Capt. Shawn Sequeira, Commercial Operations Manager, Triton Navigation, recently won the prestigious ‘top 20 under the age of 40’ in the shipping industry at the award ceremony organised by Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East, held in Dubai.
In an interaction with Maritime Gateway Capt. Shawn Sequeira talks about the transformation in the tanker market following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, digitalisation on-board shipping lines and challenges faced by seafarers
Following the Russia – Ukraine war, there have been a lot of changes in the global oil supply chains. What has been the impact on the tanker and bulk carrier market? What is the current scenario in terms of demand/supply, charter rates?
The Russia-Ukraine war has had significant repercussions on the global oil supply chains, thereby impacting the tanker and bulk carrier market in the shipping industry. The specific impact and current scenario in terms of demand/supply and charter rates are as follows:
The impact on charter rates in the tanker and bulk carrier market can be influenced by the changes in demand and supply. If demand outweighs supply, charter rates may increase as companies compete for available vessels. Conversely, a surplus of vessels due to reduced demand may result in downward pressure on charter rates.
The conflict has disrupted established trade routes for oil exports, necessitating adjustments in transportation logistics and trade patterns. This disruption can lead to changes in demand for tanker and bulk carrier services as new routes are established and existing ones are modified. Several ports in the Ukraine remain closed as vessel’s calling these ports and surrounding areas are not getting additional war risk coverage by the hull under writers. Ships had to be rerouted causing delays in cargo flows.
A lot of green fuels like Hydrogen, Ammonia are being experimented and are even being brought into the market. In this scenario, how is the demand for traditional fuels, HSFO, LSFO? How are these changing fuels impacting the operating cost for shipping lines?
The transition from traditional fuels to green fuels presents challenges for shipping lines. Retrofitting existing vessels or investing in new ships capable of utilizing alternative fuels requires significant capital investments. Additionally, the availability and infrastructure for green fuels may be limited in certain regions, impacting their feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
The demand for traditional fuels, particularly HSFO, has been experiencing a decline due to increasing environmental regulations and a global push for decarbonization. LSFO, on the other hand, continues to be in demand as it meets current sulfur emission limits and serves as a transitional option for shipping lines.
Finally till global shipping does not have a perennial of alternate fuel which is available globally, the industry will still have dependence on traditional fuel and will use it in conjunction with green fuels.
You have sailed on various vessels. What are the challenges seafarers face while on-board a vessel?
Seafarer’s today often spend extended periods at sea, away from their families and loved ones. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and homesickness, impacting mental health of the seafarer’s.
Further during the Covid period the seafarer’s were not allowed to join or disembark the vessel let alone go for shore leaves, this has had a severe impact on the mental health of the seafarer’s.
With the advent of Internet onboard, it has enabled the seafarers communicate more often with their loved ones but has left an impact with reduced time being spent by personal with their colleagues onboard.
As a master mariner, what are the major lapses you have noticed in ship management and management of seafarers?
Lack of Mental Health Support: Mental health and well-being are critical for seafarers’ overall welfare. However, ship management may sometimes overlook or inadequately address the mental health needs of seafarers, leading to increased stress, isolation, and potential mental health issues. Also many seafarer’s including senior staff on-board do not come forward to inform the companies that they are facing depression, loneliness and other mental health issues as they fear that they will not be re-employed.
Rest hour violations — Staff on-board and maritime leaders ashore need to address the big issue of rest hours violations onboard which happen far too frequently, leading to excess stress build up in sailing staff.
Inadequate Environmental Management: This may involve improper disposal of waste, non-compliance with emissions regulations, or inadequate implementation of environmental protection measures.
At several forums industry leaders have voiced concerns about lack of digitalisation on vessels and seafarers are required to manually maintain several documents. How is the current scenario of digitalisation on-board ships?
Efforts for digitization in shipping have increased in the past decade and we are seeing more and more positive results. ECDIS – With the advent of ECDIS, there is no longer need for physical paper charts to be maintained and also data including corrections are fed in through the electronic system on-board.
Electronic BL’s- In an increasing digitalised world, everyone wants access to data and documents online, 24/7 and from anywhere. The electronic bill of lading is an original electronic document which offers a more efficient, secure, and sustainable alternative to a complex and costly process. It has the same legal value and replicates the functions of an original BL in paper, but electronically. No more paperwork, postage costs, delays or disruptions to move physically important trade documents between exporters, shipping agents, banks, importers and other parties. We can now manage the BL’s in a matter of clicks and really enhances the ease of doing business and shipping commodities.
Electronic Documentation: Efforts are being made to digitize and streamline documentation processes on-board ships. Electronic systems are being implemented to manage various documents such as crew records, voyage data, safety certificates, maintenance logs, and regulatory compliance documents. However, the transition from manual to electronic documentation is still ongoing in many cases.
Recently, there have been several instances of containers catching fire on-board vessels and vessel collisions as well. How can these accidents be avoided? What are the best practices to be followed?
Crew Training and Competence: The human element is the most important factor when it comes to accidents at sea. Even if not caused by human error, effectively trained personal can definite reduce the impact of an incident and cause it to be much contained. Training should cover safety procedures, emergency response protocols, navigation techniques, cargo handling practices, and firefighting skills. Regular drills and exercises help reinforce these skills.
Employing appropriate navigation practices is essential to prevent collisions. This includes proper voyage planning, utilizing electronic navigation systems, maintaining a lookout, adhering to International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), and monitoring vessel traffic.
Fire Prevention and Safety: Implementing stringent fire prevention measures is crucial to avoid container fires. This involves proper stowage and securing of cargo, regular inspection and maintenance of container spaces, effective fire detection and suppression systems, and crew training in firefighting techniques.
Regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of safety equipment are essential. This includes life-saving appliances, fire-fighting equipment, navigation aids, and communication systems. Properly functioning equipment increases the likelihood of effective response during emergencies.
