On the sidelines of the recently concluded Maritime Week Africa in Cape Town, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Krishnan Subramaniam, International Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), and a truly legendary figure in the shipping industry..
Our conversation touched on various topics from the evolving landscape of international shipping to practical advice for newcomers entering this dynamic field..
The Institute’s mission in a changing world
Krishnan began by sharing his appreciation for the work we have been doing at Shipping and Freight Resource over the past almost two decades.. His words were both humbling and energising, noting that the platform has become a valuable resource not just for students, but for anyone seeking to understand the practical aspects of shipping..
The conversation naturally flowed to how the ICS is adapting to serve the industry.. Krishnan emphasised the institute’s commitment to enhancing professionalism in commercial shipping through various channels.. “ICS South Africa has been doing a fantastic job along with the other 26 branches worldwide in terms of connecting to the industry through various modes,” he explained..
What struck me most was his emphasis on collaboration.. Rather than operating in isolation, the ICS is actively partnering with conferences and industry events.. As Krishnan put it, “collaboration with conferences like this enhances that in an accelerated way“..
Bridging theory and practice
At the Maritime Week Africa, Krishnan facilitated a full-day workshop focusing on liquid cargo transportation and ship chartering, which has been his forte and expertise, with over 40 years of experience..
But he was quick to clarify that it was not just a lecture and was more of a discussion, highlighting the institute’s shift toward more interactive, practical learning experiences..
This collaborative approach, he believes, is the way forward for professional development in shipping.. By partnering with like-minded organisations and industry conferences, the ICS is expanding its reach and providing more relevant, real-world learning opportunities..
Advice for the next generation
When I asked Krishnan what advice he would give to young professionals entering the industry today, he acknowledged the unique challenges they face, saying that the landscape has transformed dramatically over the years and today’s professionals must navigate a world that is increasingly technology-driven and digital..
Krishnan was candid about the paradox facing newcomers: “It’s a problem of over choice and over information which is there“..
Unlike 40 years ago when he entered the field by chance rather than choice, today’s professionals have access to vast amounts of information but may struggle to find the right path..
His advice..?? Start by getting a broad understanding of the industry.. “Shipping and logistics is here to stay. We need to move goods, we need to move people, we need to move information,” he emphasised.. While the methods may change with technology, the fundamental need remains constant..
Finding your niche
Krishnan highlighted how the ICS curriculum is designed to help professionals discover their ideal niche.. With four core subjects and twelve optional subjects, the qualification provides exposure to multiple dimensions of the industry..
This comprehensive approach allows students to explore different areas before committing to a specialisation, and, as Krishnan notes, this helps students figure out which area of the industry they fit into, whether it is chartering, broking, ship operations, or agency work..
The institute is also evolving its offerings to meet market demands.. Krishnan mentioned that the Institute is developing a diversified syllabus covering liner trades, container shipping, and breakbulk operations, all in response to what the industry needs..
From Boarding Officer to International Chairman
Krishnan’s own career trajectory is inspiring and a testament to the power of knowledge and education..
He started as a boarding officer at an oil terminal, handling tanker discharge operations. This hands-on beginning shaped his entire career path.. From there, he moved into chartering roles and eventually into commercial ship management, working his way through tankers, chemicals, and now LNG..
His journey from that first position to becoming the International Chairman of an institution incorporated by Royal Charter is a testament to the opportunities available in this industry for those willing to learn and adapt..
Looking ahead
As our conversation drew to a close, Krishnan reflected on his role as International Chairman.. “It’s a great honour as well as a big responsibility,” he acknowledged, expressing confidence that with support from members, branches, and staff worldwide, the institute will continue to grow and serve the industry..
The shipping industry is at a defining moment, where long-established practices are intersecting with rapidly advancing technology, with familiar career paths expanding into roles that did not exist even a decade ago..
Through it all, organisations like the ICS and platforms like Shipping and Freight Resource continue to bridge the gap between education and practical application.
For anyone considering a career in shipping or looking to advance their current position, Krishnan’s message is clear: embrace the breadth of opportunities available, find your passion within the industry, and then dive deep into that specialisation..
The fundamentals of moving goods, people, and information are not going anywhere, but how we do it will continue to evolve..
And that is what makes this industry so endlessly fascinating..
You can view the full interview here..
