What is it really like to start your career at sea – and how does a cadetship shape the way you work, learn and live day to day? For Siddhant Mehra, an Engine Cadet with Zodiac Maritime, the past two months onboard have been an intensive introduction to life in the engine room.

From early starts and structured routines to hands-on maintenance and learning in real operating conditions, Siddhant’s first sea phase has offered lessons that go far beyond the classroom. In this Q&A, Siddhant shares what surprised him most about life at sea, what a typical day looks like, and the moments that have made him feel proud.

What’s your role, and where are you in the cadetship programme?

I am an Engine Cadet with Zodiac Maritime and have recently completed two months at sea, which has been an important learning stage in my cadetship journey. As I progress through the programme, I hope to keep building my knowledge and, by the end of my contract, gain as much experience as possible in machinery operation and troubleshooting major equipment onboard.

What’s been the biggest surprise about life at sea so far?

The biggest surprise for me has been how structured and disciplined life at sea is. Before joining, I was a bit of a night owl, with an irregular routine and an unhealthy diet. Life at sea has helped me develop discipline, eat more cleanly, and follow a proper daily routine. I have also started going to the gym regularly, which has been a really positive change, and something I plan to continue when I’m back home.

Talk us through a typical day onboard – what does your routine look like?

My day starts at 6:30am. After breakfast, I report to the Engine Control Room by 7:30am. The day begins with a morning discussion involving the entire engine department, where we review the day’s jobs, important updates and safety-related matters. Tasks are then allocated, similar to a toolbox talk.

Before starting my assigned work, I carry out an important routine responsibility: taking tank soundings and maintaining accurate tank records. After that, if a specific task is assigned to me, I complete it accordingly. Otherwise, I usually assist the Third Engineer. Working closely with him has been a valuable learning experience, as it allows me to observe operations in detail and gain practical knowledge.

We have a coffee break at 10:30am, followed by lunch at 12:00 noon and a rest period until 1:00pm. After that, we resume duties until the afternoon coffee break at 3:00pm, and the workday generally ends by 5:00pm.

In the evening, I go to the gym at around 5:30pm, have dinner at 6:30pm, and then spend time completing my training record book and Zodiac Maritime training projects. If time permits, I relax by watching a movie, and I usually turn in by 10:00pm.

What have you learned that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

Onboard, I have learned how machinery and systems behave under real operating conditions. Skills such as troubleshooting, teamwork during operations, safety awareness, and adapting in real time can only truly be developed at sea, not just through textbooks.

I completed a four-year engineering degree with extensive theoretical coursework and examinations. While my university has one of the largest workshops, I feel there is always a gap between theory and practical application. Adapting to a real working environment requires hands-on involvement and active participation in actual tasks.

For example, I was particularly fascinated by auxiliary machinery such as the boiler. I understood its basic principles, operation, and components in theory, but working on it onboard was a completely different experience. During burner maintenance, which I carried out with the Third Engineer, I was able to see the components in real conditions and gain hands-on experience. These are the lessons that cannot be fully learned in a classroom but are invaluable at sea.

What moment has made you feel most felt proud while working onboard, such as a task, a situation, or a specific milestone?

Completing my two months at sea already feels like a significant achievement. Being trusted with responsibilities, contributing to daily operations, and gaining confidence in the engine room environment have made the experience both rewarding and motivating for my career.

Before joining, some relatives warned me that life at sea would be very difficult and warned that I might fall sick or struggle to cope. However, by showing eagerness to work every day and maintaining a positive attitude, I gradually gained the confidence and trust of the senior engineers. Being able to carry out certain tasks independently now feels especially meaningful.

Finally, a message to anyone reading about my experience: there may be days when you feel things are not working out and you may think about giving up, but trusting the process is important. With time, things do fall into place. After nearly two months and twenty five days onboard, I feel truly grateful to be part of a supportive crew, and I’m motivated to continue my journey ahead.

Siddhant’s first sea phase offers a simple but powerful reminder of what cadetships are designed to do: turn classroom knowledge into real operational understanding, and help early-career seafarers build the discipline, confidence and practical judgement that life at sea demands.

As Siddhant continues his Zodiac Maritime cadetship, his focus remains on learning as much as possible: from the machinery itself and from the people around him.

With a structured routine, hands-on experience, and the support of the engine department, he is building the foundations for a long-term career at sea.

