As one of the world’s leading product tanker companies, we believe in the importance of collaboration across maritime educational institutions, councils, and other shipping companies. An interest in the wider industry helps Hafnia play an active role in helping our sector involve, and also in staying current on the latest trends and developments in the sector.
We asked Anne Sophie Krabbe Thykier (Head of People Development), Shivas Kapoor, GM (Head of Crewing), and Surajit Chanda, VP (Technical In-House Fleet) what they do beyond their roles at Hafnia to both contribute to the wider industry and develop their own professional paths.
What they do beyond Hafnia, and what the roles entail…
Anne Sophie Krabbe Thykier
I’m a thematical course lead for the Connecting Shipping Relations module in the Danish Shipowner’s Association Shipping Education program. The Danish Shipping Education is a two-year program that trains the shipping professional of tomorrow in close collaboration with shipping companies, creating an education that is both theoretical and practical and prepares its students for an exciting future in the worldwide shipping industry.
In my role with Danish Shipping, my module involves teaching students a mix of communication, negotiation, cultural understanding, and presentation techniques.
Shivas Kapoor
I sit on the Board of Directors in the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC) Executive Committee until May 2024. The IMEC is the only international employers’ shipping union dedicated to maritime industrial relations. It has over 260 shipping companies, including Maersk, Teekay, Scorpio, Vships, Thome, Anglo Eastern, OSM, and Synergy, as its members.
Additionally, I will be part of the IMEC Recruitment and Training Committee until May 2025.IMEC’s main objective is to negotiate Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and local unions across the globe. These negotiations are related to crew wages and conditions of employment for seafarers.
Besides CBA negotiations, IMEC also plays an essential role in seafarers’ recruitment, training, and development, including the cadet programs. The IMEC Recruitment and Training Committee was established in 2006 and oversees various IMEC training initiatives. The Committee is a team of elected IMEC member representatives who collectively contribute their extensive wealth of experience and knowledge to guide and support the direction of future training projects in the shipping industry.
Surajit Chanda
I sit as the Technical Committee Representative for the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), Lloyds Register South-East Asia Technical Committee (SEATEC), DNV’s South-East Asia and Pacific Technical Committee, the ABS South-East Asia and Middle East Technical Committee, and in the International Tanker Technical Forum (ITTF).
In my various roles, I provide recommendations and discuss ideas for improvement in technological and operational efficiencies. My role also involves commenting on new rule proposals tabled to Technical Committees of various Classification Societies. Additionally, I occasionally give educational talks and presentations requested by the SSA and ITTF pertaining to Hafnia’s initiatives in Energy Management and Crew Development.
How it benefits their current role…
Anne Sophie Krabbe Thykier
In interacting with future generations, I hear their ideas, concerns, and thoughts on our industry. As Head of People Development, this also helps apply learnings within Hafnia on what the talent pipeline is seeking for from potential employers and a fulfilling career in maritime. It also gives me an overall view when it comes to trends and developments in the talent pool in Denmark and other countries.
Shivas Kapoor
As an elected member of the IMEC board, I can participate in negotiations with the ITF on CBAs and share my opinions in shaping policies and procedures regarding the terms and conditions of seafarers. This role provides access to exclusive information, reports, research, and resources relevant to the shipping sector. It keeps us updated on the industry’s latest trends, regulations, and best practices.
I can also share relevant information on all aspects of maritime human resources, including the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 and developments at the International Labor Organization. By being part of such a council, I, on behalf of Hafnia, can collaborate with various stakeholders to address industry challenges, promote sustainable practices, and ensure sector interests are well-represented. It demonstrates our commitment to the industry, willingness to contribute, and understanding of the broader issues and concerns within the shipping sector.
Surajit Chanda
The Technical Committees across the various associations provide an opportunity to discuss prevailing issues, learn about new developments in the industry, and the sharing of best practices with other Ship Managers. It also benefits Hafnia by keeping us abreast of the latest developments and proven technologies.
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