IMEC25
International Maritime
Emergencies Conference
Lorenzo Iannini
ESA – European Space Agency. The Netherlands
Mission Scientist.
Lorenzo Lannini is a remote sensing scientist with over 15 years of experience in Earth Observation and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). He holds an MSc in Telecommunications Engineering and a Ph.D. in information Engineering, both awarded by Politecnico di Milano.
For the past four years, Lorenzo has been working at the Earth and Mission Science Division within ESA ESTEC and has been supporting the science activities related to the future Copernicus SAR Missions. Throughout his career, he has been involved in multiple projects focused on developing radar signal processing algorithms, designing SAR system concepts, and evaluating the performance of spaceborne SAR systems.
Miguel Ángel Redondo
HISDESAT. Spain
Commercial & Business Development Director.
Miguel Angel Redondo is joining HISDESAT, Spanish Governmental Satellite Operator, since November 2013 as Chief Commercial Officer and member of its Management Committee.
He has a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), graduated in the National Defense Course by CESEDEN (Spanish MoD) and has an MBA from the ADM Business School.
He is author of multiple articles published in national and international publications, speaker in conferences related with the space sector, defense and ITU.
Previously, he was the Commercial Director and a member of the Management Committee of HISPASAT, and technical expert for the European Commission in Bradford (United Kingdom).
Carlos Román
Maxar. USA
Business Development.
Carlos Román is a Business Development professional with over 20 years of experience in the geospatial industry and holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration.
Carlos brings deep expertise in Earth observation, geospatial solutions, and satellite applications, supporting government and institutional customers with mission-critical insights. Carlos is passionate about the adoption of geospatial intelligence across defense and security domains, helping bridge cutting-edge space capabilities with real-world operational needs.
For the past eight years, he has been with Maxar Technologies, where he leads business development activities for Southern Europe in the Defense and Intelligence market.
Captain Krzysztof Orlowski
National Maritime Safety Authority. Papua New Guinea
MSc, Navigational Engineer, AFNI, Maritime Management Professional, Class 1 Master Mariner.
Accomplished leader with over 40 years of combined experience in the maritime industry including 14 years in command of commercial vessels, mainly container and ro-ro of British, French and German Owners, operated by A.P. Moller-Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg Süd, Delmas, Hartman, Peter Döhle and MOL.
8 years on position of Executive Manager Maritime Operations at PNG National Maritime Safety Authority. In charge of 7 operational departments including: MRCC, Marine Environment Protection, Ship Survey & Inspection, Small Crafts, Hydrography, Aids to Navigation and Maritime Domain Awareness. Board Member in the PNG Maritime College.
Marine Consultant, ISM, ISPS Auditor and MLC Inspector, Designated Person Ashore, Marine Casualty Investigator, Crewing Manager, Company Fleet Safety Officer. In charge of cadet training program for Delmas and Peter Doehle shipping companies. Specialise in maritime security, anti-stowaways and anti-piracy procedures in West Africa, evaluation seaworthiness of ships, cargo procedures, IMDG, marine environment protection and quality control. Passionate about implementing modern technologies for SAR, detecting dark ships and oil spill incidents.
Maryia Urazaeva
Satellite Applications Catapult. UK
Senior Business Development Manager.
Maryia Urazaeva is an experienced Senior Business Development Professional in the space industry with over 15 years’ background and a primary specialisation in Earth observation, satellite applications, and geoinformation services. She has recently expanded her expertise beyond Earth to explore in-orbit infrastructure and services. In particular, she is focused on the potential of orbital data centres, which enable faster delivery of insights where time is critical and offer more sustainable solutions powered by space.
Maryia is passionate about innovation and committed to advancing the cross-sector adoption of space. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge technologies and real-world applications, supporting commercialisation, user engagement, and sustainable growth in the evolving space economy.
Elisa Callejo
Thales Alenia Space. Spain
Telecommunications Engineer.
Elisa Callejo is a Telecommunications Engineer with a Master degree in Project Management. She has been with Thales Alenia Space for 21 years, in several positions.
She is an space enthusiast, and since 2023 she is Sales Manager in Thales Alenia Space in Spain, working in diverse business development activities, with emphasis in solutions for Earth Observation and Science domains and products such as those based on Artificial Intelligence or other innovative techniques.
