European Waterborne Technology Platform elects Maja Novakovic as Chair
At its General Assembly on 06 November 2025, the Waterborne Technology Platform appointed Dr. Maja Novakovic as the association’s Chair for a period of two years.
Currently, Maja Novakovic is Senior Change Manager – Engine Process Development – R&D Two-Stroke at Everllence. Maja has spent the last three years in research and development at Everllence, working across strategy, leadership, and change. Her role connects technical experts with management. “I thrive in the space where ideas meet execution”, says Dr. Novakovic. Maja is a proud European, having lived in Malmö for nearly 20 years, born in Serbia, educated in Sweden, and working in Denmark for a German company.
“I feel very honoured being elected as Chair and look forward to serving the Waterborne Technology Platform and the European waterborne sector through the next two years”, Dr. Novakovic said. “I believe I can represent the full membership with fairness, energy, and clarity. I will work on further strengthening tactical and lasting relationships and aligning our activities with European goals and realities. I’m committed to supporting the Board’s role in ensuring the Association runs smoothly, legally, and strategically, with climate, safety, and societal challenges always kept in focus.”, Dr. Novakovic concluded.
At the same General Assembly, the Waterborne Technology Platform also appointed the following Board members: Chiara Notaro (vice-chair, Cetena), Jorge Quiroga Blanco (vice-chair, Navantia), Loïc van Staey (Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association), Marek Narewski (Polish Register of Shipping), Theresia Hacksteiner (European Inland Waterway Transport Platform), Trond Johnsen (SINTEF), Lukas Ross (DLR), and Benoît Loicq (SEA Europe).
Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General, Waterborne TP, said: “Over the past couple of years, under strategic guidance of the Board, the Waterborne Technology Platform has made significant steps in terms of number of members, in implementing a clear organisational structure, and in establishing a lean and well managed association. Furthermore, the basis to provide input to Horizon Europe beyond 2027, the proposed European Competitiveness Fund and Connecting Europe Facility III has been laid during the mandate of the previous board. Looking forward, ensuring the inclusion of the waterborne sector in relevant EU programmes, including the renewal of the Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport, will be key activities for the coming period. Further strengthening relationships with all stakeholders, public and private alike, will contribute to further developing our activities supporting the transition towards a competitive, resilient and sustainable future.”