On June 30th 2024, Mr David Birwadkar retired as Advisor, The Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited (GESCO). Before this he was Vice President for 14 years in the same company. He is a well-known figure in the marine business, with vast experience and significant achievements in a variety of crucial roles. He has a wealth of experience as an Engineer Superintendent at Wallems Ltd., Head of Tankers Technical at Essar Shipping Ltd., and Fleet Director at Anglo Eastern Ship Management. He will be continuing as Consultant in GE Shipping and will be associated with the Pre-sea Institute in Lonavala.
Currently, he holds the position of Honorary Chairman of The Institute of Marine Engineers (India) – IME(I) Mumbai Branch, where he continues to influence and inspire the marine engineering community.
In a heartfelt chat with Marex Media, Mr Birwadkar shares essential insights and a deeper appreciation for his extraordinary journey and long-lasting impact on the marine industry.
Initiatives in IMEI…
As Chairman of the Institute of maritime Engineers (India) Mumbai Branch, my primary focus has been on improving the training and professional growth of our maritime community. My involvement with IME(I) began in 2018, and as a member of the Executive Committee, I had the opportunity of leading the Training Sub-Committee. During this period, we’ve introduced a number of value-added training courses for Marine and Electrical Engineers of various ranks, as well as shore-based technical personnel. These courses, which include Hydraulic & Pneumatic, Instrumentation & Automation, and a one-year Management Course in Commercial Knowledge for Technical Staff, have been successfully conducted both online during the COVID period and now also physically. The positive reception and popularity of these courses has encouraged us to ensure their continuity and expansion.
We are devoted to conducting Technical Seminars on current and relevant issues such as regulation implementation, IMO conference outcomes, and maritime sector sustainability. Our annual get-together, which attracts about 600 visitors, including spouses, has been a highlight and is warmly appreciated by all attendees.
Our activities go beyond training and events. We are actively involved in administrative efforts and serve on core committees for a variety of topics. Notably, I am a member of the recently constituted Advisory Committee of the Directorate General of Shipping, which addresses issues affecting the Indian maritime industry and includes key industry experts.
At IME(I), we are committed to holistically improving the wellbeing of maritime engineers. We are working relentlessly as an efficient organisation to achieve this goal.
Professional Outlook…
I am eternally grateful to the Almighty for providing me with such a fantastic career and profession. Each day has been a terrific learning experience, and I can say with great satisfaction and fulfilment that my journey has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences. Reflecting on my career, I feel a strong feeling of accomplishment and pride, with numerous highlights from all of the prestigious organisations you listed. There have been many pleasant and unpleasant events, successes and failures, but each has been an important part of my learning curve.
Choosing just a few incidents to relate is difficult, but I will give it a shot.
As a junior engineer working alone on night watch on a product truck at SCI, I witnessed a fire caused by leaking fuel oil spilling onto the auxiliary engine’s exhaust. I was able to quench the fire virtually single-handedly, preventing a terrible calamity. This I accomplished by turning off the generator, which caused a blackout and stopped the main engines, and then extinguishing the fire using a local fire extinguisher. This deed got me praise from the Master and Chief Engineer, making it one of the proudest moments of my early career.
During the Easter vacations, as a Technical Superintendent at Wallem on a reefer vessel transporting bananas from Ecuador to Europe, we experienced a severe generator failure. If repairs had not been made quickly, the owners would have faced a multimillion-dollar claim. Despite the fact that the world was on holiday due to the longer Easter weekend, we were able to obtain the essential spares. I travelled to Japan to pick up the turbocharger spares, flew to Panama where the ship was docked, and coordinated with a Houston service engineer and a local workshop. We completed the repairs on time and kept the cargo cold by leasing a portable generator. This feat is a matter of great pleasure, as any damaged cargo may have impacted the entire shipment due to the heat generated during ripening.
Another noteworthy occurrence occurred when I was the Vice President, Fleet Management at GE Shipping. We had to bring a bulk carrier to Inner Anchorage, Singapore, because two of the five units were not firing owing to fuel pumps issue. On a Sunday evening, we manned the contingency room and advised the Master and Chief Engineer on how to manage engine movements in the event of a failure during reversing. Reporting the problem would have necessitated extra towing assistance, which would have been prohibitively expensive in Singapore. We took a calculated risk and successfully navigated the vessel to inner anchorage.
These are just a few of the countless experiences that have shaped my lengthy and rewarding career. Each task and difficulty has taught me crucial lessons and boosted my determination. Great Eastern Shipping in particular has a special place in my heart. The experiences and memories I’ve gained here are invaluable.
