Operational Safety Is Our Top Priority

Mr Abhishek Chawla, Head of Operations, CMA CGM Asia & Chief Operations Officer, APL, has always been interested in the nexus between cost management and quality output. He discusses with Chua Kim Beng how the CMA CGM Group always places safety at the forefront of its priorities

- Chua Kim Beng

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS HEAD OF OPERATIONS? HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THE GROUP’S FLEET OF MODERN VESSELS STAY SAFE, SECURE, EFFICIENT, AND GREEN ALL YEAR ROUND?

The CMA CGM Group has stringent operational standards. I am responsible for ensuring that our operated vessels are performing optimally in terms of operations, environmental impact, efficiency, and cost. The team from the operations department, which sees to the optimal movement of each container and vessel voyage, is involved in the day-to-day operations of the ships, including navigational safety, cargo, as well as ballast and tank cleaning and inspections. The team also maintains safety standards and procedures, handles environmental management, and monitors and analyses operational data to avert potential problems.

HOW DOES SAFETY, PARTICULARLY SAFETY AT SEA, FACTOR INTO YOUR VARIOUS JOB SCOPES?

Since joining the CMA CGM Group in 2014, I have observed that “safety first” is the mantra across all business functions and departments. I am thankful my seafaring experience has enabled me to view safety from both ship and shore perspectives.