Pratik Bijlani –
The maritime industry converged at the Novotel Hotel in Mumbai for the prestigious Celsius Tech Officers Conference hosted by Celsius Tech Limited on November 11-12, 2024. This two-day extravaganza provided a unique opportunity for maritime professionals to share expertise, explore cutting-edge developments in LNG shipping technology, and forge meaningful connections. As the technical backbone of Celsius Tankers, Celsius Tech has established itself as a pioneer in managing advanced LNG carriers, seamlessly blending sustainability and innovation into its operational framework to drive the industry forward.
Mr Rajesh Singh, Managing Director, Celsius Tech Limited, warmly welcomed guests and set the tone for the event. In a virtual address, Mr Jeppe Jensen, Founder and Chairman, Celsius Shipping shared the company’s growth plans, highlighting its commitment to direct relationships with charterers and ESG principles. Emphasizing the company’s strategic plans for fleet expansion and alignment with ESG principles, Mr Jensen announced, “We will expand the fleet within the next 12 to 18 months from the current 20 to about 30 ships—a growth of 50%—as we gear up to meet the rising demand in the energy sector.”
Delivering a thought-provoking presentation titled Human Factor in LNG Shipping, Mr Mads Bang, Director, Celsius Shipping addressed safety as a non-negotiable priority, recounting lessons from past incidents and reinforcing the importance of vigilance and teamwork. Showcasing Celsius Tech’s cutting-edge innovations, he mentioned, “The new vessels embody the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. Features such as silicone anti-fouling and air lubrication systems are designed to boost performance while minimizing emissions. By incorporating these advancements, Celsius Tech is not only meeting but exceeding the International Maritime Organization’s EEDI-3 standards, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.”
Capt. Mayank’s address on LNG safety underscored the crucial role of human oversight in preventing incidents, despite advancements in technology and design. He stressed, “While technology enhances safety, the human element remains the most critical factor.” This theme was echoed throughout the event, with sessions emphasizing the importance of training, awareness, and psychological well-being in maritime operations, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to safety that combines technological innovation with human expertise.
Mr. Sourabh Gupta & Mr. Rajat Thakral from Celsius Tech, dwelled upon ergonomic designs on equipment & facilities onboard. They provided a deep insight on tools and techniques for improving human factor interactions.
Mr. Randhir Kumar from Celsius Tech presented about the experience and learnings with MEGA engines, while Capt. Vichitra Kumar conducted an interactive workshop on Safety Critical Task Analysis.
Human welfare remained a central theme, with sessions led by Capt. Mini Verma, Ms. Divya Nair, and Ms Pooja Rajput exploring the psychological aspects of maritime operations. Their discussions highlighted the importance of mental health, stress management, and fostering an open communication culture, providing practical strategies to enhance both individual well-being and organizational safety.
Key presentations delved into evolving industry standards and technological advancements. Capt Pankaj Ranjan’s session on SIRE 2.0 introduced a risk-based inspection paradigm, focusing on real-time assessments and enhanced accountability. Meanwhile, cyber-security expert Mr Shailendra Shrivastava shed light on safeguarding maritime systems against emerging digital threats, reinforcing the industry’s growing emphasis on cyber resilience.
Another keynote speaker included Mr. R Vinod Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, RMI who dwelled upon strengthening MI Flag & Seafarer partnership.
The conference took a dynamic turn with interactive and team-building activities. Mr Pawan Kapoor of ISF Group Management conducted a strategic exercise, Win As Much As You Can that simulated real-life maritime challenges, focusing on trust and collaboration.
The conference also celebrated innovation in sustainability, with Mr Nikolaj Malmberg of Hempel A/S showcasing advanced silicone coatings that reduce fuel consumption and emissions. His insights into performance-based models emphasized aligning environmental and economic goals, offering a practical path toward decarbonizing the shipping industry. The organization team of this conference which included Capt. Sushant Bhatia, AGM, FPD & Mrs. Rishika Vishvakarma, Executive with Celsius Tech Ltd. were lauded for their efforts and arrangements.
The conference concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with Celsius leadership, discussing operational challenges and potential future opportunities. The event wrapped up with a vote of thanks from Mr Rajesh Singh, who hailed the conference’s success and reiterated Celsius Tech’s commitment to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainability in the maritime industry.
Marex Media