I am even thinking about creating a book to share these experiences and thoughts with others. It’s been an incredible adventure, and I’m grateful for every minute.
Your role as a Vice President and Advisor…
At first, I had no intention of joining GESCO because I had a well-established and encouraging position at Anglo Eastern, and I was also a part of the profit sharing programme, which made me feel needed and significant. I’m not sure how the then-head of HR at GESCO managed to entice me and eventually convince me to accept the offered position as Vice President of Fleet Management, which comprised major departments such as Technical, New Buildings, Procurement, and Fleet Personnel. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity and the appropriate pay. When I reflect on my 17.5 years with the organisation, I am happier for it.
Last August, the company celebrated 75 beautiful years of existence. The Sheth family organised a large celebration at the Jio Convention Centre exclusively for former and current GESCO employees. It was an unforgettable occasion. I can proudly state that I look back on these years as a perfect combination of some fantastic highs and a few forgotten lows. The organisation takes excellent care of its workforce. The fact that I was asked to continue post-superannuation for 3.5 years and now for another 6 months as a consultant demonstrates that efficient and trustworthy people are not allowed to depart so simply and are kept in employment to maintain a connection with the organisation.
The company is run very professionally, and it is not just India’s largest private sector shipping enterprise, but also one of its most successful. The management believes in managing the vessels to a world-class quality, and we are regarded as one of the best-run shipping companies in the world. When it comes to preserving the assets and making them preferred ships for charterers, the company goes above and beyond, with no compromises or budgetary constraints. Employees are made to realise this and reminded of the company’s policies, objectives, and ambitions in this direction.
The company has always taken a conservative approach to expansion, but this is because management does not believe in taking unnecessary risks in its effort to acquire more assets or diversify into other markets.
The organisation is particularly focused on excellent training for seafarers, both pre-sea and post-sea, and has a full-fledged pre-sea institute in Lonavala as well as a training centre right next to the Mumbai headquarters.
Creativity and Adaption…
We have always prioritised developing innovation and agility within our technical and business development teams. The organisation has continually led the market in implementing emerging technologies, aiming to be the preferred choice of charterers and stakeholders.
We began implementing market-based fuel-saving methods early on, such as the Mavis Duct, PBCF, silicon paint on the hull, and others. We also concentrated on raising awareness among our ship and shore crew to ensure cost-effective operations and new fuel-saving methods. These efforts reduced emissions while also improving our carbon footprint, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.
When market conditions were favourable, we had an active new building programme. In contrast, when conditions were less favourable, we modernised our fleet by purchasing second-hand ships that were only a few years old. We replaced outdated tonnage with ships outfitted with electronic engines and other cutting-edge technology and equipment. Crew training on new equipment of ship operations has been a critical component of this upgrading.
Our approach to ship operation is continually improving, with the newest technologies for ship monitoring ensuring ideal circumstances. GE Shipping’s management is very adaptive, constantly seeking fresh inputs and innovations to preserve our market leadership.
The experience with GE Shipping has been quite rewarding. The company’s persistent commitment to advancement and excellence resonates strongly with me. I am extremely proud of the progress we have done and the legacy we are continuing to establish. The culture of innovation and adaptation at GE Shipping is truly amazing, and I am proud to have been a part of this incredible journey.
Intriguing Tale…
One tale that exemplifies the character of GESCO occurred during the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world came to a halt, the safety and well-being of our seamen became our top priority.
I distinctly recall the company’s tireless efforts to care for seafarers stuck on our ships. In a circumstance where economic interests could have easily prevailed, GE Shipping took a different approach. We arranged for specially chartered flights and even diverted ships to allow crew sign-offs. We went as far as going off-hire to secure our crew’s safe return home, even if it meant mooring at exorbitantly priced ports.
The logistics were hard, and the costs were high. Nonetheless, despite the considerable cost, we prioritised arranging these flights to safeguard the safety of our seafarers. This wasn’t just about completing a duty; it was also about recognising the trust and effort of individuals who keep our ship operations running efficiently.
The company’s efforts during those difficult times underlined our unshakeable dedication to our employees. By putting our crew’s safety and well-being first, GESCO demonstrated what it genuinely stands for. It was a testament to our principles, which always prioritise the well-being of our team members.
This experience stands out in my mind because it exemplifies the core of GE Shipping: a firm that cares profoundly about its employees and is prepared to go above and beyond to assure their safety and well-being, no matter the cost.
