Port To Port Podcast

Ramesh recalls a memorable incident with his dad and a recruiting officer named Mr. Hoshang Dasdu that led to him signing his first contract in the shipping industry. He didn't have a specific mentor but learned from different chief engineers and captains throughout his sailing career. Ramesh shares his transition from being a seaman to becoming Chief Engineer, which was exciting for him despite some challenges. He eventually decided to leave the sea life due to boredom and took on his first shore job in Singapore. 

The biggest challenge for Ramesh was maintaining work-life balance, especially when it came to spending time with family. He discusses the cultural differences of living in Singapore compared to India and how he now visits home once every three months. Ramesh made the move away from Williamson for new challenges, taking on the role of starting technical management from scratch in Sumac Ocean Transport, which aims to expand its fleet size by 2024.

Ramesh discusses the importance of focusing on one solution instead of discussing multiple options. He mentions that seafarers are being treated poorly and used as scapegoats, which has taken away their pride and decision-making power. Ramesh emphasizes the need to treat crew members well by providing good food, open communication, and support. He talks about engaging with his team onshore and onboard, allowing them to make decisions and take risks. Ramesh shares some highlights from his career, including successfully taking over 13 ships in 45 days without any commercial loss and handling unique projects such as dealing with Chinese ship owners.

The speaker discusses various aspects of the shipping industry, including their experience with a unique case involving an Indonesian owner, the challenges faced by owners due to new regulations and fluctuating rates, potential changes in ownership types, and the importance of understanding both technical and operational aspects. They also mention their interest in nuclear fuel as a future alternative and express their desire for career growth within a company focused on sustainability. The speaker advises that those entering the industry should have passion rather than just seeking financial gain. Their earliest memory of ships was seeing small ferry boats as a child.

Summary:

Hatem Elgameil, a Naval architect and Marine engineer, introduces himself and his background. He immigrated to the United States in 1994 and has worked in various engineering roles throughout his career. He joined IMI International Marine Industries as Vice President of Engineering in 2020 after spending 14 years with Noble drilling as Director of Projects. Hatem also had experience working in a company in California doing engineering model testing and R&D design verification. Despite facing challenges early on, he quickly adapted to new roles and excelled in his career.

Hatem discusses their family's move from California to Texas in 2006, and how it was a big change for their wife. Their older child graduated college and recently got a job offer in Alaska while the younger one is starting his last year of college. Hatem joined Noble as a senior naval architect in 2006 and later became a project manager and then director of engineering. They travelled extensively for projects all over the world, managing repairs and upgrades in various shipyards. The challenges included unexpected work and delays. Despite the long hours and stress, they enjoyed making friendships with people they met along the way. They didn't change jobs unless there was a significant challenge or incentive, so leaving Noble in 2020 due to oil price collapse and COVID-19 wasn't by choice. Overall, their track record for delivering projects on time and within budget was good, except when unrealistic budgets were set by others.

The project team had a stable group of experienced members, with only a few new hires. This continuity was crucial for their success as they possessed extensive knowledge of the system, processes, shipyards, and rigs. The interviewee joined International Maritime Industries (IMI) remotely in August 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions but later travelled to Saudi Arabia. They now serve as the Vice President of Engineering at IMI. IMI is a joint venture between Aramco, HHI, Bahrain Shipping Company, and Emperor Shipyard and has a backlog of ten years to build 52 vessels for Bahi and 20 offshore drilling rigs for Aramco. The company aims to use dual fuel engines with LNG as the primary choice in vessel designs but recognizes that future advancements may provide alternatives like methane or hydrogen fuels. AI technology plays an influential role in modelling and testing on the factory side of operations while complying with changing regulations is critical for all companies involved. The interviewee's first memory related to shipping was growing up near Alexandria's port in Egypt where he saw ships coming and going regularly. He embarked on his first training trip on an old passenger vessel during college which solidified his interest in the industry despite challenging conditions onboard.

Hatem discusses the challenges and requirements of a career in naval architecture, emphasising the need for passion and expertise in various fields. They compare naval architecture to designing a city, highlighting the complexity involved in providing essential services onboard a vessel. Specialisation is common among naval architects, but those with knowledge across multiple disciplines are highly valuable. Hatem expresses satisfaction with their career choice and mentions occasional involvement in sea trials. They conclude by expressing interest in hearing from fellow naval architects worldwide.

Timestamp:

1. Introduction and Background

- Timestamp: 00:01-02:56

- Key points: Thanking the guest for joining the podcast, introduction, and background information about Hatim Algamil's upbringing in Egypt and immigration to the United States.