Fernando Ripoll
SkyFlare. Spain
Mission System Specialist.
Fernando Ripoll holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV). For the past 17 years, he has worked with companies in the emergency aeronautics sector, working in both Spain and South America. Notable projects he has worked on include training and maintaining mission systems and sensors on board maritime rescue aircraft, integrating, designing, and certifying aerial surveillance systems, and managing mission software development.
Ripoll currently works as a Mission Systems Specialist at SkyFlare, where he designs operating concepts, sensors, mission systems, and control software for the company’s UAS.
Mahyar Golabi Rahnema
Cheiron Petroleum Corporation. Egypt
Group HSEQ & Sustainability Director.
Mahyar Golabi Rahnema is a strategic HSEQ and Sustainability Executive with over 22 years of international leadership experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. He currently serves as Group HSEQ & Sustainability Director at Cheiron Petroleum Corporation, driving operational excellence, ESG integration, and energy transition across upstream assets.
Mahyar is known for his forward-thinking mindset, having led major cultural transformation programs and sustainability-linked initiatives in complex operating environments. He is passionate about building purposeful, inclusive, and high-performing organizations.
Isabela Gómez Luna
ORBITAL. Spain
EO Engineer and Project Manager.
Oceanographer with 15+ years of experience in environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance, and satellite remote sensing. Extensive background in airborne sensor operation and mission coordination, gained during more than a decade at SASEMAR.
Currently EO Engineer and Project Manager at Orbital EOS, overseeing 24/7 operational services, analyst coordination, emergency workflows, and contributing to the company’s internal structuring. Participant in Horizon 2020 R&D projects focused on ocean sensing and integrated marine management.
Amador Castro Pereira
Consellería do Mar de la Xunta de Galicia. Spain
Head of Maritime Search, Rescue, and Pollution Control Service.
Amador Castro Pereira, 49, born in Ferrol and raised in Vigo, is a specialist in maritime safety, emergency response at sea, and marine pollution prevention. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nautical Studies and Maritime Transport (National Award, 2002) from the University of A Coruña and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Santiago de Compostela.
With over 15 years of service in the Spanish Maritime Administration, he has held positions such as Merchant Navy Captain, Navy Lieutenant (Honorary Reservist), and civil servant in the Civil Navy Corps. Since 2009, he has worked as Head of the Maritime District, Safety Inspector, and Port State Control Officer in the Harbour Master Offices of Las Palmas and Vigo.
Since 2024, he has led the Galician Coastguard’s Maritime Search, Rescue, and Pollution Control Service under the Xunta de Galicia. He oversees 24/7 emergency coordination, maritime rescue operations, and implementation of the Galician marine pollution response plan (CAMGAL), part of Spain’s national system. The Galician Coastguard is recognized as Spain’s oldest and one of Europe’s most capable civilian SAR services.
Garbiñe Ayensa
INTECMAR. Spain
Head of the Documentation and Scientific Support Unit.
Garbiñe Ayensa holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and has been working for over two decades to protect the marine environment from accidental pollution. She is head of the Documentation and Scientific Support Unit at the Technological Institute for the Control of the Marine Environment of Galicia (INTECMAR), a reference centre under the Galician Ministry of the Sea (Xunta de Galicia).
Her work focuses on providing technical and scientific support to the CAMGAL Plan — Galicia’s contingency plan for accidental marine pollution incidents — which is part of the Spanish National Response System. She has taken part in numerous international projects aimed at improving preparedness for these types of risks, and is one of the driving forces behind the Galician Coastal Observatory, a key tool for understanding the region’s coastal environment.
She is currently involved in various European projects, including MANIFESTS GENIUS (DGECHO), which seeks to improve response capacity to toxic cloud incidents in marine settings.
Javier García Robles
Open Cosmos. Spain
Data Partnerships Manager.
Javier has +16 years of experience in the Earth Observation sector in positions like Remote sensing engineer and Interferometric SAR data processing specialist, having been the Head of Geospatial Solutions group in TRE ALTAMIRA between 2019 and 2024.
