Pratik Bijlani – The Seaspan Forum 2024, which took place on October 4-5 at the JW Marriott in Mumbai, was a highly engaging and informative two-day conference. This annual event brought together esteemed industry leaders, experts, and Seaspan’s seafarers, providing a collaborative platform for knowledge-sharing and addressing critical maritime issues. The forum’s emphasis on safety, accountability, and sustainability offered valuable insights into Seaspan Corporation’s strategic approach to navigating the dynamic maritime landscape.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of industry luminaries, including Mr Torsten Pedersen, COO of Seaspan; Capt Manoj Gandhi, Vice President (Fleet Personnel), Seaspan; Capt Dinesh Jairam, General Manager (Fleet Personnel), Seaspan; Mr Gurmeet Ranghar, Training and Development Manager, Seaspan; Capt Masanori Okada, Director (Talent Development), Onesea Solutions; and other esteemed dignitaries.
The inaugural day of the forum commenced with a warm welcome address by Capt Gandhi, who effectively set the tone for a comprehensive and engaging program. This was followed by a video address from Seaspan’s CEO, Bing Chen, who emphasized the forum’s core themes of safety and accountability.
In his address, Seaspan’s CEO, Bing Chen, expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of Seaspan employees. “You are the ambassadors of the Seaspan brand, upholding our values and culture worldwide,” he stated. “Your unwavering focus on safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction is paramount. I am proud of our team’s accomplishments and confident that together, we will continue to excel and improve every day.”
Chen’s address struck a chord with the attendees, as he underscored the paramount importance of safety, particularly in navigation, as a cornerstone of Seaspan’s operations. He exhorted employees to embody the company’s values, share their expertise, and continually strive for excellence. Throughout the event, the emphasis on safety remained a recurring theme, with multiple speakers highlighting Seaspan’s adaptability in responding to the evolving maritime landscape while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safeguarding its crew, vessels, and the environment.
In his presentation, “Foundations for Quality Growth,” Mr Pedersen elaborated on the essential elements that underpin Seaspan’s success. He emphasized that operational excellence and customer trust are the cornerstones of the company’s achievements. “Our commitment to operational excellence, rooted in our core values, has earned us the trust of our customers,” Mr Pedersen explained. “This trust is the foundation upon which our growth and success are built.”
Mr Pedersen also highlighted Seaspan’s commitment to environmental sustainability, outlining the company’s initiatives to decarbonize its fleet. These efforts include investing in dual-fuel vessels and exploring the use of alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol, thereby reinforcing Seaspan’s position as a leader in environmental responsibility.
The forum also explored Seaspan’s culture of accountability and the significance of seafarer wellbeing. Capt. Alfred Gomez, Director of Marine Standards, delivered a captivating presentation on Seaspan’s culture, highlighting the unwavering dedication of seafarers who navigate complex challenges while upholding the highest standards. In his interactive session, “Say Yes to #Culture @ Seaspan,” Capt Gomez commended the company’s robust safety culture and emphasized the importance of individual ownership in maintaining operational excellence.
The forum also addressed the crucial topics of seafarer welfare and mental health. Dr Deepti Mankad, Founder of Mindspeak, presented a thought-provoking session on mental health, distinguishing between good mental health and mental illness. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, seeking help when needed, and creating a psychologically safe workplace where employees feel supported and empowered to share their concerns.
A particularly engaging segment of the forum was presented by Capt. Pritam Nihalani, Fleet Personnel Manager, who tackled the pressing issue of maritime corruption in his presentation “Understanding Corruption in Maritime.” Through an interactive quiz, Capt. Nihalani effectively highlighted the challenges faced by seafarers in resisting and reporting corrupt practices. He outlined Seaspan’s comprehensive anti-corruption policy and the company’s collaborative efforts with the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) to combat bribery and unethical behavior in the shipping industry.
The forum also explored the impact of technological advancements on the shipping industry. Mr. Vivek Nair, Naval Architect at Seaspan, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the FuelEU Maritime regulation and its implications for the future of shipping. He explained how the European Union’s initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime operations will necessitate the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels. Mr. Nair emphasized that Seaspan is proactively positioned to comply with these regulations, thanks to its strategic investments in innovative technologies and sustainable fuels.
Safety remained a paramount concern during the forum, with Mr. Alfred Gomez delivering a compelling presentation titled “Say Yes to #Safety @ Seaspan.” Through real-world examples, including the near-miss incident involving the Seaspan Jakarta and the fire on board the Maersk Cincinnati, Gomez illustrated the severe consequences of non-adherence to safety protocols. His presentation underscored the critical role of the competency triangle – comprising skills, knowledge, and attitude – in preventing accidents and fostering a robust safety culture.
The second day of the forum featured a tailored approach, with participants divided into two groups: engineers and deck cadets. This format enabled more specialized and in-depth discussions. Engineers attended sessions focused on critical topics such as blackout prevention, operational overviews, and innovative engine maintenance technologies. Meanwhile, deck officers participated in presentations on navigation safety, mooring procedures, and cargo care. These sessions provided valuable practical knowledge and facilitated collaboration among Seaspan employees.
As the forum neared its conclusion, attendees convened for a comprehensive closing session, which incorporated team-building exercises, interactive quizzes, and presentations. The event culminated in a Q&A session, where participants shared their insights and posed questions regarding Seaspan’s future trajectory. Capt. Gandhi delivered the vote of thanks, expressing sincere appreciation to all speakers and attendees for their invaluable contributions to the forum’s success.
The Seaspan Forum 2024 culminated in an evening program that showcased the company’s appreciation for its employees’ dedication and commitment. The award ceremony recognized long-serving employees, highlighting Seaspan’s emphasis on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and high-achieving work environment. The evening’s festivities, featuring live music, food, and drinks, provided a celebratory backdrop for employees to mingle and congratulate their colleagues on their achievements.
The 2024 Seaspan Forum underscored the company’s steadfast dedication to safety, accountability, and operational excellence. Moreover, the event provided a valuable platform for seafarers to engage in insightful discussions about the future trajectory of the maritime industry. As evidenced by the forum, Seaspan remains at the forefront of innovation and leadership in global shipping, guided by its core values and commitment to excellence.
Marex Media