Susmidh Madhavan Kutty
Maritime Leader -Ship Management
Singapore
Summary
Visionary maritime leader with over 25 years of progressive leadership in ship management, fleet operations, safety assurance, and technical project execution. Recognized for driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and regulatory compliance across global shipping markets. Adept at spearheading digital transformation, building high-performing teams, and fostering stakeholder collaboration to achieve strategic business outcomes. Proven record in risk mitigation, crisis resolution, and sustainability initiatives, positioning organizations for long-term success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Vessel Assurance Lead (HSSEQ - Fleet Safety)
Maersk Singapore
06.2023 - Current
- Directed fleet-wide asset protection initiatives, enhancing safety standards, cargo integrity, and operational reliability
- Managed a team of 15 internal auditors, standardizing and digitalizing audit processes to streamline compliance and risk management
- Collaborated with regulatory bodies (PSC, AMSA, Class Societies) to ensure continuous improvement in safety and environmental standards
- Led crisis management operations, implementing rapid corrective actions and comprehensive risk assessments
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
Director – Ship Management (Technical)
United Arab Shipping Company (Hapag-Lloyd)
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Oversaw a fleet of 42 vessels, optimizing operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and executing cost-control strategies
- Led cross-functional teams (Fleet Managers, Procurement, and Crewing) to centralize key operational contracts and improve vendor performance
- Directed major technical projects including dry dockings and retrofits, reducing vessel downtime and aligning with new regulatory requirements
- Enhanced emergency response planning, achieving zero major accidents and elevating overall fleet safety
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Achieved remarkable turnaround of underperforming divisions through strategic leadership and restructuring.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Pioneered adoption of sustainable practices, leading to industry recognition and awards.
- Cultivated high-performance executive team, selecting and mentoring candidates for key leadership roles.
- Enhanced data-driven decision-making by implementing advanced analytics and reporting tools.
Director – Technical Projects, Vessel Performance & Environment
United Arab Shipping Company (Hapag-Lloyd)
07.2015 - 01.2020
- Established the first real-time Voyage Monitoring Centre in the Middle East, significantly enhancing fleet operational efficiency
- Executed IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap Change Over and Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) implementation, ensuring full regulatory adherence
- Pioneered fuel efficiency strategies that resulted in a 10% reduction in bunker costs and improved environmental performance
- Led a team of Project Managers, Performance Managers, and an Environment Manager to drive technical innovations and sustainability initiatives
- Demonstrated strong negotiation skills with shipyards by establishing frame agreements with major shipyards, optimizing contracts, invoicing, and overall project cost management
- Represented the organization at international environmental conferences, influencing sustainability policies and best practices
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
Technical Superintendent / Project Engineer
Calm Sea Ship Management / Wan Ship Management, UAE
12.2013 - 07.2015
- Conducted rigorous ship inspections, ISM/ISPS audits, and compliance assessments to enhance vessel performance and longevity
- Managed retrofit projects and dry dockings, ensuring timely execution and operational continuity
- Acted as the Owner’s Representative and managed third-party management (ITM, V Ships, Warm Seas) in the best interests of the Owners
- Improvised the Owner’s fleet by investing in new builds, recycling older vessels, and actively participating in the sale and purchase of Owner assets, along with their ongoing maintenance
- Streamlined operations by optimizing shipboard systems and equipment for efficiency.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop long-term strategies for fleet optimization and growth.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry guidelines and implementing necessary changes to vessel operations.
- Spearheaded the adoption of new technologies for enhanced vessel monitoring, communications, and automation capabilities.
- Managed critical repair projects, coordinating with contractors to ensure timely completion within budget constraints.
- Delivered consistent reporting on vessel condition, maintenance activities, budgets, and KPIs to senior management stakeholders.
- Monitored production operations for quality and compliance with standards.
- Developed suggestions for technical process improvements to optimize resources.
- Identified technical risks within managed projects.
- Improved communication among stakeholders through regular updates and meetings.
Chief Engineer
Maersk (AP Moller, Denmark)
02.2012 - 04.2012
- Led shipboard maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring full adherence to international maritime standards (ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL)
- Directed engine overhauls and vessel surveys, significantly reducing maintenance downtime and optimizing operational performance
Second Engineer
Maersk (AP Moller, Denmark)
08.2008 - 02.2012
- Led shipboard maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring full adherence to international maritime standards (ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL)
- Directed engine overhauls and vessel surveys, significantly reducing maintenance downtime and optimizing operational performance
- Collaborated with chief engineer on major overhauls, upgrades, and conversions for increased vessel functionality.