He holds a MsC in telecommunication engineering and Master’s in GIS from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya providing a strong foundation for his expertise in Earth Observation and GIS domains. In January 2016, he was recognized as one of the noteworthy professionals under 40 years of age in the field of geospatial professions and industries.
In mid-2024, he joined Open Cosmos with the role of Data Partnerships Manager, to foster strategic alliances and accelerate a data ecosystem of satellite data, support building solutions (applications and analytics) above the satellite imagery to serve different industries in different sectors.
Valentín Canales
B2Space. Spain
Co-CEO & CTO.
Valentín Canales is the Co-CEO and CTO of B2Space, a leading European company pioneering High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) platforms for advanced Earth Observation and Communication services.
With a BSc and MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Valentín has led cutting-edge aerospace projects across Spain, Germany, France, and the UK, contributing to flagship programs such as the Airbus A350XWB and the Rolls-Royce V2500 and Trent 1000 XWB engines.
Driven by a strong belief in the transformative potential of stratospheric systems, he is dedicated to expanding the frontiers of HAPS technology to tackle global challenges, enhance life on Earth, and enable sustainable development.
Pol Llorca
Airbus Intelligence. Spain
Head of Business Development.
Pol Llorca is an engineer and serves as the HAPS Program Manager at Airbus GeoTech, where he leads the development of the Earth observation program using high-altitude stratospheric platforms (HAPS).
He has been involved in the project since its conceptual phase and is currently spearheading its transition to the commercial stage, combining technological innovation with strategic applications for clients across multiple sectors.
Carlos Hernández Medel
Telespazio Ibérica. Spain
Director of Marketing and Sales.
Carlos is an Aeronautical Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and holds an MBA from Robert Kennedy College. He has over 20 years of experience in the aerospace sector.
Throughout his career, he has held key positions at leading companies in the industry, including GMV, AENA, Tecnobit, Aries, and Everis. Carlos has extensive experience managing both technical and commercial teams and is well recognized in the sector for his solid professional track record in satellite navigation.
He joined Telespazio Ibérica in 2020 as Director of Marketing, Sales, and Business Development.
Carlos Fernández de la Peña
Telespazio Ibérica. Spain
Chief Executive Officer.
Carlos holds a degree in Physical Sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and has completed the General Management Program (PDG) at IESE Business School, University of Navarra.
He brings over 25 years of international experience in management, strategy, and business development, with a career consistently focused on technology and the space sector.
From founding Deimos—responsible for launching Spain’s first two commercial Earth observation satellites—to driving business growth and consolidation in his previous role at Open Cosmos, Carlos has built an international career centered on leveraging space technology to solve real-world problems.
He joined Telespazio Ibérica as Chief Executive Officer in December 2022.
José Manuel Allegue
MRCC Almeria. Spain
Chief.
José Manuel Allegue holds a degree in Merchant Marine from the University of Cantabria and a Master’s in Civil Protection and Emergency Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
He began his career in the merchant navy, sailing on oil tankers, refrigerated vessels, and container ships. He later transitioned into professional yacht racing, taking part in high-level regattas, including the prestigious America’s Cup and other international competitions.
Following this, he spent six years managing recreational marinas across the Spanish mainland, gaining solid experience in nautical facility operations. In 1999, he joined the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency (SASEMAR), initially as a Maritime Traffic Controller, then as Head of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (CCS) in Santander. Since 2021, he has served as Head of the Rescue Coordination and VTS Center in Almería.
Specializing in the planning and coordination of search and rescue operations, remote sensing services, and operational communications, José Manuel is recognized for his leadership and expertise in maritime rescue and emergency management.
Antonio Padial
MRCC Valencia. Spain
Chief.
A highly experienced Spanish Merchant Marine Captain with over a decade of seafaring experience, he has built a distinguished career in both maritime operations and management. After more than 10 years navigating international waters, he transitioned into the private sector, where he spent six years further honing his leadership, coordination, and organizational skills in a corporate environment.
His professional journey then led him to SASEMAR (the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency), where he initially took on the role of Maritime Traffic Controller. Demonstrating exceptional decision-making and operational oversight, he was soon promoted to Shift Supervisor, and ultimately appointed as Head of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (CCS) in Valencia.
