Pratik Bijlani –
On December 20, Womar Tanker Pools celebrated a major milestone in style, hosting an exclusive cocktail party on the iconic Stad Amsterdam, moored at Mumbai’s prestigious Indira Docks. This sophisticated soiree commemorated 15 years of Womar’s excellence in the maritime industry, seamlessly merging tradition and innovation.
Since its inception in 2009, Womar Tanker Pools has emerged as a pioneering force in global tanker pool management, revolutionizing the industry with its ground-breaking pooling model. Headquartered in Singapore, with a strategic network of offices in Mumbai, Copenhagen, Stamford, Houston, and beyond, Womar expertly manages a fleet of over 50 tankers, supported by a team of 60 dedicated professionals and 400 skilled seafarers. Each year, the company handles an impressive 10 million tons of cargo, navigating a vast network of over 2,000 ports worldwide.
The festivities took place on the majestic Stad Amsterdam, a stunning three-masted clipper ship that masterfully blends 19th-century charm with modern technological advancements. Launched in 2000, this 76-meter-long vessel boasts an impressive 2,200 square meters of sail area, spread across 31 sails. The ship’s unique design and rich history lent an air of sophistication to the event, which was attended by prominent industry figures, including Capt Gurdeep Singh, Capt Hiren Mehta, Mr PV Raman, Mr Laxman Patkar from Tolani, Mr Ajay Reshamwala, MD of Reshamwala Brokers; Mr S Pattabi Raman from M Pallonji group, RIL, IOCL, Aramco, Capt Abhay Naithani from GMS, Capt Rakesh Malik from MB Brokers, Atlantic shipping, J M Baxi, GAC, DNV, Janson Chartering, Sunrich Chartering, Nash Shipping, Capt Venkatesh Gomatam from V ships, Deepak Correa from FML, Mr Manish Jain, COO of Womar Tanker Pools; Mr Hitesh Shah, CFO of Womar Tanker Pools; Mr Rajesh Nayak, Technical Director of Womar and Ms Hetal Vaishnav, Vice President at Samudra Marine, among other distinguished guests.
Mr. Hans Van Der Zijde, CEO of Womar Tanker Pools, extended a warm welcome to the guests, delivering a sincere and introspective speech that reflected on the company’s remarkable journey. He highlighted Womar’s notable achievements and diverse ventures, including its strategic expansion into dry bulk shipping and offshore operations. “Over 2,000 ports called per year, over 10 million tons of cargo carried around the globe. And proudly, we received the ‘Deal of the Year’ from Marine Money Award, celebrated this May on the NASDAQ,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that underpins Womar’s success.
The event also shown a spotlight on the Stad Amsterdam’s Captain, Andi Manser, who regaled the audience with stories about the ship’s distinctive operations and the strong bond among its crew members. He revealed that the ship has a diverse team of 30 crew members, comprising technical, sailing, nautical, and hospitality staff, who all work together seamlessly to ensure the ship’s smooth operation. “What’s remarkable is that our hospitality staffs even lends a hand in unfurling and setting the sails, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines our team,” he said. The guests were enthralled by Captain Manser’s anecdotes about the ship’s voyages and its unique blend of traditional sailing techniques and modern comforts.
The Stad Amsterdam, a luxury charter vessel with a rich legacy of global exploration, has embarked on numerous notable voyages and races, including a highly publicized retracing of the HMS Beagle’s iconic journey. As it currently navigates the waters of India, the ship offers a unique fusion of adventure, luxury, and maritime heritage, reminding us of the industry’s eternal allure and its capacity to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
The evening on the Stad Amsterdam was a resounding tribute to Womar’s pioneering spirit in the shipping industry, where innovation, tradition, and collaboration converged in perfect harmony. As guests savoured cocktails and a sumptuous buffet, they toasted not only Womar’s achievements but also the collective dedication to propelling the maritime sector forward. The event stood as a testament to the industry’s unwavering resilience and its ability to inspire, innovate, and bring people together in a shared pursuit of excellence.
Marex Media