Strengthening Operations, Technical Support, and Client Engagement in the Indian Subcontinent
Chennai, India, 8 October 2024 – V.Group (“V.”), a global leader in ship management and marine services, has officially opened its expanded office in Chennai, reinforcing its long-standing presence in India and further solidifying its operational footprint in the region. The new office, located in one of India’s most strategic maritime hubs, marks a significant step in V.’s commitment to enhancing its engagement with customers, seafarers, and commercial activities across the country.
A Long-Standing Commitment to India
With a history in India dating back to 1984, V. has long been an integral part of the country’s maritime landscape. This new, expanded office builds on V.’s decades of expertise in the region, creating a centralised hub for critical services such as crewing, seafarer recruitment, ship management, decarbonisation, and digitalisation operations. The office is also home to business functions, including finance and IT, ensuring a streamlined approach to operations in India.
The Chennai office now houses more than 200 employees, supporting the growing demand for technical management and support services across V.’s fleet. The office also hosts V.’s Operations Support Centre, providing assistance to over 400 vessels managed globally through the company’s Fleet Cells.
Strategic Importance of Chennai
Chennai, one of India’s oldest and most vital ports, has been a natural choice for the expansion. The city’s strategic location enhances V.’s ability to connect with its extensive client base and established network of seafarers in the region. The consolidation of two previous offices into one larger facility will streamline operations and allow V. to deliver even greater value to its clients and partners in the Indian Subcontinent.
“This new office in Chennai is a great opportunity to better serve both our clients and seafarers in India, and is testament to our ambitions in the region,” said Mario Moretti, Managing Director of V.Ships Asia. “It gives us a stronger, more consolidated platform for our operations and will enable us to support our partners in achieving efficient, sustainable, and safer operations.”
Supporting India’s Maritime Industry
India has long been a key player in global maritime trade, and V. sees the country as an essential market for future growth. The new office strengthens the company’s ability to support India’s expanding maritime industry, which is facing increasing market complexity. As Sriram Gopalakrishnan, Global Shared Services Director, stated, “Expanding our presence in India is a natural development for us to better serve the industry and be closer to our customers at a time when market dynamics are evolving rapidly.”
A Platform for Future Growth and Innovation
V. is committed to being the “Committed Partner of Progress for Everything at Sea,” a statement that reflects the company’s dedication to supporting maritime businesses in achieving sustainability and operational excellence. With the expanded office in Chennai, V. will continue to evolve its services, embracing the growing need for decarbonisation and technological advancement in the maritime sector.
New Office: A Collaborative Environment
The expanded Chennai office is designed to foster a collaborative environment, bringing together a diverse range of experts from various functions within the company. Some of the key team members include:
- Elangovan Rousseau, Fleet Performance Manager
- Sumant Ahlawat, Operations Director – Singapore and Chennai
- Surya Yadav, Commercial Director SeaTec
- Prabhakaran Subramanian, Program Manager – Asia
- Rukmani Anandan, HR Manager
- Mr. Balasubramanian, Seafarer
- Suresh Shenoi, Technical Standards Compliance COE Lead
- Loris di Maio, Director of V. Operating Model
- Mario Moretti, Managing Director – V.Ships Asia
- Sriram Gopalakrishnan, Global Shared Services Director / Interim MD Chennai
- Madhan Babu Krishnan, Head of Operations Support Programs
Looking Ahead: V.’s Vision for India and Beyond
The new office is just one part of V.’s broader growth strategy for the Indian subcontinent and the Asia-Pacific region. As India continues to play a pivotal role in the global maritime industry, V. aims to provide enhanced, seamless services to its partners, promoting growth and sustainability in the maritime sector.
With this expanded presence, V. is well-positioned to drive innovation, technical expertise, and service excellence in one of the world’s most important maritime markets.