Lofte’s team brings decades of hands-on experience in marine logistics, gained across some of Australia’s most complex ports and cargo projects. Our operational foundations aren’t theoretical—they’re practical, shaped by years on the ground.
10 to 25 years of wharf and port management experience per team member
Expertise across vessel operations, bulk and container handling, project cargo, and technical compliance
Firsthand knowledge of port captaincy, vessel chartering, and supply chain coordination
History of delivering full end-to-end marine supply chain projects
Marine logistics is one of the most critical but often overlooked links in Australia’s infrastructure, energy, and resource economy. At its best, it keeps ports flowing, projects moving, and supply chains on track. But at its worst, it can be slow, fragmented, outdated, and hard to navigate.
Lofte was born out of a belief that this industry can and should be better. Safer, smarter, and more transparent. One where people are respected, cargo is handled with care, and clients don’t need to chase for answers or second-guess performance.
Our founders didn’t come from marketing departments or boardrooms. They came from the wharf, from operations, from project delivery. They knew there was a better way to manage marine logistics and cargo handling because they had lived the frustrations firsthand.
Today, we operate across Australia, supporting complex project cargo, heavy lift operations, port-side management and logistics advisory services. Our clients range from resource companies and infrastructure projects to marine engineers and vessel operators anyone who needs a partner who can take ownership of the full picture.
Lofte is a premium marine logistics and port services provider delivering safe, smart, and efficient operations across Australia.
We specialise in managing critical cargo and complex project logistics offering everything from vessel planning and chartering to hands-on stevedoring, marine technical services, port-side management, and supply chain integration.
But beyond what we do, it’s how we do it that makes the difference. We combine deep operational expertise, smart systems, and a collaborative culture to make sure every job is done properly, every time.
“I would recommend Lofte to everyone! They are great to work with and are excellent people. Thank you all!”
“I would recommend Lofte to everyone! They are great to work with and are excellent people. Thank you all!”
“I would recommend Lofte to everyone! They are great to work with and are excellent people. Thank you all!”
Not just lifting cargo, but lifting standards, expectations, and outcomes across the board. We’re here to move more than freight. We move performance, precision, and pride in the job.
With more than two decades of experience across marine logistics, port operations, stevedoring, and complex project cargo delivery, David Larsen leads Lofte Group’s strategic direction and national growth. Having managed some of Australia’s largest infrastructure and resource logistics projects, he is recognised for delivering practical, results-driven solutions that improve supply chain performance, operational efficiency, and client outcomes. David’s leadership philosophy is built on accountability, transparency, and a commitment to moving critical cargo safely and efficiently.
Cristian Rapanaro is an accomplished executive leader with more than 20 years of commercial leadership experience spanning finance, energy, logistics, and offshore services. As Commercial Director, he drives Lofte’s commercial strategy, client partnerships, and business growth initiatives. Known for his people-first leadership style and strategic mindset, Cristian plays a key role in strengthening Lofte’s capability to deliver complex marine logistics and project cargo solutions across Australia.
Gavin Wilkes leads Lofte’s operational delivery across port services, stevedoring, and marine logistics projects. With nearly two decades of industry experience, he brings extensive expertise in vessel operations, cargo handling, workforce leadership, and operational planning. Gavin is focused on ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable project execution, working closely with clients and on-the-ground teams to deliver high-performance outcomes in demanding port and logistics environments across Australia.
Dion Bond leads Lofte Group’s compliance, governance, and risk management functions, ensuring the business operates to the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational integrity. With extensive experience across maritime, logistics, and industrial sectors, Dion brings a practical and proactive approach to managing risk while enabling business growth. His expertise spans workplace health and safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, contract governance, and organisational risk management, helping clients and stakeholders have confidence in every aspect of Lofte’s operations.
David Brown is an experienced maritime and logistics professional responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of complex marine logistics operations across Lofte Group’s projects. With extensive experience managing vessel movements, cargo operations, supply chain coordination, and project logistics, David plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of cargo from origin to destination. His practical industry knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to operational excellence help clients navigate complex logistics challenges while maintaining schedule certainty and cost efficiency.
Ferras Ballan serves as Port Captain for Lofte Group, providing operational leadership and technical oversight across vessel, port, and cargo operations. With a strong maritime background and extensive experience working with ship operators, port authorities, and stevedoring teams, Ferras ensures that marine activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with industry best practice. His expertise in vessel operations, cargo management, marine safety, and stakeholder coordination supports the successful delivery of complex port and logistics projects throughout Australia.
Kyle Mirco is responsible for driving business support functions across Lofte Group, providing the operational backbone that enables efficient project delivery and client service. With a strong focus on administration, systems management, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, Kyle works closely with leadership and operational teams to streamline processes and improve business performance. His organised, solutions-focused approach ensures that Lofte maintains the agility, responsiveness, and professionalism required to support complex marine logistics and stevedoring operations across Australia.
