Pratik Bijlani –
On March 26th and 27th, d’Amico Shipping conducted its annual “Sea and Shore Staff” seminar at the prestigious Hotel Leela in Mumbai. This year’s theme, Forging Ahead – Stronger, Safer, Smarter, reflected the company’s commitment to advancing maritime operations while prioritizing safety, innovation, and teamwork. Organized by d’Amico Ship Ishima India Private Limited, the event brought together industry leaders, seafarers, and technical experts for two days of interactive sessions and thought-provoking discussions on critical maritime topics.
In his welcome address, Capt Kulwant Budwal, Executive Director of d’Amico Ishima expressed his enthusiasm for the discussions and presentations that lay ahead. He strongly advocated for cultivating a mindset focused on the continuous pursuit of excellence—an essential principle embedded within the d’Amico Ishima Group. This commitment is clearly demonstrated through their significant investment in comprehensive training initiatives for seafarers across all ranks. He encouraged participants not just to take in the information shared over the two-day program, but also to actively contribute by exchanging their own valuable hands-on knowledge and real-world experiences with one another.
Captain Domenico Savio Taiano addressed the audience with enthusiasm, urging them to embrace an open and learner’s mindset for this seminar.
The first session was led by Mr Anil Kumar, who delved into Lloyd’s Register’s forthcoming regulations and the measures being adopted to enhance quality management and minimize Port State Control (PSC) detentions. Highlighting the IMO’s decarbonization targets and emerging emission measures, Mr. Kumar emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and collaboration to achieve compliance and operational efficiency.
Weathernews Inc.’s (WNI) representative, Mr. Remy Combaret, presented their innovative solutions for enhancing maritime safety through advanced weather forecasting. Founded after a tragic maritime accident, WNI’s mission prioritizes crew safety with tools for route optimization and high-resolution forecasting models. The presentation underscored the role of technology in guiding safe and efficient navigation.
Reliance Industries’ Head of Marine Risk, Capt. Sachin Salunkhe, discussed the company’s stringent screening requirements and their contribution to elevating industry standards. His insights were followed by Dr. Prasad Shetty’s engaging workshop on mental health, which addressed the subtle signs of mental health issues and the critical need for awareness and proactive interventions in high-stress maritime environments.
A highlight of the seminar was the virtual address by Mr Salvatore d’Amico, Fleet Director of the d’Amico Shipping Group. Although unable to attend in person due to health reasons, Mr d’Amico’s commitment to the event and the company’s people was evident. “Today, we manage a fleet of about 75 vessels between Rome and Singapore. We have also strengthened our Mumbai office, which I am very, very proud of,” he shared. He stressed the importance of teamwork, safety, and the mental well-being of seafarers, urging senior officers to foster a family-like environment on board. “Your life is worth much more than any job you do on board. A ship is nothing in comparison to you,” he remarked, emphasizing the value of human life over material assets.
Technical innovation was a recurring theme throughout the event. Presentations by Ms. V.P. Arya on fleet performance monitoring and Mr. Massimo Rittore on key performance indicators (KPIs) showcased how high-quality data and efficiency-boosting technologies are transforming maritime operations. The discussions highlighted advancements in fuel efficiency, regulatory compliance, and predictive maintenance, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices.
The “Global Operations Contest” sparked lively debates among participants on key maritime operations topics including prolonged port stays, laytime, and navigational practices. Day one concluded with a celebratory cocktail and dinner party, featuring a live band, games, and an award ceremony. Among the accolades were Best Performing Vessel awards presented to Cielo Bianco and Cielo di Houston, as well as long-service awards honouring officers with over two decades of dedication to the company.
The second day opened with a comprehensive discussion on exhaust gas scrubbers by technical experts, highlighting their environmental and economic benefits. Presenters delved into the technology’s ability to reduce SOx and NOx emissions while ensuring compliance with MARPOL regulations.
In a session on fleet IT updates and cybersecurity, Mr. Vengatakhishnan Murugesan explored how emerging technologies like AI and big data are enhancing operational efficiency and shipboard systems. He also addressed the growing threat of cyber incidents, emphasizing the need for robust defences to safeguard maritime operations.
The seminar emphasized the human element in shipping, with Mr. Mura introducing new employee engagement platform, Eletive, designed to foster open communication and improve organizational practices through anonymous feedback. This innovative approach aims to create a more supportive and collaborative work environment.
Presentations by Capt. Taiano, Capt. Gandhi, and others provided insights into the company’s achievements and challenges. Discussions ranged from the growth of the fleet, currently standing at 76 vessels, to strategies for overcoming operational hurdles such as equipment failures and crew training. Incidents were candidly reviewed, offering valuable lessons to enhance safety and compliance.
A standout session on the simplification of the Safety Management System (SMS) demonstrated the company’s dedication to improving usability and aligning with best practices. The initiative, which began in 2024, aims to reduce complexity while maintaining regulatory compliance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The seminar concluded with an in-depth discussion on SIRE 2.0 inspections, where presenters from the seafarers shared firsthand experiences and practical tips for successful compliance. The importance of meticulous preparation, data consistency, and adherence to safety protocols was emphasized, reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence.
The event ended with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Capt. Taiano, bringing to a close two days of insightful dialogue and camaraderie. d’Amico Shipping’s “Forging Ahead – Stronger, Safer, Smarter” seminar exemplified the company’s dedication to advancing maritime excellence, fostering teamwork, and embracing innovation. By prioritizing safety, sustainability, and collaboration, d’Amico continues to set a benchmark for the global shipping industry.
Marex Media