Meet the Team – Dr. Johannes Schmidt
Through our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we continue to put the spotlight on the people behind the ISL. We offer personal insights into their career paths, their areas of expertise and what motivates them. This highlights who is helping to shape our projects and who, through their knowledge and commitment, shapes the ISL every day.
Today’s profile: Dr. Johannes Schmidt, Expert in strategic port development.
What is your area of expertise?
My expertise lies at the intersection of strategy, sustainability and port development. After completing my PhD in economics, I gained over ten years’ international experience. Today, I support ports and governments in developing sustainable strategies, master plans, market analyses and governance frameworks. I am a strategic generalist with an eye for the bigger picture – and, I must admit, a bit of a port nerd too.
How did you come to join ISL?
I have spent my career in the port sector, gaining experience across research, consulting, and international port management. I started as a research associate before joining HPC Hamburg Port Consulting as a Senior Consultant for Sustainability, followed by leadership roles at the Hamburg Port Authority and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International. These experiences gave me the opportunity to work with ports around the world on strategy, sustainability, governance, and master planning. Joining ISL in 2026 after my time in Antwerp felt like homecoming. It allowed me to combine two things I am passionate about: applied research and international consultancy, to shape the ports of tomorrow.
What does your work at the institute involve?
My focus at ISL is on developing and delivering international projects in the fields of maritime markets, and sustainable development. I work closely with international partners and clients to initiate new projects, develop innovative solutions, and translate research into practical strategies for ports worldwide. Beyond project work, I enjoy contributing to ISL discussion papers and thought leadership, helping to shape the international debate on the future of ports.
What do you like most about your work?
What I value most about the ISL is the open and collegial atmosphere, as well as the freedom to contribute and develop new ideas. I find the exchange with my colleagues particularly enriching, as well as the high level of specialist expertise available within the institute. For my part, I enjoy bringing a lot of energy, fresh ideas and an international perspective to our collaborative work. And, of course, I’m always keen to get involved in projects with an international dimension – especially when they take me directly to our clients on site.
Would you share a personal detail with us?
Outside of work, I am passionate about sports, economics, politics, travelling, and good coffee. I played water polo for many years in the German Bundesliga, an experience that shaped my character and taught me the value of teamwork. Today, I enjoy exploring the world. Both privately with friends and professionally through international port projects in countries such as Angola, Mexico, Singapore, and across Europe. Whether discussing economics and politics over a good coffee or discovering a new destination, I am always curious to learn from different people and cultures. I have been fortunate to visit well over 100 destinations around the globe, and there are still many more on my list.
