New members join ShippingLab’s Steering Committee

Martin Riis Hansen, Danish Maritime Authority, and Jan Michelsen, FORCE Technology, join ShippingLab’s Steering Committee.

ShippingLab is pleased to welcome Martin Riis Hansen from the Danish Maritime Authority and Jan Michelsen from FORCE Technology as new members of its Steering Committee. Their appointments come at a pivotal moment for ShippingLab, as the platform expands its international engagement and strategic focus.

Martin Riis Hansen succeeds Malene Loftager Mundt, while Jan Michelsen takes over from Peter Krogsgaard Sørensen, both of whom have contributed significantly to ShippingLab’s development over the years.

Chair of the Steering Committee, Morten Vejlgaard-Laursen, expresses his appreciation for the outgoing members and looks ahead to the contributions of the new appointees:

“Malene and Peter have each brought deep insight and strong commitment to ShippingLab, and I would like to extend a warm thank you for their efforts. At the same time, I’m delighted to welcome Martin Riis Hansen and Jan Michelsen to the Steering Committee. They bring valuable expertise and perspectives at a time when ShippingLab is entering an exciting new phase, broadening its focus to strengthen both innovation and competitiveness across Blue Denmark,” says Morten Vejlgaard-Laursen.

Strengthening Danish participation in global innovation

ShippingLab has recently launched a new EU initiative supported by the Danish Maritime Fund to strengthen Danish participation in international maritime innovation projects. The initiative will make it easier for Danish companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to navigate and benefit from EU research and innovation programmes.

At the same time, ShippingLab is working closely with maritime industry associations and authorities to build stronger bridges to international networks, making Danish maritime actors more visible and attractive as partners in global innovation efforts.

 

Martin Riis Hansen: Linking authorities, industry and innovation

For Martin Riis Hansen, Director and Head of Maritime Policy and International Affairs at the Danish Maritime Authority, joining the Steering Committee is both a privilege and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the sector:

“I’m excited to be a part of ShippingLab’s Steering Committee. ShippingLab is a key platform where industry, research and innovation come together, and it’s in this intersection that we can develop solutions that strengthen the maritime sector and support its necessary transition. I look forward to contributing to the platform’s next phase, particularly as international engagement grows. The new geopolitical landscape brings some uncertainties, but I believe it also brings opportunities for new and stronger collaborations that can increase our knowledge and the position of Blue Denmark,” says Martin Riis Hansen.

Having the Danish Maritime Authority represented on the Steering Committee reinforces the link between regulation, innovation and industry practice – a vital foundation for turning new solutions into real-world impact.

 

Jan Michelsen: Bringing experience and perspective to ShippingLab’s next chapter

Jan Michelsen, Director of Department, Hydro- & Aerodynamics, Simulation, Ports & Training at FORCE Technology, joined the Steering Committee earlier this summer. With many years of experience from the maritime sector, he is eager to help shape ShippingLab’s future direction:

“I’m very pleased to join ShippingLab’s Steering Committee. Over the years, ShippingLab has established itself as a true powerhouse for Danish maritime innovation, a place where strong partnerships turn ideas into tangible solutions. I look forward to contributing to the platform’s continued development and supporting its new areas of focus, both nationally and internationally,” says Jan Michelsen.

With Martin Riis Hansen and Jan Michelsen on board, ShippingLab is well positioned to increase its impact in the years ahead. Together with partners across industry, research and authorities, ShippingLab continues to drive maritime innovation through collaboration and to strengthen Denmark’s position at the forefront of the global maritime industry.

 

ShippingLab’s Steering Committee now consists of:
  • Morten Vejlgaard-Laursen (Chair), Head of Process Development, Two-Stroke R&D, Everllence
  • Lina Barsøe (Vice Chair), Head of Decarbonization Pathways, DFDS
  • Kjeld Dittmann, Innovation Lead – Fleet Technology, Head of Vessel and Cargo Connectivity, A.P. Moller – Maersk
  • Kjeld Roar Jensen, Head of Fleet Systems, TORM
  • Stefan Møller Olsen, R&D Manager, Marine Technology and Innovation, Hempel
  • Jan Michelsen, Director of Department, Hydro- & Aerodynamics, Simulation, Ports & Training at FORCE Technology
  • Martin Riis Hansen, Director, Head of Maritime Policy and International Affairs, Danish Maritime Authority
  • Per Winther Christensen, Head of Technical Affairs, Danish Shipping
  • Jenny N. Braat, CEO, Danish Maritime
  • Mette Sanne Hansen, Head of Maritime DTU, Technical University of Denmark