A ship at sea is a self-contained workplace that runs around the clock. From the outside, shipping can look straightforward: a vessel travelling from one port to the next. But behind every voyage is a constant flow of planning, important judgement calls, and careful coordination, balanced against stringent safety requirements, compliance and other realities from working on the ocean.

In this Q&A, Captain Oleksandr Pshenychnyi, AFNI, a Master onboard a Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) – part of Zodiac Maritime’s diverse fleet – shares what his role involves day-to-day, what it takes to deliver reliable operations for customers, what makes a strong onboard crew and team, and why consistent standards and clear communication matter as much as technical capability. He also reflects on what he enjoys most about life at sea, and the pride that comes from helping cadets and junior officers grow into their responsibilities and careers.

What is your role at Zodiac Maritime, what does your remit cover, and what are your main responsibilities?

As Master on a fleet of PCTC vessels, I’m responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the vessel and for ensuring we meet international regulations and Zodiac Maritime’s high standards at all times. In practice, that means overseeing navigation and cargo operations, leading the onboard team, maintaining a strong safety culture, ensuring the wellbeing of my crew and making sure the ship is prepared for what the sea and the schedule might bring. Ultimately, responsibility sits with me and I am accountable for everything that happens onboard.

How would you describe your role to someone outside the industry in one sentence?

Think of it as running a floating workplace that operates 24/7: keeping people safe, making critical decisions in real time, and ensuring the ship does its job reliably while the world’s trade keeps moving across the oceans.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Most days begin early with a quiet coffee and a check of the voyage plan, weather routing, notices, and messages coming in from shore. From there, the day is a mix of looking ahead and staying close to what’s happening in real time: constantly monitoring operations, checking that standards are being followed, supporting officers and the crew, and making sure communication stays clear across every department. No two days are identical, but the priorities don’t change – safety first, good judgement, and steady leadership that keeps the ship running smoothly, calmly and professionally.

What do you enjoy most about working at Zodiac Maritime?

For me, it’s the diversity that you get within the crew. When you bring together people from different countries, backgrounds and experiences, you get new perspectives and different ways of solving problems. It keeps you learning and strengthens the team when that diversity is matched with mutual respect and a shared commitment to doing the job properly.

What is a memorable moment or achievement you are most proud of?

The moments that stay with me are when you see people grow. Watching cadets, trainees, and junior officers develop confidence, sharpen their skills, and start taking on more responsibility is genuinely rewarding. You can see the results of good mentoring and a supportive environment, and you know it will make a difference far beyond one voyage.

What is one thing people often misunderstand about your role, or about shipping?

Many people don’t realise how complex and coordinated shipping really is. From the outside, it can look like a ship simply moving cargo from A to B. There is constant planning, decision-making, and risk assessment, all while meeting strict safety and environmental requirements and leading a diverse team, often a long way from immediate support. It’s a high-responsibility operation, every hour of every day.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in shipping?

Go into it expecting to learn continuously. If you’re willing to work as part of a team, adapt quickly, and take responsibility seriously, it can be an incredibly rewarding career. It suits people who enjoy problem-solving and practical decision-making, and who are motivated by the challenge of doing a demanding job well.

What makes a high-performing team in your area of responsibility?

Trust and communication are the foundations. A strong team is one where everyone understands their role, speaks up early, and supports one another without hesitation. Respect and accountability matter just as much. When people take ownership of their duties and look out for the wider team, standards stay high and performance follows.

What does good coordination look like between ship and shore in your area?

Good coordination requires clear communication, shared planning, and fast alignment when conditions change. When ship and shore work as one team, decisions are easier, support is more effective, and the operation becomes smoother and safer. That sense of partnership is what we aim for at Zodiac Maritime.

How do you plan for and manage risk in your role?

Risk is managed through consistency and clarity in decision making and planning. Excellence at sea isn’t one big action – it’s thousands of small professional decisions done well, every day. It’s staying disciplined on routines, thinking ahead, checking assumptions, challenging standards, and making sure the team remains focused on the basics: communicating clearly, following procedures, and taking the time to do things properly even when the pace is high.

For Captain Oleksandr Pshenychnyi, leadership at sea is built on steady, well-established routines, strong communication and the discipline to make thousands of small decisions well – not just in moments of pressure, but every day. It’s a role that combines operational oversight with responsibility for people, standards, and safe outcomes, often far from immediate support.

Just as importantly, it’s a role grounded in developing others. Whether through mentoring cadets and trainees or creating a culture of trust and accountability across the crew, the measure of a successful voyage is not only arriving safely but also leaving the team stronger than before. That focus on professionalism and continuous learning is at the heart of what safe, reliable and efficient operations look like across Zodiac Maritime’s fleet.

