Capt. Sushant Kumar: Empowering Growth In India's Shipping & Maritime Sector
Capt. Sushant Kumar
CEO
Effective leadership in this sector is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring safety, compliance with international regulations, and managing risks. Strong leadership fosters innovation, improves efficiency, and enhances India's competitiveness in the global shipping market. Capt. Sushant Kumar, the CEO of Tangar Ship Management, stands out as one such visionary leader.
Capt. Sushant Kumar’s career in the maritime industry began in the late 1990s with the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., where he rose from a teenager starting as a cadet to becoming the Captain of a ship. Over the years, his relentless pursuit of self improvement led him to pursue multiple advanced quali-fications, including an MBA in HR, Law, Finance, and Shipping & Logistics Management.
His career is marked by significant milestones, including playing a crucial role in introducing India’s first LNG ship and commissioning the first successful Petronet LNG plant. In recognition of his achievements, Capt. Kumar also received several prestigious awards, including the Project Award for Indian Coastal Shipping (2008) and Expansion of LNG Trade in India (2010) by the Ministry of Shipping. His leadership was especially instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he facilitated the first crew change at Galle, Sri Lanka, ensuring the continued operation of ships and the welfare of seafarers during an unprecedented crisis.
At Tangar Ship Management, Capt. Kumar has taken the company to new heights, over seeing its rapid growth, expanding its fleet, and diversifying into cargo trading, energy sectors, and international port acquisitions. His leadership has earned him multiple recognitions, including the
Chairman’s Trophy of Young Entrepreneur Award from Shipping Corporation of India in 2018 and 2019, as well as the Best ISM Officer – Fleet Award in 2021. With his exceptional leadership and commitment to innovation, Tangar Ship Management is poised for continued success under Capt. Kumar’s visionary guidance. Let’s dive in to know more.
Could you share how your commitment to safety, efficiency, and reliability has made you an invaluable asset to the maritime industry?
Safety is a fundamental pillar of the maritime industry, governed by the International Maritime Organization’s standards, which outline the elements of safety in the International Safety Management system. As CEO, I am deeply committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers, the environment, cargo, and the vessels themselves. The sustainability of any shipping company directly correlates with its safety standards, and maintaining these is a top priority for management. Tangar Ship Management, one of the fastest-growing companies in the ship management sector, upholds these values while contributing to strengthening the nation’s shipping industry.
Can you elaborate on the technology framework you've established within the organization to ensure smooth operations and enhanced productivity?
Trigun Infotech, our technology partner through a joint venture, developed the Marine ERP system 'NAVIOX', which has successfully digitalized Tangar Ship Management and Tangar Shipping. This technology framework connects various operations such as quality control, maintenance, procurement, repairs, accounts, and inventory management, linking the ships with Tangar Ship Management and the ship owners.
To enhance operational efficiency and ensure seamless connectivity, NAVIOX provides real-time updates from vessels worldwide, centralized to our management and owners. As a result, we have achieved an 80-95 percent paperless operation, improving overall productivity and stream-lining processes.
The sustainability of any shipping company directly correlates with its safety standards, and maintaining these is a top priority for manage-ment
Could you share how your commitment to safety, efficiency, and reliability has made you an invaluable asset to the maritime industry?
Safety is a fundamental pillar of the maritime industry, governed by the International Maritime Organization’s standards, which outline the elements of safety in the International Safety Management system. As CEO, I am deeply committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers, the environment, cargo, and the vessels themselves. The sustainability of any shipping company directly correlates with its safety standards, and maintaining these is a top priority for management. Tangar Ship Management, one of the fastest-growing companies in the ship management sector, upholds these values while contributing to strengthening the nation’s shipping industry.
Can you elaborate on the technology framework you've established within the organization to ensure smooth operations and enhanced productivity?
Trigun Infotech, our technology partner through a joint venture, developed the Marine ERP system 'NAVIOX', which has successfully digitalized Tangar Ship Management and Tangar Shipping. This technology framework connects various operations such as quality control, maintenance, procurement, repairs, accounts, and inventory management, linking the ships with Tangar Ship Management and the ship owners.
To enhance operational efficiency and ensure seamless connectivity, NAVIOX provides real-time updates from vessels worldwide, centralized to our management and owners. As a result, we have achieved an 80-95 percent paperless operation, improving overall productivity and stream-lining processes.
What quality control measures have you implemented to ensure the delivery of high-quality services in the industry?
In addition to being an ISO-certified company, we also comply with TMSA and IMS standards. Achieving these certifications in the shipping industry is only possible when a company upholds the highest standards in Quality, Health, Environment, and Safety. To ensure continuous improvement and adaptation in a rapidly changing business landscape, we have established a dedicated 'QHSE Department'.
We also maintain a robust online feedback system for all stakeholders, including seafarers, government bodies, suppliers, vendors, and visitors. Additionally, each department has its own quality circle, responsible for suggesting improvements and conducting inter-departmental quality audits.
What kind of work environment have you cultivated at Tangar Ship Management to foster employee growth?
In line with the company's policy, the term 'Employee' is not used. Instead, everyone is considered a 'Member' of the organization. Recently, we implemented a 360-degree appraisal system, allowing members to freely suggest or raise concerns with management through the proper channels. To support professional growth, we have introduced monthly MDP sessions for all members. Additionally, we conduct a biweekly 'Research, Development & Safety Campaign' organized by the HR department in close collaboration with the QHSE team, to further enhance the skills and knowledge of our members.
What is the future direction you are aiming for?
We are currently focused on expansion and diversification. Our fleet size is growing, with a target to increase from the current 16 vessels to 36. Additionally, we are diversifying our business into cargo trading, the energy sector, and commercial operations for oil and gas tankers.
Capt. Sushant Kumar, CEO, Tangar Ship Management
With a career spanning almost three decades, Capt. Sushant Kumar is a seasoned leader in the maritime industry. As CEO of Tangar Ship Management, he has spearheaded growth, expanded the fleet, and diversi-fied the business into various sectors.
In addition to being an ISO-certified company, we also comply with TMSA and IMS standards. Achieving these certifications in the shipping industry is only possible when a company upholds the highest standards in Quality, Health, Environment, and Safety. To ensure continuous improvement and adaptation in a rapidly changing business landscape, we have established a dedicated 'QHSE Department'.
We also maintain a robust online feedback system for all stakeholders, including seafarers, government bodies, suppliers, vendors, and visitors. Additionally, each department has its own quality circle, responsible for suggesting improvements and conducting inter-departmental quality audits.
What kind of work environment have you cultivated at Tangar Ship Management to foster employee growth?
In line with the company's policy, the term 'Employee' is not used. Instead, everyone is considered a 'Member' of the organization. Recently, we implemented a 360-degree appraisal system, allowing members to freely suggest or raise concerns with management through the proper channels. To support professional growth, we have introduced monthly MDP sessions for all members. Additionally, we conduct a biweekly 'Research, Development & Safety Campaign' organized by the HR department in close collaboration with the QHSE team, to further enhance the skills and knowledge of our members.
What is the future direction you are aiming for?
We are currently focused on expansion and diversification. Our fleet size is growing, with a target to increase from the current 16 vessels to 36. Additionally, we are diversifying our business into cargo trading, the energy sector, and commercial operations for oil and gas tankers.
Capt. Sushant Kumar, CEO, Tangar Ship Management
With a career spanning almost three decades, Capt. Sushant Kumar is a seasoned leader in the maritime industry. As CEO of Tangar Ship Management, he has spearheaded growth, expanded the fleet, and diversi-fied the business into various sectors.