Pratik Bijlani –
On November 7, Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM) Shipping FZCO, Dubai, along with its Indian entity GEM Manning Services Pvt Ltd, celebrated a defining moment in its journey with the inauguration of its Crew Recruitment & Placement Services Office in Mumbai. The event, held at the Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, brought together leading maritime personalities, senior executives, and representatives from industry associations to mark what is being seen as the beginning of GEM 2.0 — a phase of renewed growth, commitment, and collaboration.
GEM, a Dubai-based independent owner and operator of product and chemical tankers, has long been recognized for its focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence. With the launch of its Mumbai office, the company aims to strengthen its crewing operations in India — a country that remains a vital source of skilled maritime professionals for global shipping.
The office will serve as a central hub for sourcing, training, and placing Indian officers and ratings across GEM’s expanding fleet as well as on third-party vessels.
Welcoming the guests, Capt Ravinder K Bhandari, Managing Director of GEM Manning Services Pvt Ltd, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished gathering, which brought together representatives from across the maritime industry. Attendees included delegates from Marine Institutes, Catering, Travel, Medical Services, Banking, Seafarers’ Unions, Classification Societies, Flag States, Port Agencies, Media, and leading maritime associations such as MASSA, FOSMA, and CMMI. The guest list was further enriched by the presence of senior officials from GEM’s Dubai headquarters.
Reflecting on GEM’s two-decade journey of professionalism, reliability, and safety in marine transport, he spoke about the company’s transition to new ownership under the Maghami family and its continued focus on excellence and sustainability.
A concise three‑minute video presentation showcased GEM’s distinguished journey, underscoring its unwavering commitment to safety and its guiding philosophy, “Excellence Across Oceans.”
The highlight of the evening was the address by Mr Derek Wate, CEO of Gulf Energy Maritime (GEM) Shipping FZCO, Dubai, who announced ambitious growth plans for the company. “The inauguration of GEM Manning Services in Mumbai marks the dawn of GEM 2.0 — a new era of growth, commitment, and opportunity. India has always been at the heart of our operations, and with this new chapter, we aim to strengthen our partnership with Indian seafarers, expand our fleet, and create a sustainable, globally competitive future for all,” said Mr. Wate. He further outlined GEM’s vision to expand its fleet from the current 10 vessels to 25 by 2027, while reviving the company’s cadet program and making the Mumbai office a self-sustaining, revenue-generating centre of operations.
Among the prominent industry guests was Capt SM Halbe, CEO of MASSA, who extended his best wishes to the GEM team. “Heartiest congratulations to GEM on this new initiative. Your commitment to developing seafarers and bridging the gap between shipboard practices and maritime training is truly commendable,” Capt Halbe remarked, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between shipping companies and training institutions to ensure the next generation of seafarers is equipped with the latest technological and operational knowledge.
The inauguration also witnessed the presence of Capt Rajesh Tandon, CEO of FOSMA; Capt Mohan Naik, Director at FOSMA; Capt Savio Ramos, General Secretary of MUI; Mr
Maneesh Pradhan Chairman of MASSA and Capt Girish Phadnis, Ex-Chairman of MASSA, among other maritime luminaries. Their participation underscored the importance of the event not only for GEM but for India’s wider maritime ecosystem.
The evening concluded with cocktails and dinner, as attendees celebrated GEM’s milestone and shared optimism for the company’s future in India. The opening of GEM Manning Services’ Mumbai office stands as a strong affirmation of the company’s belief in India’s maritime potential and its vision to empower Indian seafarers to play a greater role in shaping the global shipping industry.
Marex Media