The company’s fleet modernisation strategy reaches a new milestone, as purpose-built vessels strengthen its position in global maritime operations. 

Zodiac Maritime has reached a defining moment in its long-term fleet renewal journey, welcoming 17 state-of-the-art newbuild vessels across its diverse fleet in 2025. This milestone underscores the company’s enduring commitment to modern, efficient and environmentally responsible shipping – and further strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading ship operators. 

The 17 new deliveries span a diverse mix of vessel classes, including container ships, tankers, bulk carriers and PCTCs, reflecting Zodiac Maritime’s strategic emphasis on multi-segment resilience and commercial agility across global markets.

A MODERN FLEET

These additions have brought Zodiac Maritime’s average fleet age down to just nine years – a testament to our long-term commitment to operational excellence, environmental responsibility and regulatory readiness. This ongoing renewal programme is backed by a substantial newbuild pipeline with more vessels due to join our fleet in the coming years, positioning us strongly for the demands of tomorrow’s global trade.

DRIVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD THROUGH SMARTER, CLEANER TECHNOLOGIES

Each of the 2025 newbuilds incorporates a range of cutting-edge technologies designed to raise the bar on both performance and sustainability. Advanced hull coatings, high-efficiency propellers and dual-fuel propulsion systems feature across several vessel segments – all central to Zodiac Maritime’s multi-pillar decarbonisation strategy. 

These innovations are the result of ongoing work by Zodiac Maritime’s energy efficiency and technical teams, who continue to embed smart engineering solutions across both newbuild programmes and fleet-wide retrofit initiatives – ensuring long-term competitiveness and a reduced environmental footprint. 

2025 also saw Zodiac Maritime deepen its relationships with several top-tier shipyards and long-standing charterer partners. New orders – including being selected as the first owner by Samsung’s new Vietnam shipyard – complemented the year’s deliveries, alongside an accelerated programme of upgrades across the existing fleet. 

Together, these developments demonstrate not only the scale of Zodiac Maritime’s fleet ambitions, but also its ability to build and sustain the global partnerships that underpin long-term success. 

The 17 vessels delivered in 2025 represent far more than fleet expansion. They are the product of disciplined long-term planning, operational excellence and a clear commitment to shaping a more efficient future for global shipping. As Zodiac Maritime enters its 50th anniversary year in 2026, this momentum speaks to the values that have defined the company since its founding: stability, reliability and responsibility.

At Zodiac Maritime, we’re investing in proven technologies that make our diverse fleet cleaner and more efficient today.

Our approach combines welcoming newbuild ships equipped with the latest innovations straight from a shipyard, and a programme of strategic retrofits that upgrade our existing vessels.

The short film below shows key efficiency technologies being installed during a recent retrofit, including:

🔹 Bulbous Bow Modification – this improves the vessel’s operating efficiency, cutting water resistance, and reducing fuel consumption.
🔹 High-Performance Silicone Hull Coating –these create an ultra-smooth, low-friction surface that prevents marine organisms – algae, barnacles, and mussels – from accumulating on the hull. This reduces drag, delivering significant fuel savings and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Other technologies this vessel was upgraded with included:
🔹 A Next-Generation Propeller – a lighter, optimised design that delivers better propulsion with less energy.
🔹 A Mewis Duct with Pre-Swirl Fins – this technology improves hydrodynamic efficiency by optimising water flow to the propeller.

Every retrofit brings measurable emission reductions. This is just one of the many ways we’re making our operations more efficient.

Watch below how ships are made more energy efficient:

As UK-based Zodiac Maritime approaches its 50th anniversary, we are making bold strides to future-proof our operations. With 17 new vessels delivered this year alone, our diversified fleet is growing stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.

From LNG dual-fuel carriers to strategic retrofits, we’re investing in resilience amid global uncertainty. But what truly sets us apart is our people – a family ethos, long-standing partnerships with customers, and a commitment to training the next generation of maritime leaders. Our Chief Operating Officer Tanuj Luthra and Head of Regulatory Affairs Katy Ware recently sat down with Lloyd’s List to explain more.

