An expert has been taken on by cruise line trade body Clia as director general in Europe to push the sector’s sustainability agenda.
Samuel Maubanc was previously head of EU affairs and general manager for Neste, a leading producer of renewable fuels.
He has almost two decades of experience in EU policy and public affairs, with a focus on decarbonisation ambitions driven by increasing the availability of competitively priced sustainable fuels, and security of supply channels in the transportation sector.
As head of the association’s European office in Brussels, he will be responsible for driving advocacy efforts on behalf of member cruise lines operating in Europe.
Maubanc’s role includes championing policies that support the sector’s energy transition in pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as the cruise industry’s engagement with ports and destinations to promote “responsible growth”.
Clia chief executive Kelly Craighead said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to CLIA and are confident his leadership and policy experience will help support and accelerate the cruise industry’s ambitious sustainability agenda.
“As a well-respected, and knowledgeable advocacy expert with a specialisation in circular and renewable energy solutions, Sam will undoubtedly help our industry continue to build on its strong policy positions and priorities in ways that will continue to foster our member lines’ success.”
Maubanc added: “Never before has there been this level of momentum, complexity, and urgency for building sustainable transport pathways, in particular in the context of implementing the EU ‘Fit-for-55’ policy package.
“This notably includes increasing the scalability and competitiveness of renewable fuels and establishing a stable and secure supply chain for maritime as an integral part of the transportation sector.
“The cruise industry is an important driver of European competitiveness and maritime industrial innovation, and I look forward to working with policymakers, ports and destinations, and Clia-member cruise lines to help take the industry’s leadership to the next level.”