I grew up in Mangaluru, a port city in India. There were shipyards and beaches all around me, so the sea was always close by. When I was little, I used to look at the vessels on the horizon and wonder, "How do those ships move? What kind of people work on them?" That curiosity led me to study marine engineering at university. As I gained experience and advanced in my career at sea, I came to realize management's importance in supporting ships, alongside the technology that propels them. After 15 years at sea, I now work in ship management at an office in Singapore.

The most fulfilling moments are when we restore a vessel that was having problems. One particularly memorable case was when a sudden power outage during a voyage caused a ship to lose propulsion and power. There are no service stations at sea, so the crew and team on shore have to work together to quickly diagnose and solve the problem. My motto is prioritizing the crew's insights and supporting them so they can perform at their best. The crew is on the front lines, and the information they gather themselves is crucial for decision-making. In this case also, the ship's crew worked systematically, and our team on land coordinated with the engine manufacturer while providing the crew with technical support remotely. Ultimately, a fuel supply malfunction was identified as the cause, and we got the ship running again in splendid fashion. I was impressed by how our teamwork ensured the ship's safety.

One moment when I thought that "this is the MOL Group" was when we delivered the Cielo Ace to Shin Kurushima Dockyard's Onishi Shipyard on January 28, 2025. The Cielo Ace, one of the Blue series of LNG carriers, represents a major step forward in reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability. I was responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the ship's delivery, ensuring that all systems and equipment met the highest standards. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience to participate in this project, which is a key focus for the MOL Group, and to take on the role of technical supervisor. MOL is always at the forefront of new technologies, so I intend to continue learning by engaging with many people to expand my knowledge, which I can then apply at work.

Working for just one company for a long time is by no means easy. But MOL has given me countless opportunities. That's why this company is like a second home to me. Every person brings a different culture and experiences, but we respect those differences and work together to take on new challenges. That's what makes the MOL team special. Personally, I hope to use AI to raise our ship management capabilities to the next level, enabling us to safely and efficiently support more vessels. I encourage all my colleagues around the world to believe in your own path and continue challenging yourself. Let us support one another and carry forward the MOL spirit. Our pride will continue to maintain safety on the sea and support its future. I wish you all success in your future voyages.