Synergy continues to value add to the maritime industry
Third party ship management is playing an increasingly important role in a demanding and changing environment
Third-party expertise is integral to help most shipowners manage their ships safely and cost effectively against a backdrop of technological advancement, demanding standards, design standardisation, specialisation of vessel types and automation.
Ship managers, comprising primarily experienced Masters and Chief Engineers, offer various professional services to their clients. One such prominent ship manager, providing bespoke solution to clients worldwide, is Synergy Group, founded in 2006 by Rajesh Unni who has a career spanning more than 25 years.
Captain Unni commanded tankers at sea before launching his thriving Singapore-headquartered company business, now with 12 offices across six key maritime centres globally, providing services including Technical Management, Crew Management, Commercial Management, Shipbuilding services and Vessel Accounting amongst others.
With approximately 230 vessels under its management, Synergy manages and supervises a range of ships including LPG Tankers, Chemical Tankers, Oil Tankers (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, LR2, LR1 and MR), container vessels in the range of 1,800-20,000+ TEU and every size of bulk carrier. With its in-depth technical expertise and a diverse product portfolio, Synergy generates efficiency and productivity gains for its clients.
Synergy ensures quality is always priority despite in its growing number of ships under management, currently around 230. Synergy has been one of the pioneers in the ship management industry to have successfully adapted technology as a strategic weapon to drive economic value to their business and the industry.
“Two years ago, we prepared and trained a specialised crew to operate the world’s first Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC). It is challenges like these that we excel in. It’s not only about managing traditional ships. As a technical partner for shipowners, we need to be prepared to take on the challenges posed by new technology,” Unni continued. “Larger ships result in more complexity. New technology brings many unknowns. Modern ship management is about preparing the next generation of crew to face these challenges and put in place processes that work seamlessly for these new kinds of vessel operations.”
N2 Tankers brings the ship-owning and operational expertise of both Nissen Kaiun and Reederei Nord under one umbrella for the first time. The focus is on generating commercial and technical management efficiency benefits for clients and owners by streamlining fleet operations and improving vessel financial performance.
“N2 Tankers bring together two of the most renowned owners in world shipping, in a sector of the tanker market that has seen a lot of consolidation in recent years. We are delighted to have been entrusted with the management of the pool’s state-of-the art, modern tankers, all built to the highest quality. This is a recognition of our unique ability to meet commercial and technical ship management requirements under one roof for the most demanding owners,” said Capt. Unni.
The fleet will be further expanded, with Nissen Kaiun and Reederei Nord currently seeking similar-minded owners of top quality Aframax tankers to join the N2 Tankers pool. “Our two companies have earned themselves outstanding reputations for the world class efficiency and reliability of their fleets,” said Captain Katsuya Abe, President of Nissen Kaiun. “I believe our clear focus on our customers’ requirements will satisfy the needs of both cargo and tonnage owners, with the fleet providing operational flexibility for cargo owners, and voyage expenses falling due to the optimisation of vessel selection based on proximity to cargo.
“We are confident that managing the pool as a joint venture with commercial and technical ship management – clearly aligned in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible – will help attract additional ships to further bolster the effectiveness and competitiveness of N2 Tankers. We are also delighted that Synergy Group, a long-term ship manager partner of Nissen Kaiun, is bringing their experience and expertise to this new venture. We fully expect N2 Tankers to be recognised as the world’s leading Aframax tanker pool, Abe said.”
“Numerous studies into the psychological health of seafarers have shown that large numbers of seafarers suffer from obvious manifestations of impaired psychological wellbeing such as social isolation and depression. That’s why we decided to create a 24/7 counselling centre for anybody who’s sailing, and not just for Synergy personnel. It is also available to shore-based personnel anywhere in the world,” said Capt. Unni.
“iCALL currently has 14 counsellors located at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, to ensure peer support, supervision and standard professional counselling services,” said Capt. Unni.
Before the launch of the service, all counsellors received specialist training to help treat issues such as emotional distress, relationship and family concerns, suicidal thoughts, sexual and reproductive health, LGBT issues, violence against women, body image concerns and work-life anxieties.
Ship managers, comprising primarily experienced Masters and Chief Engineers, offer various professional services to their clients. One such prominent ship manager, providing bespoke solution to clients worldwide, is Synergy Group, founded in 2006 by Rajesh Unni who has a career spanning more than 25 years.
Captain Unni commanded tankers at sea before launching his thriving Singapore-headquartered company business, now with 12 offices across six key maritime centres globally, providing services including Technical Management, Crew Management, Commercial Management, Shipbuilding services and Vessel Accounting amongst others.
