AJAY SHEKHAWAT SINGH
Singapore
Summary
With over 25 years of experience in shipping, marine logistics and supply chain management, I am a seasoned shipping professional known for optimizing operations, enhancing vessel performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance. My career is distinguished by strong leadership, analytical acumen, and effective negotiation skills. I excel in managing global shipping operations, driving efficiency, and improving profitability.
As a Global Operations Manager, I consistently achieve high performance and customer satisfaction through operational reviews, team leadership, and expertise in budgeting, succession planning, and performance management. My problem-solving abilities and independent decision-making contribute to streamlined operations and reduced costs. I am adept at meeting goals under pressure, adapting to challenges, and enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Positive Regional Operations Manager with an optimistic attitude toward striving to be the best in terms of performance and customer satisfaction. Proficient at carrying out regular operational reviews and leading regional management teams. Knowledge of budgeting, succession planning and performance management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Operations Manager - Marine Operations
Swire Shipping Pte Ltd
04.2019 - Current
- Streamlined global operations by implementing cost-effective strategies and efficient processes.
- Focus on enhancing Liner Voyage Efficiency, Optimizing Vessel Performance, and ensuring efficient and Safe Cargo handling across the Serviced ports, and Liner services performance to deliver to CII/EEOI standards.
- Port-Fixture - Management of Charterparty performance including Off-hire claims, Cargo claims, Vessel performance, P&I matters, Hire Invoices
- Developed comprehensive risk management strategies, mitigating potential threats to company operations and assets.
- Reduced operational costs for increased profitability with strategic procurement and vendor negotiations.
- Bunker Management for the Services, including Bunker Contract at Key bunker ports, Bunker Quality & Quantity survey contracts and Bunker claims
- Assisted finance team in resolving payment discrepancies through effective communication with Bunker suppliers regarding outstanding invoices or disputes over bunker claims incurred and during the transaction process.
- Developed comprehensive understanding of regional markets to provide informed recommendations on procurement strategies for various fuel grades.
- Implemented vessel Performance Improvement Plan across all the vessels
- Owned as well as Chartered tonnage (Total of 29 ships) regime for Service Performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop pricing models that maximized profitability while remaining competitive in the market.
- Conducted regular reviews of financial performance against budgets, identifying areas of concern or opportunity for improvement.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Regional Operations Manager - Asia
Swire Shipping Pte Ltd
01.2016 - 04.2019
- Negotiate Port and Stevedoring prices and services with Ports/Terminals/Stevedores and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Managed port operations teams across 11 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, East Timor, and Singapore
- Supervised port agency teams, both in-house and third-party
- Oversaw Liner Operations Managers and Vessel Planning teams in North Asia, with a total of 12 LOMs, 6 planners, and port captains reporting directly
- Functional reporting by 11 agency Port Operations Teams
- Achievements: Significantly boosted Liner Services Schedule Reliability
- Negotiated improved rates and terms to enhance Port Operation efficiency and handling
- Introduced and Implemented Safety Performance terms in the Terminal and Stevedoring contracts through clauses or by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to enhance Port safety performance across the Regions (Globally).
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving strategies.
- Coordinated with other regional managers to share best practices, streamline processes, and improve overall organizational effectiveness.
- Monitored and analyzed performance data, identifying areas of improvement and developing corrective action plans.
- Managed a team of diverse employees, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged collaboration and professional growth.
- Enforced Safety Compliance with local, international regulations and company standards.
Line Operations Manager
Swire Shipping Pte Ltd
10.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed two main services: ESEA and SEA, overseeing a total of 11 ships
- Supervised a planning team of 6 planners across two offices (Singapore and New Zealand)
- Directed port operations and port agents teams across 10 countries and 21 ports
- Achievements: Successfully enhanced ESEA and SEA liner services by optimizing voyage speed and vessel performance
- Reduced bunker costs and increased cargo intake
- Improved service cost efficiency and customer satisfaction by increasing service schedule reliability.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
Senior Operations Manager
SE Shipping Pte Ltd
06.2009 - 10.2013
- Spearheaded Global Operations for Breakbulk Liner service, connecting Europe, the US Gulf, French Polynesia, and East Coast Australia, optimizing strategic agreements and performance metrics with key stakeholders including cargo booking and port agents, stevedoring and survey companies, and cargo planners
- Collaborated with Stowage Planning and Booking Agents to maximize cargo space utilization and streamline booking processes
- Negotiated favorable terms with charterers while ensuring contract requirements were met without compromising Operational Efficiency.
