| Quality |
ESL's quality beliefs
are enshrined in its Quality Policy: "We are committed
to excellence in ship operations and firmly believe
that this can be achieved through integrity, teamwork
and consistent application of good steamship practices."
Quality is critical for two reasons: crude oil and petroleum products are volatile and require responsible transportation; besides, the size and velocity during movement may pose a risk to the immediate environment and other vessels.
To minimise risks, the shipping industry constituted
the International Maritime Organisation (branch
of the United Nations, headquartered at London)
to administer standards. The IMO was established
to evolve quality codes in the safety of personnel,
safety of vessels and the protection of marine life.
In 1987, the IMO formulated the first phase of safety
management guidelines that became mandatory for
tankers and bulk carriers from 1st July, 1998. The
second phase is expected to be mandatory from 1st
July, 2002 for other classes of vessels. |
Quality Pioneer
Over the years, a number
of quality initiatives have established ESL's reputation
as a sensitive, safe and responsible organisation.
ESL was the first Indian company to be awarded the
ISO certificate by the Lloyds Register of Shipping
in 1993. It was the first Indian company to be awarded
the ISM 'Document of Compliance' in 1995 by the
Directorate of Shipping, India, three years ahead
of other players in the Indian industry. ESL was
the first Indian and amongst the first few international
companies to adopt 'ballast water management techniques'
at a time when it was yet to become mandatory. ESL's
initiatives in cargo securing systems were accepted
as an international standard by Lloyds Register,
UK. |
Strengths
ESL has invested in double
hull double bottom Suezmax tankers. These are safer
vessels since they possess two layers of metal protection
against the conventional single layer. |
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ESL's user-friendly
quality manuals have strengthened quality
awareness on all its vessels. As a result,
ESL's practices conform to stringent quality
and safety systems. |
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To pool knowledge effectively, ESL has developed an ongoing database of all its learnings since 1995. |
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| Technical Operations |
Technical operations are a critical driver of profitability. Shipping companies like ESL that manage their technical operations efficiently sustain a competent fleet that delivers cargo promptly to destinations and reinforces a reliable reputation in the process.
ESL's efficient technical operations resulting in
smooth sailing, a capacity utilization in excess
of 90 per cent were achieved through the following
initiatives: |
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ESL's day-to-day
onshore monitoring of the fleet's speed, consistency
and consumption of fuel, among others, immediately
help correct deviations from the established
parameters. |
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The team co-ordinates the
checking, receipt of approvals and fitness
certificates from the Government of India,
other statutory bodies and oil majors. |
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ESL's active communication
process helps it to deliver spares when required
to ships at their onward port of call. |
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ESL's continuous check
on the fitness of its vessels helps it to
co-ordinate the mandatory dry-dock operations
- comprehensive repairs - at periodic intervals. |
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ESL's ongoing vigilance
helps it to maintain vessels in accordance
with the established international guidelines. |
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ESL's competent technical
operations helps it to recruit the right profile
of officers. |
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Dry-docking
Dry-docking is the shipping industry's equivalent
of a fitness test. Ships must undergo dry-dock repairs
twice every five years. This is a mandatory industry
requirement and covers all ships. Dry-docking prevents
unscheduled stoppages that delay the arrival of
the ship at the port and result in a loss of time
and revenue. ESL follows this policy with diligence. |
CORPORATE