IRClass’s Mr Arun Sharma bags Varuna Award
Indian
Register of Shipping (IRClass), an international ship classification society is
delighted to announce that its Executive Chairman, Mr Arun Sharma has received India’s
most prestigious maritime award – Varuna
Award at the 58th edition of National Maritime Day. The
nomination for the award was done unanimously by various maritime industry
bodies.
“I am
deeply honoured to be recognised by the Committee. This success can only be
achieved with the unwavering commitment and dedication of our team as well as
supportive industry organizations. I am grateful to have the opportunity to
contribute in international maritime arena as the Chairman of IACS from 1st Jul
2019 to 30th June 2020 and as the present Vice Chairman,” Mr Sharma said.
He
continued, “Going forward, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to
maritime safety and quality in India and globally. IRClass will continue to
grow its footprints across the world with plans to open more offices in the
Middle East and Africa. It sees significant growth opportunities there and
IRClass sets its sights on building long-term commitment in the region.”
This
highest maritime honour, instituted by the National Maritime Day Celebrations
(“Central Committee”), recognises and honours individuals for their sustained
and outstanding contribution to Indian maritime sector, as well as exhibiting
strong leadership skills and decision-making that has inspired positive changes
to the industry.
A marine
engineer with a strong technical and commercial background, Mr Sharma has held
several top management positions with key shipping companies in his career
spanning several decades. He was also the Chairman of Strategy Committee of
IACS and head of Small Group on Quality Policy (SGQP).
Starting
his career with The Shipping Corporation of India Limited, he held senior
management roles with Varun Shipping Company, Great Eastern Shipping and India
Steamships. He has served on the board of Indian National Shipowners’
Association and on the Asia Committees of leading classification societies.
During
his tenure as Chairman in International Association of Classification Societies
(IACS), Mr Sharma led the organisation’s rapid response to assist the industry
during the pandemic. The first wave of mitigative measures, which included
maintaining the validity of certificates; and allowing the sharing of IACS
members’ exclusive surveyors, were quickly implemented to allow ships to
continue operations and hence, facilitating trade.
Marex Media