ZODIAC MARITIME EXPANDS FLEET AMID GROWING GLOBAL COMPLEXITIES

By Robert Wilmington, Lloyds List. Article below and here

• Guided by a strong family ethos, the UK’s largest shipmanager is quietly navigating industry challenges with resilience and strategic foresight
• Senior leadership team bolstered by highly regarded industry veterans from outside the company
• Business is committed to its British roots and remains largest trainer of UK cadets
• Zodiac Maritime has made considerable investments in its vessel fleet with well-timed orders for newbuildings, secondhand tonnage and vessel efficiency upgrades

Zodiac Maritime, Britain’s largest shipmanager by a wide margin, is getting prepared for its 50th year of operations in 2026 during a major newbuilding programme that has seen 17 new ships delivered since the beginning of the year.

Tasked with leading the integration of this new tonnage into London-headquartered Zodiac Maritime’s existing fleet of 170 vessels in the containership, dry cargo, liquified petroleum gas, tanker and vehicle carrier sectors is chief operating officer Tanuj Luthra.

He joined Zodiac Maritime in early 2024 following a 25-year career in seagoing and senior leadership roles at container shipping giant Maersk.

Having spent more than two decades at stock-exchange listed Maersk, Luthra noted that one of the big differences at Zodiac Maritime was the family atmosphere that prevailed throughout the privately owned business.

“What really surprised me was the longevity of service, especially among seafaring staff at Zodiac Maritime. This was one of the positive surprises for me,” Luthra told Lloyd’s List.

At company seafarer seminars, since early 2024 Luthra and other senior leaders handed out some 200 long-service awards, including 80 for officers that had completed 20 years of service with Zodiac Maritime.

One of the ingredients of the secret sauce of this company is the family ethos. In an era of seafarer shortages this can really set us apart from other companies in attracting new talent,” Luthra said. “An example of this is our scholarship programme, which awards four grants a year to support higher education of employees’ and seafarers’ children.”

Sammy Ofer KBE founded Zodiac Maritime in London in 1976. The company name was inspired by the celestial navigation that had guided mariners for centuries. Since then, guided by Ofer and his eldest son Eyal, who is now chairman, Zodiac Maritime has grown into one of the world’s top 20 largest shipmanagers, enjoying consistent growth over the decades.

Now under third-generation leadership, with Eyal’s son Daniel Ofer as chief executive since 2011, Zodiac Maritime is undergoing expansion following major orders for new tonnage for most of the vessel sectors in which the company operates. The fleet is remarkable for its diversity and has an average age of only nine years, although this is expected to fall as more newbuildings come on stream and older tonnage is sold

In vessel number terms, some 33% of the fleet is provided by containerships, with most vessels operating on long-term charters to leading container line operators including Maersk, MSC and Ocean Network Express. The tanker sector makes up 30% of the fleet and includes crude oil tankers, product tankers, stainless steel chemical tankers and LPG carriers. The dry cargo sector, with a strong focus on the “eco” capesize segment, provides 24% of the Zodiac Maritime fleet, while the remaining 13% comprises vehicle carriers. Most of the latter are under long-term charter to either major vehicle carrier operators or the in-house logistics divisions of car manufacturers.

“Operating in several vessel sectors, in complex markets, gives us a competitive advantage. This variety of sectors requires that we really understand the demands of each segment,” said Luthra. “The diverse fleet is our strength. We could just do containerships, but Zodiac Maritime thrives on complexity. Few other shipmanagers can do this effectively.”

Luthra said that the low profile of Zodiac Maritime meant an aura of mystique has prevailed around the company. Zodiac Maritime has traditionally not sought the limelight. However, it remains transparent. It was one of, if not the first, privately held maritime companies to receive an external verification of its Environmental and Health and Safety Report, this year celebrating its 15th anniversary. “We’re probably the biggest and most successful shipmanager that few have heard about.”

Nevertheless, the company is well known to the world’s most demanding charterers, as Zodiac Maritime has built up long-term relationships with numerous high-profile cargo managers over the past five decades. Zodiac Maritime’s clients in dry cargo include BHP, Cargill and Rio Tinto which have extremely high expectations, noted Luthra. In the tanker segment BP Shipping, Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil are within the company’s list of clients. “It’s not by chance that these are the partners we work with,” said Luthra.

“As our customers’ needs evolve rapidly, we pride ourselves on staying one step ahead.”

More recently, the company was selected as a tonnage provider by Chinese car manufacturers BYD, Geely Automotive and SAIC as part of their push to build export markets in Europe. Zodiac Maritime recently took delivery of Jisu Glory (IMO: 9981582), which is the last of a tranche of 10 liquified natural gas dual-fuel pure car and truck carriers. The 7,000 ceu vessels were ordered from Chinese shipbuilder Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore between 2021 and 2023 as part of a strategy to partner China’s expansion into automotive logistics.

