The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), a global coalition of leaders from across the maritime ecosystem committed to steering the shipping industry toward a sustainable future in alignment with environmental, social, has elected Susan Ruffo and Olivia Swift as Trustees of the organisation’s Board, following a recent AGM held in Dubai.
Katharine Palmer and Simon Bennett were re-elected to the Board. Their ongoing contributions reinforce SSI’s commitment to strong governance and strategic direction.
Ruffo is said to be an internationally recognised expert in ocean and climate policy, bringing extensive experience in advancing global environmental governance, cross-sector collaboration, and maritime sustainability. She has held senior leadership roles across civil society, government, and philanthropic organisations focused on ocean health and climate solutions, including serving as a senior advisor on ocean and climate issues at major international institutions, and is currently Senior Advisor to the United Nations Foundation.
Swift is a maritime systems and safety specialist, with expertise in research, partnerships, and strategic grant-making within the maritime and ocean sectors. With an academic background in anthropology and significant field research experience in port communities and seafaring environments, Swift is currently the Head of Maritime Systems at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, where she leads initiatives aimed at improving maritime safety and translating complex research into real-world impact.
SSI CEO Ellie Besley-Gould said: “We are honoured to welcome Susan Ruffo and Olivia Swift to the SSI Board of Trustees. Their combined expertise in ocean policy, maritime systems, and cross-sector engagement will be instrumental as SSI continues to advance sustainable practices and collaborative solutions across the global shipping industry.”
