Pratik Bijlani
Western Shipping Pte Ltd achieved a critical milestone in its global expansion on September 12, 2024, with the grand launch of “Western Crew Management Services (India) Pvt Ltd”, its new Crew Management office in Mumbai. Western Shipping, founded in Singapore, is a global leader in marine services, focussing on ship management and technical support for a fleet of LPG and Product tankers. With a reputation for providing high-quality services, the company’s operations include crew management, vessel maintenance, safety compliance, and environmental stewardship, serving clients globally.
The establishment of in-house Manning Office in Mumbai was crucial for following reasons.
- Mumbai, known as one of the world’s busiest maritime hubs, is at the centre of India’s shipping sector.
- Western Shipping strengthens its presence in the region for better access to India’s large talent pool of seafarers and maritime specialists.
This approach not only enhances the company’s crew management capabilities, but also allows for improved recruiting, training, and management of Indian seafarers. The local presence in Mumbai is expected to strengthen communication and coordination with seafarers and their families, resulting in smoother operations and more effective crew management.
The Opening Ceremony began at the Premises with ribbon-cutting by the Owners “Mr. Alexandros Th. Stafilopatis of Byzantine Maritime Gas PTE. LTD” and the Chief Guest for the day “Capt. (Dr) Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew), DG Shipping, Government of India”.
Following the ribbon-cutting, Capt Yogesh Jadhav [Head of Crewing at Western Crew Management Services (India) Pvt Ltd] welcome the Owners, Chief Guest and other dignitaries including Seafarers by giving an inspiring address, adding, “This is something fresh; we started in India. As most of you are aware, we already have operations in Singapore, Greece, and Manila, as well as commercial offices in New York and London. So, having an office in Mumbai is a major milestone, and there are a number of things we’re looking into to get started.” His address emphasised the significance of the new Mumbai office and its potential to bolster the Indian shipping industry.
The expansion into Mumbai demonstrates Western Shipping’s commitment to expanding its global network. India’s expanding shipping industry provides numerous prospects, and the Mumbai office improves partnerships with Indian shipowners and clients, preparing Western Shipping for new commercial endeavours. Furthermore, the office enables more localised services, such as better coordination of vessel operations, technical services, and compliance with both local and international marine regulations.
The evening event, which was held at JW Marriott, Juhu commemorated this significant achievement, allowing guests to network with notable industry figures such as Capt Mahesh Yadav, Director of Education and Training at FOSMA, Capt. S.M. Halbe, CEO of MASSA, Capt. Maneesh Pradhan, Chairman of MASSA, and Mr. Pawan Kapoor, Managing Director of the ISF Group. Capt. Hemant Arora, HSQE Compliance Manager/DPA and Capt. Karni Rathore, Operations Manager at Western Shipping, welcomed the attendees.
Mr. Panos Zavlagas and Mr. Alexandros Th. Stafilopatis delivered speeches on the company’s history and development progress. Mr. Panos highlighted the company’s growth and shared his vision for the future, stating, “Today, with the official opening of our new crew management office in Mumbai, we are entering the final phase of our plan, which is to fully manage in-house all LPG vessels, which will be completed in the next two months, and enter the fast-developing Indian money market.”
The inauguration of the Mumbai office is a critical milestone in Western Shipping’s global strategy, assuring the company’s continued leadership in ship management while creating new opportunities for Indian seafarers. In closing, Mr. Panos stated, “I am absolutely confident that with the high quality people we have in Western Shipping offices in Singapore, Manila and Mumbai, our success is guaranteed.”
Marex Media