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Capt. Unni: Pandemic as Turning Point in Shipping

Coronavirus could yet prove to be the catalyst required to push the shipping industry forward into new business models and partnerships that embrace the collaborative ethos

The industry requires the vision and leadership to talk with a more unified voice that can reach the decision makers who are determining our collective fates, argues Synergy Group chief executive Rajesh Unni in an interview

Synergy Marine’s founder Capt Rajesh Unni
ONE OF THE KEY SHIPPING VOICES TO EMERGE FROM THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS IS SYNERGY GROUP FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE RAJESH UNNI.

THE global health crisis has exposed known flaws within shipping.

The fragmented response to the crewing crisis is only the latest fault line in an industry that has struggled to speak with unity on fundamental issues of safety, decarbonisation and digitalisation.

One of the key voices to emerge from the current crisis is that of Synergy Group founder and chief executive Rajesh Unni, who joins Lloyd’s List editor Richard Meade for an in-depth discussion covering everything from collaboration and coronavirus to the twin tectonic shifts of digitalisation and decarbonisation.

Shipping needs to find a political voice that travels beyond the ports and the high seas, one that reaches the decision makers who are currently determining our collective fates, argues Mr Unni in this wide-ranging interview.

It is time to reform, he suggests, and find ways to create a more transparent industry where collaboration across the supply chain is embraced, sustainability is baked into new business models and technology is used to catalyse innovation and find efficiencies.

Listen to the full interview with Rajesh Unni and Richard Meade here:

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Getting to Zero

Synergy Marine Group is a member of The Getting to Zero Coalition, dedicated to launching zero-emission deep-sea vessels by 2030 and achieving full decarbonisation by 2050. The Global Maritime Forum, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Friends of Ocean Action, founded and manages the Coalition.

MACN

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), a global initiative striving for a corruption-free maritime industry, promoting fair trade for the greater societal good.

INTERCARGO

Synergy Marine Group is a part of INTERCARGO, an association championing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly shipping. INTERCARGO collaborates with the International Maritime Organization and other global entities to shape maritime legislation.

IMEC

Synergy Marine Group is part of IMEC, a top maritime employers’ group championing fair and sustainable labor practices. Representing global employers, IMEC negotiates seafarers’ wages and conditions, and invests in workforce development.

IMPA

Synergy Marine Group is involved in IMPA Save’s initiative to reduce single-use water bottles at sea. The IMPA SAVE council comprises top global shipowners and suppliers, representing over 8000 vessels with significant combined purchasing influence.

All Aboard

Synergy Marine Group is a key participant in The All Aboard Alliance’s Diversity@Sea initiative. As one of eleven prominent maritime companies, we aim to foster inclusivity at sea and directly address challenges faced by women seafarers.

CSSF

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF), a global B2B network dedicated to enhancing safety and management standards in the container shipping sector.

Danish Shipping

Synergy Marine Group is affiliated with Danske Rederier, the primary industry and employers’ association for Danish shipping—Denmark’s top export sector. Danske Rederier actively engages with authorities and policymakers both domestically and globally.