The company has taken delivery of 70 newbuildings since 2018, across all of Zodiac Maritime’s vessel segments. It has 20 more newbuildings to come on stream by the end of 2027. Despite Zodiac Maritime’s vast newbuilding investments, Luthra said that secondhand purchases will continue to be considered when opportunity arises. “We are always looking for opportunities,” noted Luthra. But he believes that current newbuilding prices are probably too high to consider for new speculative vessel orders.

“Shipbuilding pricing needs to come down, especially in some segments where the orderbook looks quite extensive, but we will only order new ships when there is a need to do so,” said Luthra. He believes future newbuilding orders by the company will be dependent on the outcome of significant events, in particular the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework and the outcome of the US Trade Representative port levies in October. In addition to newbuildings and selected secondhand purchases, Zodiac Maritime has undertaken big investments in retrofits.

As well as bulbous bow replacements to enhance efficiencies of existing ships now operating at reduced service speeds, the company has fitted high-efficiency propellers, rudder bulbs and advanced hull coatings, and has undertaken electronics upgrades on bridge systems on older vessels. Furthermore, lighting on board ships has been replaced with more efficient LED systems. Shiprepair yards in China and Türkiye were selected to undertake most of the upgrading works, depending on the trading pattern of the vessel. “All of the retrofits we have undertaken are paying back and have provided marked performance improvements,” said Luthra.

Also boosting Zodiac Maritime’s leadership team is Katy Ware, the former UK permanent representative at the IMO and previously holder of senior positions at the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency. She was appointed as Zodiac Maritime’s new head of regulatory affairs in January.

Highly regarded in the maritime industry for her track record in advancing regulations and crew welfare, Ware’s appointment appears an astute move in an era of both increasing regulatory complexity and trade disruptions. Among her many duties, in her role at Zodiac Maritime she is closely monitoring developments around IMO net zero and USTR port levies.

“Final plans by the USTR are still awaiting, but we are keeping a close eye on it. Discussions around its scope are ongoing but the Chinese shipbuilding elements will have limited effect on Zodiac Maritime since we build ships across China, Japan and South Korea; we should be in a good place,” said Ware.

“For the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework it’s too soon to make a call due to political wranglings. But the framework needs to be robust and equitable — how do we support the IMO to make a system that’s fair and equitable for all? A lot of work is still to be done on that front.” But she admitted that shipmanagers have limited influence on both matters. “We understand that policy makers will have to make decisions, but they need to take a step back and listen before implementing policies. Moving forward we’ll focus on how we can support those policy makers,” said Ware.

Perhaps due to ongoing criticism from the US about net zero, Ware noted that some shipmanagers have started to ease off on talking about future fuels and refocused on energy efficiency. “Energy efficiency is embedded in Zodiac Maritime and was never off the table here,” said Ware.

With Zodiac Maritime being committed to its UK roots, the company has maintained support for the UK flag under the tonnage tax regime. Furthermore, it maintains a commitment to training the most British cadets. Despite an exodus by several shipowners from the UK flag following Brexit, Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows that Zodiac Maritime has 30 ships of a combined 4.1m dwt registered in London, making it the largest fleet under the British register by far. Ware said that the company has an annual intake of 45 UK cadets and had worked hard to reduce the high average dropout rate of UK cadets in general, of 30%.

“We improved our cadet retention rate by developing our own inhouse training that supports cadets, and now our dropout rate of UK cadets is only 10%,” said Ware. She added that the company, unlike some UK flag operators, has a policy of aiming to provide development roles for UK cadets after graduation, either on board its vessels or in shore-based employment.

Zodiac Maritime is working with UK maritime colleges and government to modernise seafarer training programmes to make them more relevant to the latest generation of cadets. Ware noted that two of its former cadets, who trained on Zodiac Maritime’s vehicle carrier and boxship fleet, are now working in the London headquarters as the respective fleet managers of those sectors. “We ensure we have this seagoing operational expertise in the office; no one ship is the same,” said Ware.

In a sector defined by evolving regulations and geopolitical instability, Zodiac Maritime’s steady hand should ensure it will maintain its position as Britain’s leading shipmanager.

As Ware noted: “In shipping, uncertainty has become the way of life.”