Leadership style…
Throughout my time at GESCO, my leadership style has developed dramatically, influenced by both achievements and setbacks. At first, I believed in a hands-on approach, methodically overseeing every aspect to assure efficiency and excellence. While this strategy produced results, I quickly realised the value of empowering my staff.
I gradually developed a more collaborative and empowering leadership style. I learnt to trust my team’s ability by delegating tasks and cultivating a collaborative and innovative environment. This adjustment not only increased team morale but also unleashed their full potential, resulting in more creative solutions and long-term growth.
One of the most important skills I’ve learnt is the value of actively and empathetically listening. Understanding my team members’ viewpoints and concerns, as well as stakeholders across the organisation, allowed me to make educated decisions that were acceptable to everyone involved. Building great connections based on trust and respect formed the foundation of my leadership strategy.
Another important takeaway was the value of adaptation in a dynamic profession like maritime. Navigating through economic volatility, regulatory changes, and technology improvements necessitated agility and vision. I promoted a culture of continual learning and adaptability among my team members, ensuring that we kept ahead of the curve and capitalised on emerging opportunities.
In addition, I realised the power of setting a good example. Whether it was promoting maritime safety or advocating for ethical business practices, my actions spoke louder than words. Maintaining integrity and accountability won the trust of stakeholders while also instilling a feeling of purpose and commitment in my team members.
In summary, my leadership development at GESCO has been an ongoing process driven by a dedication to excellence, teamwork, and ethical stewardship. I am grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow, and I am excited to share my knowledge with the future generation of leaders in our business.
Leisure activities…
I enjoy reading, whether it’s marine literature, historical narratives, or current fiction; escaping into a good book allows me to decompress and broaden my perspective.
Cricket has been a pleasure of mine since childhood, and a friendly game on weekends continues to give me with a sense of community and physical activity that I enjoy. Furthermore, watching cricket matches, especially with family and friends, is an excellent source of pleasure and bonding.
Family is extremely important in my life. Spending quality time with my loved ones is not negotiable. Whether it’s a weekend break, visiting new places, or simply resting at home, these experiences generate cherished memories and provide a healthy balance to my professional pursuits.
Watching Netflix and other OTT shows allows you to unwind and absorb narrative in a range of genres, including drama and documentaries, which frequently offer insights into different cultures and perspectives.
I am still actively involved with maritime organisations. Contributing to programmes that promote safety, training, and sustainability in marine operations is not only a professional obligation, but also a personal commitment to the industry I value.
In essence, these different interests and activities outside of work enrich my life by providing leisure, excitement, and opportunity to connect with my passions as well as the people who are most important to me.
Future plans post retirement…
I am overwhelmed with appreciation for the excellent experience I had in the maritime industry. Retirement represents a transition in which I hope to strike a balance between my commitment to the industry and my personal goals.
I am excited to spend more quality time with my family. They have been a pillar of support throughout my career, and now I want to savour the moments with them that I have often missed owing to job commitments. We’ve had long-term plans for travel and experiences together, which I’m excited to fulfil.
My demanding schedule has sometimes taken precedent over my personal well-being. Now, I plan to prioritise living a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and following a healthy diet.
I am excited about the possibility to contribute to the Great Eastern Institute of Marine Studies (GEIMS). They have graciously offered me a position in cadet placement, which perfectly coincides with my desire to nurture new talent in the sector. I hope to make a significant contribution to their careers.
While I have gotten offers from numerous marine organisations, I have yet to make a definitive decision. I believe in taking some time to reflect, refuel, and review how I can best contribute going forward. Any future responsibilities must compliment my desire for a balanced lifestyle after retirement.
Retirement for me is not about slowing down completely, but rather channelling my energy towards endeavours that bring personal fulfilment and allow me to continue supporting the marine community that I hold dear.
GESCO’s Way forward…
GESCO is expanding, and the management team is extremely forward-thinking. They have always believed in staying ahead by using cutting-edge technology wherever possible and tailoring it to the unique requirements of our fleet.
Safety continues to be GESCO’s top priority. The company is always raising awareness and guaranteeing rigorous adherence to safety procedures. This unwavering dedication to safety and innovation is what distinguishes it.
Mr Bharat Sheth’s imaginative leadership, backed up by a highly qualified team, looks extremely promising for the company’s future. His forward-thinking approach, together with the team’s dedication, ensures that the organisation not only meets but also exceeds industry standards.
I envisage a very bright future for Great Eastern. I am convinced that the company will continue to develop and prosper, leaving no stone unturned in its quest for greatness.
Marex Media