With approximately 230 vessels under its management, Synergy manages and supervises a range of ships including LPG Tankers, Chemical Tankers, Oil Tankers (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax, LR2, LR1 and MR), container vessels in the range of 1,800-20,000+ TEU and every size of bulk carrier. With its in-depth technical expertise and a diverse product portfolio, Synergy generates efficiency and productivity gains for its clients.
Shipmanager of the Year
Synergy was named Shipmanager of the Year at the 2018 Lloyd’s List Asia Pacific Awards, and was commended for its impressive fleet growth, operational excellence and strong commitment to CSR. The hallmark of Synergy’s growth is its through-life approach to asset-management along with maritime solutions which are custom-designed to client requirements.Synergy ensures quality is always priority despite in its growing number of ships under management, currently around 230. Synergy has been one of the pioneers in the ship management industry to have successfully adapted technology as a strategic weapon to drive economic value to their business and the industry.
Taking over the world’s largest Megaships
Recently, Synergy took over two ships including the Ever Gifted, owned by the Evergreen Line and built by Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding. The 20,000+ teu ULCVs are among the largest containerships in the world. Captain Unni said he was thrilled to join the 20,000+ TEU club. “The Ever Gifted is one of the highest capacity container ships currently in service. It is also one of the most efficient, enviro-friendly and impressive vessels deployed across Evergreen’s service network,” he added.“Two years ago, we prepared and trained a specialised crew to operate the world’s first Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC). It is challenges like these that we excel in. It’s not only about managing traditional ships. As a technical partner for shipowners, we need to be prepared to take on the challenges posed by new technology,” Unni continued. “Larger ships result in more complexity. New technology brings many unknowns. Modern ship management is about preparing the next generation of crew to face these challenges and put in place processes that work seamlessly for these new kinds of vessel operations.”
Synergy Group and Reederei Nord launch N2 Tankers Aframax Tanker Pool
German shipowner Reederei Nord and Synergy Group, launched N2 Tankers, a new Aframax tanker pool on behalf of Nissen Kaiun. The pool has been set up as a joint venture, consisting of 13 Aframax tankers, built between 2007-2018 by Japanese yards.N2 Tankers brings the ship-owning and operational expertise of both Nissen Kaiun and Reederei Nord under one umbrella for the first time. The focus is on generating commercial and technical management efficiency benefits for clients and owners by streamlining fleet operations and improving vessel financial performance.
“N2 Tankers bring together two of the most renowned owners in world shipping, in a sector of the tanker market that has seen a lot of consolidation in recent years. We are delighted to have been entrusted with the management of the pool’s state-of-the art, modern tankers, all built to the highest quality. This is a recognition of our unique ability to meet commercial and technical ship management requirements under one roof for the most demanding owners,” said Capt. Unni.
The fleet will be further expanded, with Nissen Kaiun and Reederei Nord currently seeking similar-minded owners of top quality Aframax tankers to join the N2 Tankers pool. “Our two companies have earned themselves outstanding reputations for the world class efficiency and reliability of their fleets,” said Captain Katsuya Abe, President of Nissen Kaiun. “I believe our clear focus on our customers’ requirements will satisfy the needs of both cargo and tonnage owners, with the fleet providing operational flexibility for cargo owners, and voyage expenses falling due to the optimisation of vessel selection based on proximity to cargo.
“We are confident that managing the pool as a joint venture with commercial and technical ship management – clearly aligned in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible – will help attract additional ships to further bolster the effectiveness and competitiveness of N2 Tankers. We are also delighted that Synergy Group, a long-term ship manager partner of Nissen Kaiun, is bringing their experience and expertise to this new venture. We fully expect N2 Tankers to be recognised as the world’s leading Aframax tanker pool, Abe said.”
Synergy Group launches help-line to boost wellness and reduce suicide
iCALL – Initiating Concern for All, is a free psychological counselling service provided through technology-assisted mediums like telephone, email and chat to anyone in need of emotional support. It is a free psychological helpline for the worldwide maritime community, available in nine languages.“Numerous studies into the psychological health of seafarers have shown that large numbers of seafarers suffer from obvious manifestations of impaired psychological wellbeing such as social isolation and depression. That’s why we decided to create a 24/7 counselling centre for anybody who’s sailing, and not just for Synergy personnel. It is also available to shore-based personnel anywhere in the world,” said Capt. Unni.
“iCALL currently has 14 counsellors located at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, to ensure peer support, supervision and standard professional counselling services,” said Capt. Unni.
Before the launch of the service, all counsellors received specialist training to help treat issues such as emotional distress, relationship and family concerns, suicidal thoughts, sexual and reproductive health, LGBT issues, violence against women, body image concerns and work-life anxieties.