Meet the Sustainable Flow Experts 3/7: International Transport Development Association (ITDA)
International Transport Development Association (ITDA) is a non-governmental, non-profit association established in Latvia in 2016. ITDA unites professionals and experts from the fields of maritime, road, rail, and air transport, logistics, environmental protection, and digitalisation. The association’s main goal is to foster sustainable development in the transport sector by supporting international cooperation, promoting innovation, and sharing best practices.
ITDA acts as a professional platform for dialogue and collaboration between public authorities, private sector stakeholders, academic institutions, and international partners. The association initiates and coordinates cross-sectoral projects on topics such as sustainable mobility, port digitalisation, green logistics, and climate resilience. ITDA also actively represents its members’ interests in European and international initiatives, expert groups, and industry forums, contributing to the modernisation and competitiveness of the transport sector. On these issues, ITDA works in close cooperation with the ports of Latvia, particularly the Freeport of Riga.
This article series introduces the experts behind the Sustainable Flow project, continuing with the International Transport Development Association (ITDA). We asked their team of three experts to share who they are, what their role in the project is, what they find important or innovative about it, and to offer a glimpse into their life outside of work.
Deniss Bickovs
With a career deeply rooted in the maritime sector, I bring more than 20 years of hands-on and strategic experience to the field of port development and sustainable mobility. I hold master’s degrees in diplomacy and engineering and am currently pursuing a PhD in transport at the Latvian Maritime Academy. Throughout my career, I have managed and coordinated major projects in the Freeport of Riga, including the implementation of port community systems, maritime digitalization platforms, VTS, and various initiatives in port automation and environmental monitoring. I have represented Latvia in numerous European Union working groups and have been a key expert in international projects such as Interreg and HORIZON.
Within Sustainable Flow, I serve as the project strategist and coordinator from the Riga side, ensuring that the pilot port’s activities are aligned with the project’s goals and international best practices. I am responsible for high-level coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of advanced IT solutions to enhance port sustainability and decarbonization. Understanding the importance and responsibility of the project, I combine my deep maritime expertise with experience in managing complex IT and digitalization projects.
I find great satisfaction in shaping the future of Baltic ports, knowing that the results of Sustainable Flow will set new standards in efficiency and sustainability.
My hobby is restoring classic cars, especially 1960s Volkswagen Beetles.
Veranika Khlud
I hold a master’s degree in management and am currently pursuing my PhD at Riga Technical University with a dissertation on the integration of digital technologies and automation in the logistics management of the Freeport of Riga. I am the author of more than 20 scientific publications on various topics.
In 2024, I joined the Sustainable Flow project, inspired by my research into the motivation of maritime students to engage in innovation. This followed several years of studying youth motivation for work.
Within Sustainable Flow, my responsibilities include PR management, coordination of internal processes, as well as data collection and analysis, with a focus on research and scientific publications in the fields of maritime logistics, decarbonization, and green ports.
I believe that the pilot ports involved in the project, including the Freeport of Riga, will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and set an inspiring example for other Baltic ports. My inspiration comes from leading global ports like Rotterdam and Singapore, which successfully combine innovation, digitalization, and sustainability.
Travel is my best way to recharge. I always try to visit ports in every city or country I travel to, and I share my impressions and industry insights on this topic in a dedicated series on LinkedIn.
Ieva Demjanenko
I have a strong academic and professional background in the maritime field. I graduated from the Latvian Maritime Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Ship Navigation and later obtained a Professional Master’s degree in Maritime Transport – Management Engineering. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Transport at Riga Technical University, focusing on maritime innovation and environmental protection.
Before joining academia full-time, I spent six years at the State Environmental Service of Latvia as a project manager. Today, I serve as the Head of Innovation Strategy at the RTU Latvian Maritime Academy. I am proud that I can be a part of the team and work as Project Manager Assistant at the International Transport Development Association (ITDA), supporting collaboration across the Baltic Sea region and beyond.
In this project, I mainly contribute to Work Package 2, which focuses on situational analysis and energy efficiency assessments in ports. This work aligns closely with my doctoral research and long-standing interest in the environmental performance of maritime infrastructure. I enjoy most of the work, the analytical work – exploring data, comparing case studies, and finding insights that help ports become more energy-efficient and sustainable. I also appreciate working with a diverse, international team that shares a passion for maritime innovation.
This project is unique in its practical impact – the digital tool we’re developing will help ports monitor and improve their environmental performance. Its open-source nature makes it accessible not only to ports of all sizes, but also to educators and students. The guidance tool will support informed decision-making and knowledge sharing among ports, making the project timely and meaningful.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family – I’m a proud mother of two boys, and activities like walks in nature or cultural events help keep me grounded. I also love reading, especially maritime literature, Latvian historical fiction, and detective novels – they recharge me and spark new ideas.
Writers and editors: Deniss Bickovs, Veranika Khlud, Ieva Demjanenko, Veera Iisakkala & Meri-Maaria Salo.
