This time of the year always gives a great opportunity to consider lessons learned and set new year’s resolutions for new beginnings. For that matter, Capt. VS Parani, HSSEQ Manager, Tufton Asset Management Ltd makes an assessment of 2021 and shares his message for the new year across the global maritime community.
SAFETY4SEA: How would you briefly describe 2021? What is your assessment?
Capt. VS Parani: Collaborative.
S4S: What were the lessons learned for the maritime industry in 2021 and what to keep for the new year moving forwards?
VSP:
We are resilient as a people, and as an industry. Organizations that invested in people were rewarded with greater levels of conscientiousness and mutual trust during remote work, such as executing drydocks without superintendent attendance.
The maritime industry also realized that we reduced our carbon footprint in the last two years by being mindful about travel and local procurement; we should consider this going forward.
S4S: Focusing on your area of expertise, what do you think that will be the biggest challenge(s) for the industry in 2022?
VSP: Post the ‘anthropause’ of the last two years, getting back to physical interactions but at the same time optimizing remote interactions; whether for business development, ship attendance, engagement with the team, or for training.
One of the major challenges for the industry in 2022 will be preparing for the EEXI/CII regulations entering into force in 2023.
S4S: What are you looking forward to in 2022? What would you be most glad about seeing changing in the maritime industry next year?
VSP: An improved crew change situation, a pragmatic approach to developing maritime regulations, and a post-pandemic optimism.
S4S: If you could make one wish for the maritime industry for the year to come, what would you ask for?
VSP: Work on ‘earthshot’. Innovate and include ESG in our organizational objectives and working practices, and personal habits.
In 2022,
- We need to continue…to look forward and embrace new ways of doing things.
- We need to lose…rigid structures and closed operational boundaries.
- We need to gain…an ecosystem perspective, multidimensional leadership in technical and social standards.
- We can succeed by…collaboration and innovation.
The views presented are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
