect by education and has spent the past 14 years at BIMCO, where he plays a central role in shaping the technical and regulatory agenda across the maritime industry.

With a strong foundation in ship design and stability, Jeppe has evolved into a key figure in maritime innovation and policy. His current focus areas include maritime digitalisation, autonomous ships, port efficiency, and the ship-shore data interface - domains where technology and regulation intersect to define the future of shipping.

Earlier in his career, Jeppe was deeply engaged in environmental and safety matters, contributing technical expertise to the IMO’s Greenhouse Gas Strategy, air emissions regulations, underwater radiated noise, and container loss prevention. His work also spans core design issues, such as ship stability, both intact and damage-related.

A regular attendee at IMO meetings throughout his career, Jeppe brings deep insight into flag state administration, goal- and function-based regulation, and the risk-based approval processes. His ability to bridge technical knowledge with regulatory foresight makes him a trusted voice in international maritime affairs.

Jan-Willem den Ouden

Lead Global Data Exchange, Port of Rotterdam

Jan-Willem den Ouden is Lead Global Connect at the Port of Rotterdam, where he drives the development of global digital ecosystems for the maritime sector. With a background in digital strategy and e-business, he focuses on creating impact by building trusted, standards-based data exchange frameworks that connect ports, supply chains, and stakeholders worldwide.

Prior to this, Jan-Willem gained experience as an entrepreneur in e-business software and consultancy, and worked in the airline and aviation sector bringing a strong cross-industry perspective on digital transformation and operational optimization.

His work enables smarter decision-making and more seamless port operations through secure, scalable data sharing. He plays a leading role in international collaborations, contributing to initiatives across organizations and helping shape the digital infrastructure needed for Just-In-Time operations and digital port clearance.

Through strategic partnerships and cross-industry cooperation, he is committed to accelerating the adoption of (federated) data exchange models that deliver tangible operational value at a global scale.

Bjørn Åge Hjøllo

Chief Business Development Office, NAVTOR

Bjørn Åge Hjøllo is a maritime professional with over 30 years of experience spanning meteorology, marine operations, digital products, and business development. He holds an MSc in Meteorology from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Bergen, Norway, and is fluent in Norwegian and English.

He began his career in 1992 as a researcher at DNMI’s R&D Division in Oslo, before moving into marine forecasting at the Marine Forecasting Centre in Bergen, where he spent a decade delivering critical weather insights for maritime operations. In 2004, he transitioned into the commercial sector as Product Manager for C-MAP at Jeppesen Norway, leading the development of digital navigation solutions for the global shipping industry.

In 2011, Bjørn stepped into a senior leadership role as Chief Business Development Officer, where he drove strategic growth, partnerships, and innovation across maritime technologies. Since 2020, he has served as Chief Sustainability Officer, focusing on advancing sustainable practices and digital transformation within the shipping sector.

Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in research and innovation, contributing to 22 Norwegian and EU-funded projects with a combined value of approximately 60 million NOK. His work spans roles as project owner, manager, and partner, with a focus on improving efficiency, safety, and environmental performance in maritime operations.

Bjørn continues to play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable shipping through industry collaboration, innovation programmes, and the development of advanced digital solutions.