Interferry Elects New Board at Bangkok AGM
Four new members join the board as Marcus Risberg of Viking Line takes over as Interferry president for a one-year term.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Cruises
Interferry elected a new Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting in Bangkok, held alongside its 50th anniversary conference. Four new board members were welcomed to serve four-year terms, while Marcus Risberg of Viking Line was appointed President for a one-year term.
Why it matters
The board changes shape the leadership of the global ferry trade association, which represents more than 300 companies across roughly 40 countries. The leadership transition also sets up the organization's next major gathering, the Interferry2027 conference.
Interferry's membership exceeds 300 companies, 2,200 individuals and organizations across more than 40 countries. The global ferry sector transports about four billion passengers and 370 million vehicles each year, though the release does not detail how these figures were measured.
The players
Interferry
The international trade association representing the global ferry and passenger shipping industry, with members in more than 40 countries.
Marcus Risberg
Executive at Viking Line, the Finnish-Swedish ferry operator, who was appointed president of Interferry for a one-year term.
Götz Becker
Chairman of the Interferry Board of Directors, reconfirmed for a one-year term, and associated with FRS ferry services.
The details
Board members were voted in during the Annual General Meeting held in conjunction with Interferry's 50th anniversary conference in Bangkok. Robert Blažinović of Jadrolinija, Erik Bombard of Catalina Express, Chris Carbone of Spirit of Tasmania and Kasper Moos of P&O Ferries were among the new members, while Greta Bedard, Terry MacRae and Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram are stepping down.
Timeline
- Annual General Meeting and officer elections held in Bangkok during the 50th anniversary conference, November 2026
- Four-year terms begin for the newly elected board members
- Marcus Risberg and Götz Becker serve one-year officer terms
- Interferry2027 conference takes place in Mariehamn, Åland in 2027
Industry Landscape
Interferry's leadership renewal comes as the global ferry sector carries roughly four billion passengers and 370 million vehicles a year. The association's own conference cycle, now leading to Interferry2027 in Mariehamn, Åland, frames how the industry coordinates policy across borders.
For travelers who rely on ferry routes, board changes at Interferry rarely affect bookings directly, but the association's policy work shapes safety standards and operations. Passengers planning sea travel can still benefit from checking individual operators' schedules for any route changes.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at trade associations often signal shifts in industry priorities, so following who leads Interferry can offer a sense of where ferry policy is heading. Keeping an eye on operator announcements is the most practical way for travelers to track changes that affect their trips.
What happens next
The Interferry2027 conference will take place in Mariehamn, Åland, marking the next milestone for the association's new leadership.
Further reading
Explore more ferry and passenger shipping coverage in the Cruises section.