Throughout his career, he has shown a consistent commitment to safety, operational excellence, and public service, effectively managing high-pressure situations and leading multidisciplinary teams in dynamic and mission-critical environments.
Mª Evangelina Díaz Delgado
Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency (SASEMAR). Spain
Operations Chief.
Mª Evangelina Díaz Delgado is the Director of Operations at the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency (SASEMAR), where she oversees the coordination of responses to maritime emergencies at both national and international levels. She ensures the operational readiness of maritime and aerial assets, as well as coordination centers.
With over 25 years of experience in the maritime sector, she has built her career as a Merchant Navy officer, SAR and VTS controller, and has held leadership roles in various strategic areas within SASEMAR, including fleet management, strategic planning, quality, sustainability, and institutional relations.
She specializes in corporate communication, sustainability, and the operational management of complex maritime emergencies. She also serves as the company’s Designated Person Ashore (DPA).
Armando José Teixeira Rodrigues Pires Lopes
Port Maritime Institute “IMP”
Republic of Cabo Verde
Executive Member of the Board of Directors.
Armando holds a degree in Transport Management, Intermodality, and Logistics from the Infante D. Henrique Nautical School in Lisbon (2005), and a Master’s in Maritime Law and International Trade from Valladolid University in partnership with the University of Mindelo.
Since 2007, he has held various leadership roles at Enapor, S.A., including Port Delegate in Brava (2008–2011), and Head of several departments—Traffic and Goods, Goods, and Ships. In 2022, he briefly served as Director of Operations and Logistics at Porto Grande. He has also served in São Vicente and Brava, and since June 2022, he has been an Executive Board Member at the Port Maritime Institute (IMP), Cape Verde’s national maritime authority.
Guy Thomas
NATO. USA
Science & Technology (S&T) Advisor. Chairman, Maritime Security Information Sharing Working Group NATO CJOS COE.
Guy Thomas is a leading expert in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and space-based surveillance. As the U.S.’s first S&T Advisor for MDA, he authored key national strategies and the C-SIGMA concept, foundational to the 2010 U.S. Space Policy. With 35 years in military intelligence, he led reconnaissance missions across air, sea, and space, and helped pioneer Satellite AIS.
A Distinguished Naval War College graduate with dual MBAs, he’s received major honors including NGA’s Industry Individual of the Year and the US Space Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He’s also an author and co-runs a B&B in Baltimore.
Miquel Moyano
ARPEL. Uruguay
Senior Advisor.
Miguel Moyano is a Senior Advisor at ARPEL with over four decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, specializing in oil spill contingency planning, environmental management, and operational safety. He is co-author of the international RETOS™ tool and technical guidelines used in over 100 countries.
He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, a diploma in Marine Pollution Chemistry from the University of Liverpool, and an MBA in Oil and Gas from Middlesex University.
Juan Peña
ORBITAL. Spain
CEO
Juan Peña is the CEO and Co-founder of Orbital EOS, a space-tech company leveraging satellite technology to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
With a solid background in oceanography and deep expertise in remote sensing, Juan blends scientific insight with entrepreneurial drive to develop innovative, data-driven solutions. As a current PhD candidate in artificial intelligence, he is strongly committed to advancing the use of space-based technologies to build a more sustainable and resilient planet.
Pablo Benjumeda
ORBITAL. Spain
COO
Pablo Benjumeda is an Industrial Engineer with an MSc in Remote Sensing. He began his career at Airbus as a remote sensing specialist before joining the Spanish Coast Guard in 2008. Over 12 years of service, he led the team of aircraft tactical coordinators for Search and Rescue operations and environmental monitoring, logging more than 4,500 flight hours and performing over 2,000 in-situ oil spill detections and analyses.
In 2018, Pablo co-founded Orbital EOS, where he serves as Chief Operations Officer. The company delivers expert, satellite-based intelligence for oil spill detection, analysis, and forecasting, leveraging cutting-edge technology to tackle complex environmental challenges worldwide.
As COO, Pablo oversees operations, strategic partnerships, and innovation initiatives, ensuring the company’s solutions deliver measurable impact for clients in the maritime, energy, and environmental sectors.