Article reproduced with kind permission of www.lloydslist.com

London International Shipping Week 2025 once again demonstrated why Britain remains at the heart of global maritime dialogue. The industry flagship event brought together innovators, policymakers, and maritime professionals to address shipping’s most pressing challenges. As the UK’s largest ship manager, Zodiac Maritime played a prominent role throughout the week, contributing expertise across technology, sustainability, skills development, and regulation.

OPENING WITH AMBITION

LISW25 launched with a ceremony at the London Stock Exchange, where Zodiac Maritime Chief Operating Officer Tanuj Luthra joined maritime leaders for the Market Open Ceremony. The symbolic ringing of the opening bell marked the beginning of an ambitious week built on collaboration and industry momentum.

The momentum continued as Tanuj participated in a London Live Talks session exploring whether London has the ecosystem to lead in maritime technology. Rather than offering simple answers, the discussion challenged conventional thinking and mapped practical pathways to unlock the capital’s potential. The conversation spanned talent development, investment strategies, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure needs, bringing together diverse perspectives from policymakers, innovators, and industry veterans.

Meanwhile, Katy Ware, Head of Regulatory Affairs, addressed the XINDE MARINE Forum on how effective maritime policy can accelerate the transition to greener shipping. She later contributed to the ABS 2025 Sustainability Summit, focusing on practical compliance strategies in shipping’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and examining the technologies already driving sustainability at scale.

The opening day concluded with the Zodiac Maritime leadership team attending the unveiling of the newly restored historic Lloyd’s Register building – a fitting end to a day dedicated to innovation and the future of global shipping.

PUTTING SEAFARERS AT THE CENTRE 

One of the week’s most valuable sessions was the Voice of the Seafarer event, where Marie Cooper, Director of Crewing, participated in a unique forum bringing seafarers and senior industry leaders together for frank dialogue. The panel included representatives from Nautilus International, the Department for Transport, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Merchant Navy Training Board, alongside working seafarers from across the sector.

The conversation tackled real issues affecting those who keep global trade moving: mental health and wellbeing at sea, better promotion of the Merchant Navy as a strategic national asset, and ensuring seafarers’ voices remain central to policy and industry decisions. As several participants noted, even focused conversations like these can begin bridging the gap between ship and shore perspectives.

DECARBONISATION: THE NEED FOR GLOBAL CONSISTENCY

At the LISW25 headline conference, Katy addressed one of shipping’s biggest challenges on a panel discussing “Decarbonising a global industry in the contemporary geopolitical environment.” She was joined by distinguished panellists including the IMO Secretary-General and senior industry leaders.

The discussion addressed how the industry can manage regulatory transitions while maintaining investment confidence and operational feasibility. A clear theme emerged: fragmented regulation is slowing progress when delays can least be afforded. The panel emphasised the urgent need for multilateral approaches that deliver consistent, workable frameworks for global decarbonisation.

There was shared recognition that developing a credible Net Zero Framework – one with the certainty and transparency needed to align decisions across the entire value chain – remains an industry imperative.

FINAL DAY: SKILLS, SAFETY, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

The week concluded with three pivotal conversations featuring Zodiac Maritime’s senior leaders:

– Upskilling for Tomorrow’s Maritime Workforce

At the SAFETY4SEA London Forum, Marie joined industry leaders examining how the sector can upskill and reskill seafarers for a rapidly evolving future shaped by digitalisation and green technologies.

Marie emphasised that while technical skills matter, leadership capabilities, soft skills, and cultural awareness are equally essential for building an inclusive, resilient workforce. The panel agreed real progress depends on engaged seafarers and embedding human factors throughout maritime culture.

– Navigating the Next Five Years

At the International Ship Owning and Ship Management Summit, Tanuj joined senior industry executives discussing the sector’s near-term challenges: decarbonisation timelines, talent attraction strategies, and technology pathways that deliver safer, cleaner, and more efficient shipping operations.

The conversation emphasised practical collaboration as the key to delivering sustainable operational improvements that work in the real world, not just on paper.

– Regulation and Alternative Fuel Readiness

Katy took on moderating duties for a dynamic session hosted by WISTA UK and The Nautical Institute, guiding a distinguished panel of industry experts through complex discussions about the regulatory landscape for decarbonisation.

The panel examined the current readiness of alternative fuels, explored the potential of shore power infrastructure, and highlighted both the significant opportunities and responsibilities ahead as the industry works toward a net-zero future.

