🎙️ MarineX Radio | Engine Room to Boardroom: Navigating Maritime Excellence with Deependra Singh

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of one of MarineX Radio’s most inspiring episodes to date — “From Engine Room to Boardroom: Navigating Maritime Excellence with Deependra Singh.” Powered by Yugen Infra and DMECA, this episode celebrates not just the story of one man, but the story of thousands of maritime professionals who, like him, have weathered the waves of change in the global shipping industry. MarineX Radio has always been more than just a podcast; it is a voice for the silent heroes, the dreamers, the engineers, and the resilient leaders who keep the engines of global trade running smoothly, often unseen yet essential to the world economy.

This episode welcomes Mr. Deependra Singh, the Technical Manager at Ishima Pte Ltd in Singapore, a proud alumnus of DMET Class of 1995, a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), and an MBA graduate from Lancaster University, UK. Deependra’s journey spans over two decades, working with industry giants such as Teekay, MOL Tankship, and now Ishima, managing some of the world’s most complex and advanced fleets, including VLGCs and VLCCs.

But beyond the impressive career titles and accolades, what makes Deependra’s story so captivating is his groundedness, his commitment to mentorship, and his unshakable loyalty to the maritime brotherhood that shaped him.

The episode opens with a deep dive into Deependra’s roots, tracing his childhood in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where he grew up in an academic household — his father a mathematics teacher, his mother a Hindi teacher — where educational achievement was highly valued. Like many of his generation, Deependra’s entry into marine engineering was almost accidental. He came across the DMET entrance exam while preparing for other engineering colleges and filled out the application without knowing exactly what the world of marine engineering involved. Little did he know that this decision would set him on a course that would take him across oceans and eventually to one of the most respected technical leadership roles in Singapore’s maritime sector.

Deependra shares an especially touching and human moment from his first day at DMET: after his father dropped him off at college, his mother — worried and emotional — actually called the director of the college, asking to bring her son home. It’s a story that remains a cherished family memory to this day and sets the stage for the profound personal sacrifices that often accompany maritime careers. Deependra’s recounting of his first year at DMET is filled with nostalgia and humor — the long hours standing in line, the rigor of morning PT, the tight schedules, the camaraderie born in tough conditions, the ragging rituals, and the friendships forged in diesel-smelling dormitories and kit room talks.

He humorously recalls how, like many of his peers, he wasn’t the most studious student and learned to “play the one-day match” — studying only before exams — but still managed to succeed because of the discipline and support system embedded in the DMET environment.

Graduating in 1995, Deependra stepped into an industry that was booming. Demand for marine engineers was so high that his graduating batch had multiple job offers even before finishing. He joined Volms and began sailing on VLCCs and LPG carriers, rising through the ranks to become Chief Engineer by 2004. But it wasn’t just about career progression. Deependra opens up about the pivotal personal moment when his first child was born in 2006 — an event that sparked deep reflection and ultimately led to his decision to leave sea life and transition ashore. He knew that while his professional life was thriving, he was missing key moments at home, and he made the difficult but deliberate choice to prioritize family alongside career.

The episode explores how Deependra successfully transitioned to shore roles, first at Mitsui, where he had to adapt to the slow, precision-driven Japanese management culture, and later at Teekay, where a fast-paced, innovation-driven North American management style reshaped his approach.

Finally, at Ishima, Deependra found himself navigating European leadership dynamics, where people management is prioritized even ahead of vessel operations. Today, as Technical Manager, he oversees a portfolio of 20 vessels, leads diverse teams across Singapore and Mumbai, and maintains a strong connection with sea staff, shore staff, and client stakeholders. His leadership philosophy is simple but profound:

listen carefully, communicate with clarity, and put people first.

The episode also takes listeners into the high-pressure world of managing technical challenges — machinery breakdowns, safety compliance, dry docking operations — across different time zones. Deependra explains how the key to success is first calming down the situation, avoiding panic, and breaking complex problems into small, manageable steps.

He emphasises knowing your vessel inside out, preparing well ahead for dry docks (ideally 4–6 months), and focusing on one process at a time: specifications, requisitions, quotations, and cost comparisons. This practical advice is invaluable for young superintendents and technical managers entering the field.

Beyond work, Deependra offers refreshing honesty about the balancing act between career and family life. He speaks about the importance of setting realistic deadlines at work so that stress doesn’t bleed into home life, acknowledging how hard it can be to avoid carrying workplace pressures back home. He credits his wife for being the cornerstone of their household, especially in a maritime family where the spouse often keeps things grounded during long absences or high-pressure work cycles. Fitness and health are also pillars of his personal life — Deependra plays tennis and badminton weekly, and encourages maritime professionals to have at least one passion outside of work to stay de-stressed and healthy.

For aspiring marine engineers, Deependra’s advice is clear: start with a strong foundation. Know your engines, understand your vessel systems, and combine this with upskilling in software, decarbonization tools, compliance platforms, and AI-driven technologies. Continuous learning is no longer optional in today’s maritime landscape. He also stresses the growing importance of soft skills — communication, budgeting, negotiation, and presentation — for those looking to move into ship management or superintendent roles.

Perhaps one of the most heartwarming parts of the episode is the discussion about the DMET Singapore alumni network. Deependra shares how this network has grown over the years from small, intimate events to vibrant gatherings of over 500 participants, becoming a global model for alumni engagement. With minimal membership costs and a focus on creating informal spaces for connection, the Singapore alumni chapter has become a benchmark admired by DMET communities worldwide. He expresses pride in seeing the camaraderie, the professional referrals, and the sponsor engagement that make the Singapore chapter uniquely effective.

When asked how he wants to be remembered, Deependra answers with humility: he hopes to be known as someone true to himself, true to his profession, and deeply grateful to the institutions that shaped him — his school, his college, and his workplaces. His story, ultimately, is one of humility, perseverance, and gratitude, reminding all of us that the path to success is not only about titles and achievements but about consistency, evolution, and loyalty to one’s roots.

As the episode closes, MarineX Radio extends heartfelt thanks to Deependra Singh for sharing his journey and for continuing to mentor and inspire the next generation of maritime leaders.

On behalf of MarineX, Yugen Infra, DMECA, and the entire DMET Club community, we celebrate and salute his contributions to the maritime world.

This episode of MarineX Radio is now live and available on all major platforms, including the MarineX website, DMET Club, and YouTube. We invite maritime professionals, cadets, alumni, and industry enthusiasts to tune in, subscribe, and share this remarkable conversation — a testament to the spirit, grit, and greatness that drive the global maritime industry.

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