- Built strong relationships with key stakeholders through consistent engagement, collaboration, and transparent communication practices.
- Managed budgets and financial reporting for vessel operations, ensuring cost-effective decision-making processes.
- Orchestrated efficient port operations and cargo planning, ensuring expedited turnaround and operational excellence
- Managed post-fixture operations for Bulk, Break-Bulk, Liner and Tramping ships, including Issuing Voyage Orders as per Cargo booking notes, Charter party Hire/Off-hire SOA and Invoices, Bunkering Supply Management (including Procurement, delivery, invoicing process and Claims), Port Agency appointments for non-regular ports, Port Captaincy appointment, Cargo Operations planning, and appointing weather routing services
- Oversaw Liner/tramping services Bill of Lading administration, upholding stringent documentation standards for cargo
- Managing all P&I-related matters including cargo claims and legal issues for FDD/Freight/Charter-party matters
- Provided expert insights to the Chartering Team, enhancing charter party agreements through constructive feedback
- Negotiated key contracts essential for Breakbulk Liner Service and project Cargo Operations, such as Port Captaincy, Agency, Bunkering, etc..
- Streamlined stowage and booking processes, enhancing efficiency and turnaround
- Managed liner B/Ls and provided chartering insights, improving customer relations
- Cultivated strong customer relationships through regular meetings and visits, reinforcing client trust and Business Development.
Marine Regulatory Manager
A. P Mollar Maersk
06.2008 - 06.2009
- Spearheaded the establishment of the Marine Regulatory Department at A.P. Moller Maersk Singapore Pte Ltd
- Managed marine regulatory frameworks, and vessel dispensation, and upheld Safety and Security protocols as per the Company's Safety Management System
- Ensured full compliance of all vessels with IMO standards and relevant maritime conventions
- Implemented new maritime guidelines and standards across A.P. Moller Singapore's fleet
- Conducted internal ISM audits and vetting inspections for the shore office
- Addressed observations, deficiencies, and non-conformities identified during external inspections (PSC/Flag State) and audits/vetting
- Delivered mandatory safety and training programs onboard for officers and crew per company directives
- Leveraged strong relationships with regulatory agencies for expedited approvals during critical timelines.
- Enhanced regulatory compliance by developing and implementing effective policies and procedures.
- Conducted thorough reviews of technical documentation to ensure alignment with regulatory standards.
- Managed a successful audit, addressing all findings and implementing corrective actions in a timely manner.
Merchant Marine Officer
A. P Mollar Maersk
02.2002 - 06.2008
- Proficiently served as Merchant Marine Officer aboard Fully and Semi-Reefer Gas Tankers, specializing in the safe and efficient handling of LPG cargo.
Merchant Marine Officer
Great Eastern Shipping Co Ltd
03.1998 - 02.2002
- Proficiently served as Merchant Marine Officer aboard Product, Crude and Fully Reefer Gas Tankers, specializing in the safe and efficient handling of Oil and LPG cargo.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Goa University
Panaji, Goa01.1997
Skills
- Interpersonal and communication abilities
- Contract Negotiation and Management
- Contract negotiation abilities
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Emotional intelligence and people skills
- Organizational Skill
- Sourcing and Procurement
- Organizational Development
- Operational Efficiency
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Budget knowledge
- Strategic Planning
Personal Information
- Singapore Status - Permanent Resident
- Nationality - Indian
Languages
English
Hindi
Timeline
Global Operations Manager - Marine Operations
Swire Shipping Pte Ltd
04.2019 - Current
Regional Operations Manager - Asia
Swire Shipping Pte Ltd
01.2016 - 04.2019
Line Operations Manager
Swire Shipping Pte Ltd
10.2013 - 01.2016
Senior Operations Manager
SE Shipping Pte Ltd
06.2009 - 10.2013
Marine Regulatory Manager
A. P Mollar Maersk
06.2008 - 06.2009
Merchant Marine Officer
A. P Mollar Maersk
02.2002 - 06.2008
Merchant Marine Officer
Great Eastern Shipping Co Ltd
03.1998 - 02.2002
MBA - Business Administration
Arcadia University
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Goa University
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