2. Early Career and Noble Drilling

- Timestamp: 02:56-07:34

- Key points: Hatim's education in naval architecture, his 14 years at Noble Drilling as Director of Projects, and the challenges and learning e

Summary:

Gordon interviews Per Cristian with an untraditional shipping background who had a desire to work on ships from a young age. Per Cristian shares their family's seafaring legacy and their own journey from Switzerland to Norway, where they studied nautical engineering. They then joined Odgl as a cadet and spent ten years working on ships before deciding it was time to move back to shore. They joined Esper Tankers in Hamburg and later ENS tankers.  Per Cristian talks about their first experience joining a vessel, their time at sea, including trips to various ports around the world, and their involvement in taking over a new vessel. They also discuss the challenges faced during the new building process and the teething issues that arise with newly launched ships. The conversation shifts towards the decision of coming ashore, with Per Cristian expressing early on that they didn't see themselves making a career at sea until retirement.

Per-Cristian discusses their decision to pursue an MBA in Shipping and Logistics while working at sea, which they believe will provide better opportunities for them ashore. They also mention their involvement in a project breeding wagyu cattle and the ethical approach they take towards animal welfare. The speaker then talks about their job transition from a chief mate to a dual role as an operator and technical advisor at Sberger, eventually becoming the operations manager. They reflect on the challenges and adjustments of transitioning from ship life to office work but express satisfaction with their decision overall.

The speaker reflects on their experience working at sea and the transition to shore-based work. They mention that some people choose to return to sea after a period of time ashore, while others prefer to stay on land. The speaker expresses gratitude for their current position and acknowledges the learning curve they have experienced. They discuss the challenges of managing a team and the importance of balancing guidance and freedom. The speaker also mentions how their MBA has helped them approach problems from different perspectives. They express satisfaction with their current career path and mention upcoming projects in their role. Overall, they emphasize the need for personal growth and challenge in one's career.

Per Cristian discusses their experiences at sea, including a culture shock while discharging in India and witnessing amazing sunrises and sunsets. They mention the sacrifices made by seafarers, such as missing birthdays and holidays. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of the shipping industry and the often overlooked crews on board ships. The conversation touches on the recent attention given to crew members during COVID-19 and expresses gratitude for their work. The transcript ends with a friendly farewell between the speakers.

Timestamp:

Chapter 1: Introduction and Background

00:: Pleasantries and introduction to the podcast.

00:: Briefly discusses the speaker's untraditional background in shipping and their academic journey.

Chapter 2: Academic Challenges and Moving Between Countries

02:: Talks about struggling with studies and the impact of moving between different parts of Switzerland on academic progress.

Chapter 3: Career at Sea

05:: Describes the experience of working on a ship and the delay in completing studies due to a project.

Chapter 4: Pursuing an MBA in Shipping and Logistics

08:: Explains the decision to enroll in an online MBA program at Middlesex University to enhance career opportunities.

Chapter 5: Transition from Sea to Land

11:: Discusses the process of coming ashore and how the idea for a new project emerged during a skiing holiday.

Chapter 6: Starting a Cattle Project

16:: Details the process of starting a cattle project and the philosophy behind it.

Summary:

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Aberdeen Harbour Board and former Royal Navy officer, discusses his career and the reasons for transitioning from the UK Chamber of Shipping to Aberdeen. He highlights Aberdeen's potential in leading decarbonization efforts in shipping due to its advanced subsea technology, smaller vessels for prototyping new technologies, and concentration of energy companies. He also emphasises the significance of Aberdeen's harbour expansion project, which is the largest marine infrastructure project in the UK. Bob expresses his passion for renewable energy and climate change mitigation, which gradually grew throughout his career in response to environmental concerns.

Bob discusses their experience in the Navy, including their time as a ship navigator and commanding officer. They explain how they were selected for command and the challenges they faced. They also talk about their family life and the difficulties of being away from home. Bob mentions mentors who influenced their leadership style and emphasises the importance of treating everyone with respect. They touch on their role as a coalition commander, working with international partners to achieve common goals.

During Bob’s time in the Gulf, they were able to maintain communication with their family through video calls. They found their job fascinating and humbling due to working with a diverse group of committed individuals. Bob acknowledges that all roles come with challenges and self-imposed pressure to excel. They reflect on a career glitch where they had to take responsibility for mistakes made as a commanding officer, but this experience ultimately made them a better leader. After this incident, they continued their command and eventually got promoted twice. Later, Bob transitioned into the commercial side in Gibraltar, where they focused on improving services for shipping and super yachts by engaging with partners and clients internationally. This resulted in an improvement of around 25% in bunkering figures. Bob emphasises that treating people well and understanding their roles are key principles for success in leadership both in military and commercial settings.

When asked about moving into the UK Chamber of Shipping, Bob felt it was time for a new challenge after achieving what they set out to do in Gibraltar. They enjoyed working at high levels of policy-making and shaping industry views while dealing with government officials, international bodies, media, and members from various shipping sectors within a small but dedicated team at the chamber. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 shifting meetings online, engagement increased among industry professionals during this period.

