Shipmanagement must evolve with the demands of decarbonisation, as Swire Shipping and Swire Bulk head of fleet efficiency Nishant Dhyani explained at Gastech 2023 in Singapore
In the realm of maritime operations, where every ounce of fuel efficiency counts, Nishant Dhyani stands as a beacon of expertise. As the head of fleet efficiency at Swire Shipping and Swire Bulk, Mr Dhyani is tasked with the responsibility of optimising the container ships and bulk carriers owned and operated by Swire Bulk and Swire Shipping. In this interview, conducted in Singapore at Gastech 2023, Mr Dhyani shares valuable insights into his role and the broader mission of enhancing fleet efficiency in an industry facing growing sustainability challenges.
At the heart of Mr Dhyani’s role is the unique challenge of straddling two distinct corporate entities, Swire Bulk and Swire Shipping, while harmonising their sustainability efforts. Mr Dhyani clarifies, "Both companies are separate entities, but my work is for both the companies, so you can say I’m more of a corporate function." This strategic convergence enables a cohesive approach to sustainability, fleet efficiency and decarbonisation across both organisations.
The three pillars of sustainability
Mr Dhyani elaborates on the three pillars that define his work within the Sustainability and Decarbonisation department. First, there is sustainability, encompassing elements such as community care, corporate social responsibility, and addressing issues like single-use plastics. Then, there is fleet efficiency, a cornerstone of his role, focusing on optimising energy consumption, fuel efficiency and environmental compliance. Finally, the third pillar revolves around decarbonisation, strategically charting the course for alternative fuels and engine technologies. Mr Dhyani’s primary focus is on the second pillar, fleet efficiency, which involves the daily optimisation of vessel hardware, software and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
A pivotal aspect of Mr Dhyani’s role is ensuring Swire’s fleet operates at peak efficiency. He explains, "We make sure our vessels, from both the hardware and software points of view, are working as efficiently as possible." Hardware optimisation includes engines, propellers, hull maintenance, auxiliary engines and more. Software optimisation, in Mr Dhyani’s terms, involves the soft skills of the onboard crew, such as the captain’s decision-making regarding voyage optimisation based on factors such as weather and trim.
To achieve these goals, data is a vital asset. Mr Dhyani outlines the approach, "It’s a combination of both. We have a third-party provider, and we are expanding our programme to chartered vessels." This expansion underscores a commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability across the board.
Mr Dhyani acknowledges a significant challenge lies in changing the behaviour and mindset of the people on board. Traditional priorities have been safety and operational efficiency, but now environmental concerns are an additional dimension. "For them (crew and officers), this has never been an issue before," says Mr Dhyani. He emphasises the importance of education and awareness among senior officers, as they are the linchpin in translating sustainability goals into actions on the ground.
While discussing the possibility of having dedicated sustainability officers on ships, Mr Dhyani suggests it could be a viable option, provided it brings efficiency to operations. However, he cautions against increasing manpower without simultaneously streamlining processes to ensure a net gain in efficiency.
Mr Dhyani underscores the importance of selecting or building energy-efficient ships. Swire’s strategy involves exceeding IMO requirements for Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). It has found vessels with good EEDI and EEXI ratings tend to perform better in the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), highlighting the interplay between design and operational efficiency.
The choice of paint may seem trivial, but Mr Dhyani points out its significant impact on fuel consumption. Silicone paints, while costlier and softer, have proven to be highly efficient in reducing fuel consumption and enhancing compliance.
We make sure that our vessels, from both the hardware and software points of view, are working as efficiently as possible
Mr Dhyani contends that shipowners and operators should consider appointing dedicated fleet performance analysts who can continuously monitor and optimise vessel performance. This role would require authority and independence to make necessary changes for improving efficiency.
But there are subtle differences in monitoring efficiency results and Mr Dhyani emphasises the importance of distinguishing between absolute and relative performance in fleet efficiency. While absolute performance focuses on achieving specific numeric targets, relative performance focuses on continuous improvement from a baseline, which can lead to substantial fuel savings.
Being located in Singapore plays a crucial role in Swire Shipping and Swire Bulk’s decarbonisation efforts and Mr Dhyani highlights Singapore’s pivotal role in the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts. He lauds the city-state for its incentives, talent pool and commitment to decarbonisation, positioning it as a global hub for sustainable shipping.
As the maritime industry faces an ever-pressing need to reduce its environmental footprint, individuals like Mr Dhyani are leading the charge, demonstrating sustainability and efficiency can go hand-in-hand. Through a combination of data-driven decisionmaking, technical innovations and a commitment to change management, the Swire companies are navigating the complex waters of modern shipping while charting a more sustainable course for the future.
Registrations are now open for the Bulk Carrier Webinar Week. Click here to register for FREE!!
Click here to read the latest Bulk news and follow the International Bulk Shipping Community for exclusive content and offers.
Visit our Bulk webinar library to explore our highly successful Bulk Carriers Webinar Series.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.