Dr. Abhijit Singh

Dr. Abhijit Singh is a visionary leader and recognized expert in the maritime, logistics, and supply chain domains. With over two decades of experience, he has consistently driven transformation across industries through strategic planning, business optimization, and process innovation. His career is marked by significant achievements in both national and international arenas, including key leadership positions at the C-Suite and Board Member levels, and recognition as Chairman and Member Expert for multiple Government of India committees. Dr. Singh holds impressive academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in Port and Shipping Management and an MBA in Maritime Management from London. He also possesses a Post Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law from London and a Bachelor's degree in Maritime Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology & Science(BITS Plani), India. His multidisciplinary expertise is further enhanced by professional training in advanced firefighting, ship safety management, and environmental auditing.

Dr. Singh is a Chartered Member of the Logistics & Transport Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers in London, a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers, an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute in London, and a member of the Indian Council of Arbitration under Government of India. 

Dr. Singh's career trajectory showcases a blend of technical proficiency and strategic leadership. He began as a Marine Engineer Officer, gaining hands-on experience in ship operations and management. He sailed onboard ship drybulk, container and tankers, his transition to BP Shipping further enriched his expertise in commercial ship management. In academia, he served as a distinguished/visiting faculty member at premier business institutions like IIMs/NMDS, contributing to mentorship, industrials visits, internships, placements, administration, teaching, and course development. Dr. Singh's leadership roles have been pivotal in advancing India's maritime sector. As the Executive Director of the Indian Ports Association (IPA), an apex body of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, he played a key role in enhancing India's maritime infrastructure. He holds the distinction of being the youngest Senior Officer in the organization's history, a testament to his exceptional capabilities and leadership qualities. His leadership roles at the Indian Ports Association (IPA) and Invest India underscore his commitment to advancing India's maritime infrastructure and promoting investments in the sector. He has spearheaded ground-breaking initiatives, such as the National Logistic Portal-Marine and the Port Community System (PCS 1x), which have revolutionized port operations and logistics in India. 
 

His contributions extend beyond national boundaries, representing India on numerous international platforms, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), BIMSTEC, and SASEC. He is regarded as an ambassador for the Indian maritime sector, committed to fostering international collaboration and promoting India's interests on the global stage. His recognition as a 'Youth Icon' for Young Maritime Professionals, with a following of over one million on LinkedIn, highlights his influence and thought leadership within the industry.

Dr. Singh's research interests lie at the intersection of technology and process management, with a focus on Techno-Economic feasibility, Strategic Assessment, and Environmental Sustainability. He has undertaken numerous projects that leverage state-of-the-art technology and data analytics to optimize port performance, reduce logistics costs, and enhance operational efficiencies. His reengineering efforts have led to improved corporate functionalities and garnered multiple national and international awards. Notably, he has been instrumental in formulating national frameworks such as the "Maritime India Vision 2030" and various initiatives under the "Vision India 2047" for Ministry of Shipping/DPIIT/NITI Ayog. He has been the driving force behind several prestigious national projects, encompassing more than ₹650 Crore in value, including the UNNATI initiative, which benchmarked the performance of Indian major ports against international standards, delivering over ₹3500 crores in value and deferring capital investments of ₹2000 crores. His strategic foresight was also evident in the Sagarmala Programme, where he contributed significantly in the identification/monitoring/implementation of more than 500 projects led to potential logistics cost savings of INR 35000 to 40000 crores annually by 2025.

As a subject matter expert, Dr. Singh has been instrumental in formulating key policy documents for Government of India , including the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Model Concession Agreement 2021 for Major Ports. His work has paved the way for comprehensive reforms in the maritime sector, focusing on areas such as green port development, industrial development, and e-governance. His contributions have enhanced the operational efficiency of ports and driven sustainable development initiatives, significantly reducing the sector's carbon footprint.

Dr. Singh believes in fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and practical application. He emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios, empowering students to become effective problem-solvers and future leaders in the maritime industry. His teaching style is interactive and engaging, promoting active participation and collaboration among students.

Dr. Singh has extensive experience teaching a wide array of logistics, supply chain, and maritime-related subjects, including Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Ship Operations, Brokering & Chartering, Marine Insurance & Law, Arbitration, Port & Terminal Management, PPP Projects, International Trade & Transport, Import, Export, Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, Maritime Economics, Technology Trends in Maritime, Marketing of Shipping Services, and Leadership.

Dr. Singh's exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, 5 National & 6 International, including the Digital India Award by the Hon’ble President of India, the UK Alumni Award for Professional Achievement by the British Council, and the Maritime Hall of Fame Award. These accolades highlight his impactful work in driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiencies, and promoting sustainable development in the maritime sector.

Dr. Singh actively contributes to the academic community through publications in international journals and his widely acclaimed book "World-Class Ship Manager in 4-Weeks." He is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, sharing his insights on maritime logistics, supply chain management, and technological advancements. His thought leadership and expertise have been shaping the next generation of industry professionals. 

abhijit.singh@ddn.upes.ac.in