About us

Fionia Maritime Academy

The concept behind Fionia Maritime Academy is straightforward yet essential: to create a high-quality academy for seafarers, providing specialized training in relevant maritime skills. Empowering seafarers with the knowledge and expertise they need.

A business academy for seafarers offering specialized maritime education.

Fionia Maritime Academy is dedicated to providing educational pathways, offering high-quality, industry-focused training for seafarers worldwide. We focus on personalized career development as part of a shipping company.

At Fionia Maritime Academy, we leverage modern technology to deliver high-quality business education to seafarers worldwide. Inspired by the story of H.N. Andersen, a 19th-century seafarer who transformed his life through learning, we aim to provide the same life-changing opportunities to today’s maritime professionals.

Creating individual opportunities

Fionia Maritime Academy provides high-quality learning for seafarers within business education. Our teaching method reflects this vision, and we have based it on a principle: The 50 – 25 – 1 Principle

We never enroll more than 50 participants per class to ensure each participant is heard and recognized.
We never teach for more than 25 minutes at a time—followed by quizzes, questions, and conversations—to maintain flexibility and attention.
We always include 1:1 live conversations as an integral part of the course to establish a personal connection with the participant.

Why Fionia? The story behind our name

Fionia Maritime Academy proudly derives its name from the M/S Fionia, one of the first ocean-going diesel-driven vessels built by Burmeister & Wain (B&W) in 1914. Known in the Far East as “Four Sticks Bamboo – No Puff-Puff” due to its four masts and absence of a funnel, the Fionia served East Asiatic Company (EAC) for an impressive 40 years, operating on the liner route between Copenhagen and Bangkok until 1954.

In 1929, the three Danish princes—Frederik, Knud, and Axel—embarked on an expedition to the Far East on the Fionia. This journey, spanning over three months, was highlighted by Crown Prince Frederik’s reflections on the teaching, debates, and discussions which took place onboard.

The Fionia symbolizes enduring quality, global trade, and human curiosity —principles that Fionia Maritime Academy strives to embody.

“Fionia” is also the Latin name for the Danish island of Fyn, where the academy is registered.

Our Vision

Education is the key to enhancing welfare and social mobility—onboard ships, within companies, in home countries, and globally. We are committed to empowering seafarers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Meet the Executive Team

Marianne Rehn

Executive Advisor, Board Member

International business director with core strengths in strategic business development, competitive brand positioning with an ESG focus, and transformation. Expertise in sales, marketing, and customer experience management.

Martin Jes Iversen

Co-Founder

Fionia Maritime Academy

Researcher focused on innovation and globalization within the maritime sector, particularly organizational dynamics related to new business models and regime changes.

Iryna Malmberg

Project Manager

Fionia Maritime Academy

Over 10 years of experience in international business with a focus on the ocean transportation sector. Expertise in strategic leadership, coaching, and enhancing customer experience management.

Board of directors

Esben Poulsson

Chairman

International business leader with extensive executive and non-executive experience in international shipping, particularly in dry bulk and product tankers.

Martin Jes Iversen

Co-Founder, Board Member

Researcher focused on innovation and globalization within the maritime sector, particularly organizational dynamics related to new business models and regime changes.

Marianne Rehn

Executive Advisor, Board Member

Tenna Løwe Lundum Iversen

Co-Founder, Board Member

Manager with a proven record of improving civic society through the development and digitization of key institutions.

Anne Panknin Kristensen

Board Member

Maritime industry leader with expertise in education, talent development, and building the skills needed for the future of shipping.

Advisory Board

Svend Lykke Larsen

Chair

Contributing expertise from the Maritime Digital Solutions & Services sector, including technologies such as satellite and cellular connectivity, cybersecurity, and IoT/OT, which are key enablers of maritime business transformation. Bringing management and business development experience from leading maritime service providers, as well as Board and Advisory Board, Strategy and Project Management functions.

Cecilie Enevoldsen

Advisory Board Member

Extensive experience in the maritime and shipping industry, with a strong background in operations, people management, and organisational development. Currently serves as Head of Workforce Planning at DSB, combining strategic workforce management with a focus on efficient day-to-day operations. Specializes in transformation, workforce management, and operational excellence.

Niels Kjær-Petersen

Advisory Board Member

More than 35 years of experience in the shipping industry, including over 20 years in top management positions at ship-owning companies in Denmark and abroad. Has in-depth knowledge of chartering, vessel operations, derivatives and freight trading, as well as risk management.

Katrine Zujeva

Advisory Board Member

Maritime professional with experience in commercial strategy, data analysis, and organisational development. Currently serves as Commercial Reporting Specialist at Ultrabulk, supporting commercial decision-making through financial and operational data. Also involved in promoting diversity, professional development, and stronger connections between education and the maritime industry.

Thomas Roslyng Olesen

Advisory Board Member

Head of the Maritime Research Alliance in Denmark with 15 years of experience in maritime research and education. Has worked at the University of Southern Denmark (2009–2012), Copenhagen Business School (2014–2025), and the World Maritime University (2024–2025). Specializes in maritime governance, regulation, and strategy.

Faculty