Suraj Panickar

Shipping and logistics professional with 9+ years of experience in vessel operations, project management, process transition, team management within global shipping organizations. Strong expertise in stakeholder management, RCA, KPI monitoring, and process improvement. Proven track record of leading teams, driving operational efficiency, and delivering continuous improvements in fast-paced environments.

Associate Manager - CMA CGM Shared Service Centre

(2022-01)

Senior Executive - CMA CGM Shared Service Centre

(2020-01 - 2022-12)

Executive - CMA CGM Shared Service Centre

(2019-05 - 2020-12)

• Process, validate, reconcile, and upload partner vessel bayplans and loading confirmations using operational systems such as STOWMAN, LARA, VCBP.
• Compare loading confirmations, partner bayplans, and vessel operational data to identify discrepancies and ensure data accuracy.
• Verify container operational details including operator codes, POL/POD, container type and size, weight verification, SOC status, OOG and hazardous cargo information.
• Analyze and resolve upload errors, warning messages, blocking issues, and integration failures during bayplan processing.
• Coordinate revised bayplan uploads and operational updates within defined SOP timelines.
• Monitor and update vessel schedules in C-voyage (Dataways) based on information received from agencies, terminals, partners, and approved operational sources.
• Validate vessel operational movements including ETA / ETD, berthing and unberthing, and voyage sequence.
• Perform schedule recovery activities through Back to Baseline processes and approved vessel speed adjustments.
• Monitor vessel delays, deviations, blank sailings, port omissions, terminal changes, vessel sliding, and phase-in/phase-out activities.
• Prepare and distribute Daily Position Sheets (DPS) containing operational status updates, delay comments, and schedule summaries.
• Escalate operational risks, delay impacts, and high-speed recovery situations to relevant stakeholders.
• Process COD requests for full and empty containers from Sales Network, Cargo Flow, and Logistics teams.
• Validate request completeness including POL/POD, vessel rotation, ETA, and duplicate requests.
• Coordinate with partner carriers for approval, feasibility checks, restow validation, and operational confirmations.
• Analyze partner responses involving approvals, refusals, restows, and operational restrictions.
• Communicate COD approval, rejection, cancellation, and operational updates to stakeholders within agreed timelines.
• Handle operational exceptions involving hazardous cargo and high restows.
• Process OOG and Flexi tank approval requests according to operational procedures and communication matrices.
• Process Flexi Tank loading approval requests along with supporting documents such as COA and MSDS.
• Validate operational information including POL/POD & vessel rotation, lost slot requirements, restow feasibility, and cargo dimensions and handling requirements.
• Coordinate with partner carriers for approvals, stowage validation, and operational feasibility assessments.
• Maintain records of booking references, operational conditions, and approval status.
• Act as key point of contact between internal teams, clients, and management.
• Track team performance metrics and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
• Ensure delivery of KPIs and continuous improvement targets.
• Drive process improvements through waste elimination and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Set team goals, monitor performance, and conduct regular review meetings.
• Implement cross-training within team to improve flexibility and coverage.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and training to team members for professional growth.
• Support project transitions and ensure smooth operational handovers.
• Develop and implement SOPs, policies, and compliance standards.
• Communicate performance updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Optimized 3 FTEs in Bayplan process (2025), improving efficiency and resource utilization.
• Went to Head office of CMA CGM for transition of fleet Management process in 2025.

Associate - Maersk GSC

(2017-04 - 2019-04)

• Managed Detention and Demurrage free-time filing processes with accuracy.
• Conducted Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for process errors and implemented corrective actions.
• Handled customer disputes via email and Skype, ensuring timely resolution.
• Prepared and uploaded reports by collecting and validating data from request lists.
• Supported team members during peak workload periods.
• Trained and mentored new joiners on processes and systems.
• Ensured data accuracy and maintained documentation integrity.
• Coordinated with stakeholders to resolve discrepancies and improve processes.

Bachelor's Degree - Banking & Insurance - University of Mumbai (2016-12)