Plan to Double Fleet over Next 10 Years

Padmesh Prabhune

Tristarr Maritime and Shipping Pte Ltd, one of the leading manning agents for Pacific Basin, recently organized a seminar in Mumbai, primarily as an interactive platform for their crewmembers that focused on the various aspects of their HQSE (Health Quality Safety Environment) culture.

The one day seminar witnessed a series of discussions with expert speakers of the likes of Capt Santanu Ghosh, Director, Tristarr Maritime and Shipping Private Limited & Owner’s Representative of Pacific Basin; Capt Rishi Mehra, Head Crew Training, Pacific Basin; Mr. Sivanand Ray, G.M,-Fleet Personnel, Pacific Basin; Capt Murali Soundararajin, Capt. Makarand Orpe, and Mr Puneet Bharadwaj.

The seminar also had sessions on Physical health & Mental Well–being by Seabird Medical Training.

Talking about the seminar, Capt Ghosh said, “This seminar is part of the series of our earlier communications program for our crewmembers who were then sailing and could not make it to the earlier seminar. It offers a platform wherein we have personal face-to-face interactions with everyone.”

He added, “Pacific Basin has been a leader in the global dry bulk sector for over 40 years, and provides one of the most competitive employment packages to attract top talent.

“We aim to increase in a big way the number of Indian seafarers placed on our principal’s vessels, those who contribute to the stability and growth of the company.”

Founded in Mumbai in 2012 by a highly experienced Master Mariner with expertise of 25 years in the shipping business, Tristarr Maritime as crewing/ manning company has all its plans set up to tap the Indian markets for Pacific Basin.

Though historically Pacific Basin has employed the majority of crew from China & the Philippines, given the growing Indian talent pool they are now focusing on the Indian markets. The company though a late entrant to India otherwise owns over 120 ships and operates over 300. In a short span of time the company has crewed 22 ships completely with Indian seafarers.

Admits Capt Mehra, “We are happy to see the way things are going, for ideally we have had our crews comprising 60 percent of Filipinos, 20 percent Chinese and remaining 20 percent Indians. We are pleased to see an increase in Indian crew with us, and are looking forward to have more and more Indians joining us gradually, and such seminars will be now a regular feature across India.”

HIRING BIG

Says Mr. Ray, “We are hiring big, and are keeping a tab on the growing Indian talent pool for they are well known for their skills and ability. Also as a seafarer one always prefers to join ownership companies like ours.

“The world over, we hire over 250 cadets every year. We have a separate training budget and we invest in market specific training. We are here for the long haul with zero tolerance for accidents/incidents.”

Talking about the growth, Capt Ghosh maintains, “We plan to double our fleet in the next 5-10 years. The company has a huge base of over 3500 seagoing staff and we are known to provide job opportunities across the globe.”

He added, “The PB culture follows a transparent culture with zero tolerance, and all in the industry know how we protect everyone associated with us. The recent case of the Master who has been finally released after two years of our concentrated efforts says it all.”

Tristarr Maritime and Shipping, a company recognized across local/ international organizations for its quality support is working hard to respond to the growing demand of higher quality human resource for the maritime industry, and will give its best shot at achieving success. As Capt Ghosh puts it: “We are here for the long haul.”

Marex Media