Peter Mannion

Chief Operating Officer, Port Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

As the Chief Operating Officer at Ports Victoria since July 2021, our guest speaker Peter hosts a wealth of global experience in maritime law, port management, and shipping operations. His strategic leadership has shaped operations across diverse roles, including his tenure as CEO of the Victorian Regional Channels Authority, where he oversaw key ports like Geelong, Hastings, and Portland. Prior to this, he founded Mandels Marine Pty Ltd, offering consultancy for safe, compliant, and sustainable marine operations. His long-standing association with Rio Tinto as General Manager of Marine Fleet Operations and Safety saw him manage one of the world’s largest dry bulk fleets, enhancing commercial efficiency while ensuring strict compliance with international safety standards. His tenure as Legal Counsel at Rio Tinto also marked a transformation in internal legal processes, significantly reducing reliance on external advisors.

With a career rooted in maritime law, (an LLB and a Master’s degree in Maritime Law from the University of Cape Town) and his early roles as a Senior Associate Lawyer and P&I Claims Manager enabled him to cultivate a deep understanding of the shipping industry. This solid foundation supported his significant contributions to organizations like RightShip, where he served as Chair and advanced global standards in ship vetting and sustainability. With his background, Peter has seamlessly integrated legal expertise with operational leadership, driving innovation and championing sustainability in the maritime sector—skills from which we could all draw inspiration!