LOOKING FORWARD TOGETHER 

Zodiac Maritime extends sincere thanks to the many organisers, moderators, hosts, and contributors across LISW25 who created the conditions for productive, outcome-focused dialogue. As Britain’s largest ship management company, founded and headquartered in London, Zodiac Maritime was honoured to help convene perspectives and share practical insights in our home city.

The conversations at LISW25 reinforced that shipping’s future depends on collaboration across the entire maritime ecosystem. From technology innovation and regulatory alignment to seafarer welfare and skills development, the challenges ahead require industry-wide commitment to practical solutions that deliver real-world results.

As the maritime sector navigates an era of unprecedented change, events like LISW25 prove that London remains a vital forum for the conversations that will shape shipping’s sustainable future.

London, UK – September, 2025

Zodiac Maritime, the UK-headquartered operator of one of the world’s largest and most diverse fleets, has released its 15th externally verified Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Report – a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Fifteen years ago, Zodiac Maritime became one of – if not the first – privately held maritime companies to voluntarily seek independent verification for its HSE reporting. This move underscored the company’s dedication to credible, transparent and data-driven performance tracking.

The publication shares Zodiac Maritime’s HSE performance with its customers and interested stakeholders. It celebrates the company’s achievements while openly addressing challenges and areas for improvement

“Our HSE reports are more than just documents – they are a reflection of our values,” said Tanuj Luthra, Chief Operating Officer of Zodiac Maritime. “They celebrate our progress, acknowledge our challenges, and guide our path forward. Having these reports externally verified is a testament to the integrity of our data and the strength of our commitment.”

While proud of the progress made, Zodiac Maritime remains focused on continuous improvement. “There is always more to do,” added Tanuj. “But the results laid out in the latest report give us confidence that our strategies are working. Our people – both at sea and ashore – continue to demonstrate exceptional skill, innovation, and resilience, building on our 70-year legacy of stability and responsible excellence”.

The report was independently verified by LRQA, a globally recognised authority in maritime safety and certification.

Simon Payne, EVP for UK&I and Global Cybersecurity Services at LRQA, said: “At LRQA, we see independent verification as a cornerstone of best practice in health, safety and environmental reporting. By subjecting performance data to external scrutiny, organisations like Zodiac Maritime strengthen the credibility of their disclosures, build stakeholder trust and drive continuous improvement. We’re proud to support Zodiac’s proactive approach to transparency and continuous improvement, and in turning helping to set a high standard for the wider industry.”

To learn more about Zodiac Maritime and access the latest HSE Report, please visit here. 

2024 HSE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Strong Safety Performance: Continued implementation of our safety strategy has delivered positive and incrementally improving safety performance results, building on the momentum of previous years.
• Technology-Driven Efficiency: Advanced technologies deployed across our fleet have improved operational efficiency and are reducing emissions.
• Digital Transformation: 2024 marked a major step forward in our digital journey, with new platforms enhancing both onboard and shoreside operations.
• Environmental Progress: Metrics such as our Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) scores reflect the effectiveness of our environmental initiatives.

Zodiac Maritime is proud to welcome the latest addition to its expanding fleet – a 158,600 DWT Suezmax tanker built by the esteemed Japan Marine United Corporation at the Tsu shipyard.

Designed with operational efficiency in mind, the vessel is equipped with cutting-edge energy-saving technologies, including a high-efficiency propeller, super stream duct (SSD), ALV-Fin, surf-bulb, and twisted rudder. Its optimised hull form, low wind-resistance accommodation block, and streamlined bow further enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wave resistance – underscoring Zodiac Maritime’s commitment to environmental efficiency.

The sea trials marked the final milestone in the vessel’s construction schedule, with comprehensive testing of its main engine, auxiliary systems, cargo equipment, navigation, and safety features. All systems performed at or above design expectations, particularly during speed trials.

As the ship enters commercial service, we wish the vessel and her crew safe passage, fair winds and calm seas wherever they sail.

London, 10 September 2025

Zodiac Maritime has completed the delivery of ten advanced dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) from Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore Ltd (CIMC Raffles), marking a significant milestone in the company’s fleet modernisation strategy.

The final vessel’s arrival is the culmination of a strategic partnership initiated in 2021, underscoring Zodiac Maritime’s foresight in addressing the evolving demands of global logistics. Each PCTC was designed to set new standards in operational performance and environmental efficiency, with capacity for up to 7,000 vehicles. They feature cutting- edge dual-fuel propulsion technology capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), delivering substantial emissions reductions on long-haul routes.

