By
Laura Hyde |
Bud Darr, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association,and Isabelle Ryckbost, secretary general of the European Sea Ports Organisation, Isabelle Ryckbost, will deliver keynote addresses at Interferry2025. The annual conference will take place in Sorrento, Italy, from 4-8 October 2025 and will focus on the theme ‘Connections’.
Darr, who returned to the global cruise industry association earlier in 2025 after seven years at MSC Group, will offer insights into the shipping sector’s challenges and opportunities in connecting with customers, communities and employees. Meanwhile Ryckbost will provide a crucial update on the progress of shore power supply rollout across European ports and discuss how companies can collaborate more closely to achieve the 2030 deadline for shore power availability.
The conference programme will feature panel discussions and networking opportunities. Confirmed speakers also include Mary Ann Pastrana, executive vice president at Archipelago Philippine Ferries; Greta Bédard, president and CEO at Société des traversiers du Québec; Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, general manager at Lagos State Waterway Authority in Nigeria; and Emanuele Grimaldi, managing director of Grimaldi Group. The full list of speakers, which is continuously being updated, is available to view on the Interferry website.
“The unprecedented participation of ferry company leaders from all corners of the globe at this year's conference truly underscores the vital role of ‘Connections’ in our industry,” said Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry, who will also speak at the conference. “In an era of rapid global change, encompassing sustainability, evolving regulatory compliance and the imperative for economic growth and coherent safety regulations, these connections are more crucial than ever for the future of ferry business.”
Find out more about Interferry 2025 in our event preview.