Regarding lessons learned from COVID-19's impact on crew welfare and mental health within shipping chains, two main points stand out: first is recognizing the importance of shipping for everyday life while acknowledging seafarers' sacrifices during extended periods away from home; second is emphasising collaboration among different sectors such as ferries and cruises when faced with closures or significant changes in business models due to travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

Bob discusses the importance of collaboration and the role of people in driving change. He outlines his main goals as the successful introduction of South Harbour into the port of Aberdeen and generating new business opportunities. Additionally, he emphasises Aberdeen's position as a key energy hub in Europe and its role in supporting the UK's national energy transition efforts. Bob encourages individuals in the maritime sector to push themselves and highlights the industry's significance globally.

Timestamp:

Chapter 1: Introduction and Career Overview

00:: Bob introduces himself as Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Aberdeen Harbour Board, and briefly mentions his career in the Royal Navy and Gibraltar Port Aut

Frank Coles is a former seafarer that made the career decision to come ashore and study maritime law which eventually led to him becoming the President of Inmarsat, CEO of Transas and most recently the CEO of Wallem Group.

Known for his outspoken style Frank takes no prisoners in his desire to have seafarers recognised and to provide an enforceable global protocol for "Green Channel" travel for seafarers (link to the petition below).  The story of his career journey is inspiring and he took huge strides with several companies along the way.

Enjoy the podcast!

If you would like to sign Franks petition you can do so here -  https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-provide-an-enforceable-global-protocol-for-green-channel-travel-for-seafarers

Chris McDade was appointed as Vice President of Gas Operations by Teekay in the Summer in the middle of the COVID pandemic.  His rise within Teekay to his new position has been relentless and his willingness to take on new projects and succeed isn't common so it was great to learn more about his journey in joining the industry as a Deck Cadet and the small decision at the time to join one of two vessel types and the eventual difference it made in his career path.

Teekay Gas has went through incredible growth in recent years and the culture they have created within the Gas Business isn't easy to achieve so it was great to hear Chris's opinions on how they have achieved this and the opportunities they have ahead of them in the future.

Enjoy the podcast!

Thomas Wøidemann is the CEO of Lauritzen Kosan in Copenhagen. We discuss a range of topics from what it took for him to achieve his career goals and how his loyalty and consistency in accepting new challenges within his company helped him advance to his current position.

Starting out in the commercial side of the business with a bit of luck before accepting a challenge to move to Texas to gain experience rather than the commercial gain that is often looked at as the primary motive.

Having now worked and lived in 3 continents we discuss a range of topics and Thomas shares his belief that those looking to advance their career should be willing and perhaps seek out new challenges and look to solve problems for their companies proactively in order to progress.

It was a real pleasure to interview Thomas and I hope you enjoy the podcast.

Chrissie Clark is the Programme Manager for Diversity & Skills with Maritime UK.  

Chrissie has made great strides so far in her first year in the post strengthening the existing Women in Maritime Network and Launching the LBGT Maritime Network, the Ethnicity in Maritime Network and the Mental Health Network.  All of the networks hold monthly meetings and engagement has been incredible so far.

Chrissie started her career in Diversity in Australia within the Mining sector.  You could argue Maritime and Mining are comparable in their make up and Chrissie describes some of the ways in which they broke barriers consistently and aims to do the same within her current role.

We touch on the more personal side of moving your family around the world and try to settle in during a global pandemic and the challenges both physical and mental.  Chrissie is incredibly passionate about all of her groups and none more so than Mental Health, it has been a hard year for millions around the world and this network has been such an important resource for seafarers and shore based employees that may have been struggling throughout and beyond the COVID Pandemic.

It was a real pleasure to interview Chrissie, her positivity and passion is infectious and I hope you enjoy the podcast.

Alexander is the CEO and Founder of SHIPNEXT and VARAMAR.  In this episode we discuss the thought process behind starting SHIPNEXT and some of the challenges he has met since starting SHIPNEXT.  As a company SHIPNEXT is a global trade platform linking ships with Cargoes around the world.

If you are looking for inspiration Alexander's story and attitude is sure to push you as he shares how he has pushed through the opinions of the naysayers and now successfully grown two businesses.

This was a real pleasure to record with Alexander and even if you aren't in the commercial side of shipping his passion for his business and what he has achieved in his career so far is testament to hard work, having a vision and setting goals.

Enjoy the podcast!

Launching a Marine Tech Start Up is never going to be an easy task but at Chord-X spending the majority of your first year in business in the COVID Pandemic hasn't stopped them.

I this episode we learn more about Jon and non maritime start to now leading an exciting start up forward.  Taking inspiration from Aviation and Formula 1 industries Chord-X is a game changer for vessel owners and managers for not only saving fuel costs but also in early detection of engine anomalies in real time either by crew or shore based teams.

Jon has interesting comments on the change drivers in the industry and some unique observations between autonomous vessels and similar advancements in other industries.

Enjoy the podcast!