- Maintained accurate records of machinery operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating future maintenance activities.
- Communicated effectively with shoreside management regarding technical updates, repair estimates, and project timelines.
- Trained junior engineers on best practices for equipment operation, contributing to a knowledgeable and skilled workforce onboard the vessel.
Third Engineer
Maersk (AP Moller, Denmark)
04.2003 - 08.2008
- Led shipboard maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring full adherence to international maritime standards (ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL)
- Directed engine overhauls and vessel surveys, significantly reducing maintenance downtime and optimizing operational performance
- Assisted in maintaining electrical systems on board, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for all ship functions.
- Managed engine room equipment repair projects, coordinating with vendors to ensure efficient completion within budget constraints.
- Streamlined inventory management for spare parts, ensuring timely availability for repairs and maintenance tasks.
- Maintained accurate logs of machinery performance data for analysis and informed decision-making purposes.
- Contributed to smooth sailing operations with proactive troubleshooting and effective problem-solving skills.
- Ensured compliance with environmental regulations by properly managing waste disposal systems on board the ship.
- Provided hands-on assistance during firefighting activities when necessary, prioritizing crew safety above all else.
- Participated in emergency drills, honing teamwork abilities and crisis response readiness among crew members.
- Implemented energy conservation measures across various systems on the ship, contributing to a greener maritime environment.
- Supported senior engineers in upgrading existing systems on the vessel, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Marine Engineering
Marine Engineering
Indian Institution Of EngineersClass 1 COC (Chief Engineer) - undefined
MPA Singapore
Diploma - Singapore Polytechnic
Marine Power Plant
Skills
- Fleet & Vessel Operations Management
- Strategic Leadership & Decision Making
- Technical Project & Retrofit Management
- Regulatory Compliance & Safety Assurance
- Digital Transformation
- Risk Management & Crisis Resolution
- Stakeholder & Vendor Relations
- Sustainability & Alternative Fuel Strategies
Teamwork and collaboration
Team management
Excellent communication
Supervision and leadership
Dependable and responsible
Friendly, positive attitude
Accomplishments
- Maritime Excellence Award (2017): Recognized for outstanding contributions to operational efficiency and safety.
- Cost Optimization Initiatives: Led Cylinder Lubrication Optimization, reducing operational costs by 10%.
- Innovation in Monitoring: Established a Performance-Monitoring Centre using the Marorka System for real-time analytics.
- Sustainability Leadership: Achieved Green Recycling Certification and implemented alternative fuel strategies for enhanced regulatory compliance.
- Fleet Enhancement: Successfully led new vessel development and commissioning projects, elevating fleet capabilities.
Affiliations
- Member, The Nautical Institute
- Member, IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology)
- Active Participant, BIMCO & Maritime Safety Conferences
Education And Certifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering
- Class 1 COC (Chief Engineer), MPA Singapore
- Diploma in Marine Power Plant, Singapore Polytechnic
- ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 Certified
- LR Certified: Essential Dry Docking & Class Surveys
- Maritime Risk Management & Incident Investigation – DNV
- DNV Certified Internal Auditor (ISM, ISPS, MLC)
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 11/04/81
- Nationality: Indian
- Marital Status: Married
Classification
Internal
Timeline
Vessel Assurance Lead (HSSEQ - Fleet Safety)
Maersk Singapore
06.2023 - Current
Director – Ship Management (Technical)
United Arab Shipping Company (Hapag-Lloyd)
01.2020 - 03.2023
Director – Technical Projects, Vessel Performance & Environment
United Arab Shipping Company (Hapag-Lloyd)
07.2015 - 01.2020
Technical Superintendent / Project Engineer
Calm Sea Ship Management / Wan Ship Management, UAE
12.2013 - 07.2015
Chief Engineer
Maersk (AP Moller, Denmark)
02.2012 - 04.2012
Second Engineer
Maersk (AP Moller, Denmark)
08.2008 - 02.2012
Third Engineer
Maersk (AP Moller, Denmark)
04.2003 - 08.2008
Class 1 COC (Chief Engineer) - undefined
MPA Singapore
Diploma - Singapore Polytechnic
Marine Power Plant
Bachelor’s Degree - Marine Engineering
Marine Engineering
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