Main information
AKS Advisory is an independent strategic advisory firm supporting companies, investors, and public authorities across Europe and internationally in the development, structuring, and governance of complex port, waterfront, and destination infrastructure. The firm provides high‑level consultancy in PPP and concession structuring, long‑term partnerships, governance optimisation, and investment strategy. With deep expertise in port, terminal, cruise, tourism, and waterfront development, AKS Advisory helps clients shape sustainable strategies that balance financial performance, regulatory requirements, and long‑term asset resilience.
History
AKS Advisory builds on nearly three decades of international experience in port, cruise terminal, waterfront, and destination development. The firm evolved from AKS Consulting, founded in 2003 in Genoa, and from 14 years of senior leadership within Royal Caribbean Group, where large scale port and terminal investments, PPP structuring, concession strategy, and governance were core responsibilities. This combined heritage expanded the firm’s scope to high level strategic advisory, supporting ports, authorities, investors, tourism bodies, and operators across Europe and APAC in major development programs and long term positioning initiatives.
Philosophy
AKS Advisory operates with a strategic, partnership driven philosophy focused on long term value creation. Its approach is rooted in the belief that collaboration among stakeholders is essential for the success of any project, a conviction shaped by Ana Karina Santini’s six year tenure as Secretary General of MedCruise, her long consultancy work with ports, and her experience within a major cruise line. Having worked across both sides of ports and cruise lines and being familiar with public and private sectors, she strongly believes in mutual understanding, empathy, and shared objectives as the foundation for sustainable, win win solutions. The firm prioritizes governance discipline, ESG integration, community benefit, and resilient infrastructure planning.
