With a strong background in education, training, and research, Somiyeh specialises in
developing programmes that strengthen leadership, the human element, competency
development, mental wellbeing, and lifelong learning for seafarers. She is dedicated to
improving operational performance across the maritime industry through enhanced
leadership and management practices, fostering positive cultural change on board and
ashore. Her work demonstrates how effective leadership contributes to safer, more
efficient ship operations and highlights the essential role of high-quality workplace
training in creating supportive and sustainable working environments. Somiyeh is a
committed advocate for investing in seafarers’ education to promote a global culture of
safety, professionalism, and excellence at sea.

Harry is a Risk Assessment Manager for TT Club’s Loss Prevention Team. Harry joined TT Club in 2025 and has extensive experience in port engineering, with over a decade of experience in engineering consultancy, providing technical expertise on a broad range of matters within the ports and terminals sector. He has also provided casualty response and expert witness services with respect to port civil engineering and is a Chartered Civil Engineer. 

Emma is an equity partner at pre-eminent global law firm, Clyde & Co LLP. 

She leads the marine department in Manchester.  She specialises in marine insurance, cargo, transport liability, ports & terminals, warehousing & logistics, yachts & marine trades claims. 

Emma’s Manchester marine department is ranked in Band 1 by the Legal 500, recognised for its commerciality and cost- effective solutions, and Emma is ranked as a leading individual by the Legal 500. 

She is known for her personable approach and providing clear, incisive advice honed to the needs of her clients and has specialised in marine law since 2004.  

Emma regularly handles litigation before the English courts and arbitration tribunals, as well as coordinating litigation throughout Europe and in a multitude of other jurisdictions.  

She also led the team acting for the successful parties in the matter of Holyhead Marina v. Peter Farrer [2020] EWHC 1750 (Admlty), where the Admiralty Court and Court of Appeal considered interesting and significant issues upholding port and marina 

Vikram Dhingra sailed on bulk carrier vessels for 17 years, including five years serving as Master, before moving ashore in 2011 to take up the role of QHSE Superintendent at Anglo-Eastern Ship Management in Hong Kong. 

In 2014, he joined Pacific Basin Shipping in Hong Kong and was promoted to General Manager, Marine, in February 2019. He also serves as the company’s Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO) for the Hong Kong-flagged fleet. 

Erick Saia is the Director of Safety & Loss Control at Greenwich Terminals LLC in Philadelphia, PA, and is also the Ports of the Delaware River Marine Trade Association’s Safety Representative to the National Maritime Safety Association (NMSA).  In addition to being NMSA’s Technical Committee Chairman he also proudly serves on Technical Committees for the International Cargo Handling and Coordination Association, the American Society of Safety Professionals in partnership with the American National Standards Institute, and the National Fire Protection Association including being invited as an observer on an NFPA 30A Sub-Committee Task Group regarding Electric Vehicles and the Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages.  

Erick is also a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Hazardous Materials Technicians, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, an Advisor Member of Harrisburg University of Science & Technology’s Strategic Artificial Intelligence Certificate Program, and previously served on the Transportation Research Board’s Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 

Richard Steele is Chief Executive Officer at the International Cargo handling and Coordination Association – ICHCA. Reporting directly to the Board, Richard leads the organisation which provides a focal point to improve cargo handling throughout international supply chains. ICHCA also represents members, and the cargo handling industry, as a recognised non-government organisation at international bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation and UNECE and other agencies and regulatory bodies. 

Richard is a safety and skills professional with a Masters in Training and Development who has been involved in the ports industry for over 25 years. Prior to ICHCA he was Chief Executive at Port Skills and Safety an organisation that he led for 11 years. Port Skills and Safety is the UK ports organisation with a remit to share best practice, develop safety guidance and standards and produce qualification frameworks. Before PSS, Richard was the senior Learning and Development Manager for Associated British Ports for 10 years. Prior to ports, he worked in the nuclear industry on safety and skills provision.