Amit Banerjee, a resident of Kolkata, served for 40 years in the shipping industry, which highlighted a thought: Do many people know something about the shipping industry? We may imagine ships sailing on the sea, carrying passengers or cargo. With the increase in air travel, are ships impacted? Perhaps they are, but I soon realised that the shipping industry involves much more in terms of business.
The Arabian Sea, of the northern Indian Ocean, is bounded on the north by Pakistan and in terms of proximity, is possibly the nearest sea point for anyone living in North India. For people in Maharashtra or Bengal, the sea is closer and they are relatively more familiar with maritime matters.
Amit Banerjee, a resident of Kolkata, served for 40 years in the shipping industry, which highlighted a thought: Do many people know something about the shipping industry? We may imagine ships sailing on the sea, carrying passengers or cargo. With the increase in air travel, are ships impacted? Perhaps they are, but I soon realised that the shipping industry involves much more in terms of business. Amit, with his innate sense of determination, has figured that this profession can still enable him to reach out to different corners of the world, despite him being a retiree. His story unfolds in a remarkable manner and gives an amazing insight into this industry.
It is never too late for anyone to benefit from experience and when Amit synchronized with three former colleagues, who are Master mariners, with a combined total of decades of experience in sailing ships, they have elucidated the value of their experience, which has evoked a rich repository of knowledge and this, in turn, has enlightened followers of the business world.
The four of them have established, The Swasthi Maritime Consultants, where with its inspirational undertone, the Sanskrit word Swasthi, interprets ‘Well-Being,’ They have in their zeal illuminated businessmen on how the 21st century moves forward adapting to new precepts and this serves as a reminder not only to doyens of the shipping industry but to other fields of business too.
This team of consultants tell us that when they embarked on their careers in shipping, 40 years ago, they still recall their regular interactions with the upper echelon of the Organization. Today, with the internet, there is no time for protracted conversations because a decision may be taken thousands of miles away, with clicks from a computer’s key board. Decades back the shipping line was viewed as being rather laid back because ships were often anchored at a port for weeks, till loading or unloading of cargo was completed. Not any more, because technology and communication has obviated the situation of ships languishing at port. In fact, Amit enlightened me on a changing situation one views today. He has perceived smaller shipping entities merging with larger ones and this singular factor alone, can impact careers.
“Veterans in this line need to re-invent themselves,” articulates Amit, which actually signifies the need for professionals to study new opportunities and this he states is equally relevant for his consultancy. The central thread of their future plans must hinge on their aspiring to remain ahead in these changing times.
The Swasthi Maritime Consultants are endowed with their core competencies, which encompasses liner shipping, forwarding freight, handling of vessels with their significant vessel audit, to assist clients to buy or sell ships. The members of this team are in their 60’s with a planned 24x7 agenda. Let us not forget, they are in touch with clients from different countries and time zones. The ‘Swasthi’ team with Amit Banerjee, an M.B.A.
who is a specialist in marketing, has integrated his skills with, Capt. Chandramowleeswaran, a Master mariner, with 19 years sailing experience. Capt. C. Satyanarayana, a Master mariner with 16 years sailing experience and two decades of commercial shipping experience. Capt. Prem Rajendran, an M.B.A. in shipping management, with 13 years sailing experience. The four professionals have combined their experience inspired by a map of the world, which guides them towards a vibrant destination called- Success.
By Deepak Rikhye
Leave Your Comment