Technical Excellence with IMarEST UAE at SMLME

Dubai, UAE, 6 May 2025

The IMarEST UAE Branch took center stage at Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East by hosting 2 exclusive technical sessions, illuminating advancements in Engine Room operational excellence & smart maritime technologies. The sessions which were moderated by Nikeel Idnani (Hon. Secretary, IMarEST UAE Branch) convened industry pioneers to exchange insights on predictive maintenance, energy optimization, automation & emerging sustainability solutions.

Advancing Engine Room Operational Excellence

The Engine Room is the heart of a vessel and achieving operational excellence is essential for efficiency, safety and business sustainability. At a technical seminar, five industry leaders convened for a panel discussion, to explore the latest advancements in predictive maintenance, energy optimization, automation & remote diagnostics, highlighting real-world case studies of successful implementation.

Key Insights from the Panelists:

Alessio Giusto (Regional Sales Manager – Digital Solutions, Accelleron) showcased Tekomar XPERT™ Marine software, emphasizing its real-time performance diagnostics and fuel savings of 2–4%. A case study demonstrated €116,639 in savings, highlighting tangible efficiency and emissions benefits. 

Sameh Rezk (Chief Engineer, Bahri Ship Management) referred to Engine Room operational efficiency as the ‘cornerstone of the maritime industry, stressing the importance of preventive maintenance, energy efficiency, automation, and strict safety protocols to enhance vessel reliability and compliance with global maritime standards. 

Ajay Kumar Verma (Director – Technical, Asyad Shipping) provided insights from a conscientious ship owner’s perspective, emphasizing condition-based maintenance, competency development, energy-efficient operations and the need to shift from ‘compliance to commitment’ for long-term maritime success.  

Sukhminder J Singh (Technical Director, JOME Engineering LLC) presented innovations such as WinGD’s 12X92DF engine, metal 3D printing, laser cladding, and AI-driven predictive maintenance, highlighting crew training and digital solutions for operational excellence. 

Gagan Deep Katyal, Director of Avid Marine, emphasized the critical role of technical expertise in ensuring the timely delivery of the correct engine part - minimizing downtime even during unexpected machinery failures. He also highlighted the benefits of an exchange program for Wartsila, MAN and MAK engine assemblies, which avoids surprises during the reconditioning process and ensures the reliable operation of engines.

By ensuring efficient engine performance, embracing automation, data analytics, alternative fuels & digital transformation, ship operators can optimize performance & minimize costs. During the interactive Q&A session, the moderator engaged the 100 pax audience, encouraging them to share their ideas and lessons learned creating a dynamic learning environment. From the discussion, it was evident - Operational Excellence is not a goal, it's a mindset.

Smart Maritime Technologies: Gliding Towards a Sustainable Future

In an era where maritime sustainability is a top priority, shipowners face the challenge of distinguishing genuine innovation from mere industry buzz. To facilitate informed decision-making, the IMarEST UAE Branch hosted an exclusive technical session titled “Smart Maritime Technologies Gliding Towards a Sustainable Future” at Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East. The session brought together 4 distinguished experts, each offering a unique perspective on data-driven decision-making, performance tracking & the commercial and environmental impact of emerging energy-efficient technologies. Attending delegates engaged in critical discussions on the path toward smarter, more sustainable ship operations.

Maria Kristina B. Javellana, General Manager - Head of Fleet - Technical at Hafnia Chemical Tankers Pte Ltd (DMCC Branch), highlighted the crucial role of smart technologies in enhancing efficiency, safety & environmental sustainability in maritime operations. She emphasized the importance of crew education & competence in utilizing these innovations. Addressing current challenges, she noted the complexities of "big data" integration & the need for streamlined, secure data gathering that avoid redundant tasks. Maria called for industry-wide collaboration to accelerate the adoption of resilient, eco-friendly maritime practices, ensuring a smarter, more sustainable future for shipping.

Jaideep Vohra, Director of Fleet Performance & Engineering at Bahri Ship Management, highlighted the role of digitalization in modern shipping, emphasizing integrated ship management, predictive maintenance & energy optimization. Bahri’s Fleet Performance Monitoring Center, launched in 2022, leverages high-frequency data, diagnostics & machine learning to enhance operational efficiency, prevent system failures & reduce emissions. He stressed the importance of crew engagement through training programs, sustainability campaigns & officer conferences, reinforcing Bahri’s commitment to IMO environmental objectives.

Eirini Skouloudi, Technical Sales Manager EMEA at PPG, introduced the latest advancements in sustainable anti-fouling coatings & electrostatic application (ESTA) technology, setting new benchmarks for eco-efficient hull protection. She spotlighted PPG’s biocide-free silicone-based coating (SIGMAGLIDE® 2390) & Copper-free Anti Fouling (NEXEON™ 810), which, combined with ESTA, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35% & cut paint consumption by 50%. These innovations promote smoother hulls, minimize environmental waste & help shipowners meet IMO decarbonization targets - accentuated by PPG’s 50th successful ESTA docking milestone.

Capt. Ankur Arora, Global Market Leader – Tankers at Bureau Veritas, presented a compelling vision for digital transformation in shipping. He introduced cutting-edge tools such as SEECAT for ship energy efficiency, the Sloshing Virtual Sensor, and SloShield - a real-time monitoring solution for LNG tanks. With predictive maintenance and lifecycle data analytics at its core, these innovations promise safer, smarter, and more sustainable ship operations, reinforcing Bureau Veritas’ commitment to shaping a better maritime world.

This insightful session highlighted the critical role of smart technologies in promoting maritime sustainability. It provided shipowners with practical solutions to improve operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. As the industry evolves, the IMarEST demonstrates stewardship by actively supporting community engagement & encouraging continuous professional development for smart stakeholders.

Watch the recordings here:

• Smart Maritime Technologies Gliding Towards a Sustainable Future
• Engine Room Operational Excellence