All ten of the vessels were secured under long-term charter agreements prior to delivery. Zodiac Maritime was the first shipping company to place an order of this kind with CIMC Raffles, with other industry players subsequently following.  This achievement highlights Zodiac Maritime’s strong commercial partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers, including BYD, SAIC, and Geely, and its ability to anticipate the market with tailored, future-ready solutions.

“Completing this series of dual-fuel PCTCs is a defining moment in our fleet modernisation journey towards cleaner, smarter shipping,” said Tanuj Luthra, Chief Operating Officer of Zodiac Maritime. “These vessels embody our technical ambition and unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and responsible shipping solutions for our global customers.”

Zodiac Maritime continues to integrate advanced technologies across its diverse fleet, including dual-fuel propulsion, to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The company operates dual-fuel vessels across its container, tanker and PCTC fleets, reinforcing its commitment to environmentally responsible maritime operations.

In a compelling episode of the London International Shipping Week (LISW25) podcast, Zodiac Maritime’s Tanuj Luthra, Chief Operating Officer, and Katy Ware, Head of Regulatory Affairs explore the evolving landscape of global shipping.

The conversation delves into the challenges and strategic opportunities facing the maritime sector today. They share Zodiac Maritime’s approach to agility and innovation in a rapidly changing environment and underscore the importance of talent development, sustainability, and collaboration across the industry.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the leadership mindset driving one of the world’s leading ship management companies.

We’re thrilled to announce the latest addition to the Zodiac Maritime fleet – a state-of-the-art, dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) with the ability to carry around 7000 cars.

The length of two football pitches, this vessel is designed to meet the evolving demands of global logistics with efficiency and environmental responsibility at its core.

Delivered last month following a successful sea trail, this vessel marks the ninth of ten ships to be handed over to Zodiac Maritime by Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore Ltd. These technologically advanced vessels represent our unwavering commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility and operational excellence.

During a sea trial, a vessel is taken into open waters for rigorous assessment of its performance and to verify that all major systems are functioning as intended. This includes testing the engine, steering, navigation systems, alarms, safety equipment, blackout recovery, anchor operations, and much more!

The aim is to ensure the ship meets stringent safety and technical specifications, complies with international standards, and is safe and ready for service.

Sea trials are also witnessed by the relevant classification society, who confirm that the vessel meets the required rules and standards.

Charting a course toward a more sustainable and intelligent maritime future, we couldn’t be more excited to see her sail!

20 January 2025

Zodiac Maritime, the UK headquartered operator of one of the world’s largest and most diverse fleets, has today announced the appointment of Katy Ware to the position of Head of Regulatory Affairs.

This is the latest in a series of strategic appointments that Zodiac Maritime has made to expand its senior talent as its business continues to grow. It follows the appointment of Tanuj Luthra, formerly of A.P. Moller – Maersk, to the position of Chief Operating Officer and part of the executive team in January 2024.

2024 was another year of steady growth for Zodiac Maritime, which continued its fleet expansion with orders for several advanced container vessels, PCTCs and tankers, many of which are backed by long-term contracts.

Katy joins Zodiac Maritime following a distinguished career in the maritime sector, including her most recent role as the UK Government’s Director of UK Maritime Services with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) from 2016 to 2024. In this role, she led transformation initiatives that strengthened regulatory frameworks, enhanced crew welfare and mental health, and advanced sustainability practices across the industry.

Katy also served for 13 years as the Permanent Representative of the UK to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where she led negotiations for the UK with the IMO, the European Union, and UK governmental departments on key maritime matters. During her tenure with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Katy undertook a secondment with the Department for Transport, where she focused on environmental policies.

In recognition of her contributions to the maritime industry, Katy was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 New Years Honours List for services to maritime safety and technology.

Daniel Ofer, CEO of Zodiac Maritime, said:

“Katy has been one of the most knowledgeable and influential figures in shipping over the last decade and we are delighted to welcome her to the team. As a multinational company operating across the globe, her extensive experience and insights will be invaluable to Zodiac Maritime. Katy’s track record in driving regulatory excellence and advancing crew welfare aligns with our commitment to prioritising safety and introducing smart operational innovations that make a difference to our customers and crew”.

Katy Ware, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Zodiac Maritime, said:

“Zodiac Maritime is widely recognised for its operational excellence. Its commitment to operating honestly, safely and efficiently is something I have long admired. I am excited to bring my expertise to the team and contribute to the company’s ongoing success”.

Katy holds an Honours degree in Marine Technology from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and trained with LR as a ship surveyor before joining the MCA in 1999.