Uniteam Marine is an international ship management company with almost 40 years of maritime industry experience. The company offers high-quality services to ship owners and managers across a range of countries. Managing Director John Hadjiparaskevas discussed growth and the development of services. Report by Antonia Cole.
Over the past year, Uniteam Marine has made significant strides in enhancing service capabilities and operational resilience, Managing Director John Hadjiparaskevas said: “We have improved our digital capabilities through the advancement to modern fleet management software and remote monitoring platforms ensuring that our customers have peace of mind regarding the newly adopted regulatory frameworks such as the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and FuelEU Maritime.”
Headquartered in Cyprus, the company has offices in key maritime locations including Germany, Ukraine, Singapore, the Philippines and Myanmar. This enables Uniteam Marine to offer reliable services
to clients worldwide, building up long-term relationships. With a diverse fleet of bulk carriers and containerships, plus, to a lesser extent, chemical and oil tankers, as well as other specialised dry vessels, the company provides full technical, crew and administrative management services.
Uniteam Marine has access to over 5,000 seafarers and 300 shore-based professionals to support its operations.
Having managed more than 160 vessels, the company is experienced in delivering tailored solutions.
“Through our strategic partnerships, we deliver vital support and reassurance to our clients so they can focus on their core business,” added Mr Hadjiparaskevas. “Our in-house capabili ties, combined with
our extensive network of long-standing partnerships with trusted manning agencies, allow us to cater to the specific needs and nationality preferences of our international clients, making operations smoother and more effective.”
Skilled services
With experience supporting clients both on land and at sea, Uniteam Marine is committed to optimising quality, cost| -effi ciency, profitability and control. The company only sources highly-skilled seafarers to guarantee the smooth running of operations and further develops crew members’ skills through in-house training facilities.
The company also has a strong presence in the Myanmar seafarers’ market, with a leading recruitment and placement service. The sourcing of skilled, professional seafarers allows Uniteam Marine to offer clients efficient and effective services with low risk, giving the company a competitive advantage.
“One of our biggest challenges is maintaining the highest levels of crew competency and morale in an increasingly
“By leveraging the multidisciplinary expertise of our shore-based employees, we maintain high standards across all levels of our operations,” explained Mr Hadjiparaskevas. “Our team consists of hands-on experts experienced with various vessel types. The size and structure of our company enables our top management to remain highly accessible and responsive, ensuring swift resolutions for customers.”
regulated and resource-intensive environment,” continued Mr Hadjiparaskevas.
“While the development of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship Code is underway, and aims to advance automation in shipping, we believe that the human element will continue to play a crucial role in the industry for the foreseeable future. Crew members will remain an essential part of maritime operations for many years, ensuring safety, adaptability, and expertise that cannot be replaced.”
As well as investing in training opportunities, Uniteam Marine offers crew mental health and welfare initiatives. This ensures that crew are engaged and supported in their work. Fostering a sense of community and a positive work environment attracts the top talent to Uniteam Marine, facilitating premium services.
Safety systems
Uniteam Marine is committed to employee welfare and the holistic safety of all operations, rooted in its extensive maritime experience. The company has implemented rigorous safety management systems and additional competency programmes to ensure employees are fully equipped for all situations.
“We foster a robust safety culture among all our employees,” commented
Mr Hadjiparaskevas. “By prioritising effective communication between ship and shore, we allow for quick decision-making and support when needed. Safety and quality are intrinsically linked. Our commitment to operational excellence ensures that safety measures are constantly being upheld, allowing us to navigate challenges with confidence.”
In partnership with a multinational oil company, Uniteam Marine has advanced its safety and simulation capabilities at an offshore oil and gas field in Guyana. The company has developed and launched a range of tailored training services. These specialised programmes focus on everything from process safety management and emergency response to equipment operation and maintenance.
Uniteam Marine is looking to expand upon this service to include advanced simulation technologies and modules adapted to the specific needs of the offshore oil and gas
sector. This will consolidate the company’s position as a trusted partner whilst also evolving the safety and efficiency of operations.
Additionally, the company has recently started an ambitious initiative to transform its interaction with corporate data by 2025. Called the Corporate Data Interaction System, this new technology utilises an AI-driven chatbot to assist teams. This software is able to answer questions and deliver insights on specific situations immediately.
“In today’s data-driven landscape, information is crucial to decision-making,” added Mr Hadjiparaskevas. “Our interconnected databanks will offer a wide range of capabilities, enabling users to extract critical information. For example, team members will be able to ask questions surrounding incident analysis, employee
satisfaction and budget prediction. This initiative represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to enhance our operational efficiency, as well as safety and quality standards.”
Sustainable solutions
From large-scale projects in design, newbuilds and retrofits to managing vessels, providing customised offshore simulators and competency toolboxes, Uniteam Marine offers a comprehensive portfolio of services to the shipping and offshore industry. In Latin America, the company has been involved in the construction, shipping and operation of a full-mission offshore process simulator for the oil and gas industry. Uniteam Marine plans to expand this presence into the EMEA region soon.
Uniteam Marine has also expanded its service offerings to include the management of alternative-fuel vessels. Through establishing strategic partnerships, the company has been able to adapt systems and procedures to accommodate the configurations of new vessels.
“Within our services, we try to incorporate sustainability with a comprehensive environmental, social and governance
strategy,” said Mr Hadjiparaskevas. “We are dedicated to navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, including the IMO’s revised GHG strategy and the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Supporting communities is also really important to us. Recently, we launched a sponsorship programme for the children of our employees who excel in sports, encouraging the talent of the next generation.”
Keen to formalise its social responsibility in Myanmar, in 2008 Uniteam Marine’s Founder Mr Gerhard Ruether founded the non-profit organisation Myanmar Development Aid eV (MDA). MDA operates two orphanages in Myanmar, providing an environment that empowers children to thrive. Here, children have access to education, healthcare and emotional support. Uniteam also offered humanitarian aid to the seafarers and their families affected by Typhoon Yagi.
“What excites me most about my role
is the opportunity to drive positive change,” continued Mr Hadjiparaskevas, in conclusion. “I am motivated by the responsibility to not only improve ship management, but also make a meaningful impact on the communities in which we operate.
“Our future objectives focus on expanding our presence in specialised shipping sectors and enhancing our technical capabilities. We aim to provide innovative tools and foster partnerships that empower our customers to operate their assets at the highest standards, while ensuring safety and profitability.” n
