SPNM’s crosses 1st milestone at its 2nd annual meet

The Shipping Professional Network of Mumbai held their second annual event jointly with the Institute of Chartered Ship brokers to mark a new strategic development

The Shipping Professional Network in Mumbai (SPNM) seems to have jumped up the popularity graph from day one of being launched with every function since its inception two years ago seeing ever larger numbers attending their quarterly networking events. From a gathering of just 19 that took place two years ago it has mushroomed into a nearly 300-strong congregation that met last week on 18th October 2013 at the National Sports Club of India. The event distinctly goes down as a milestone having received a boost from the Institute of Chartered Ship brokers (ICS) which decided to jointly organize the function and continue to lend support in the future.

David Barrett, Education Manager and Jeremy Owen, Customer Support Executive, of the ICS London, UK came down to India especially to attend the function and network with the shipping professionals attending the function. Making his observation about Mumbai being his first trip to India David stated, “I have been taken up by the hospitality and the welcome I received. The cuisine is very good but the traffic is appalling. I noticed that there are over 60 international TV channels out of which 30 are dedicated to cricket.”

During the past two years, SPNM has been conducting regular seminar and workshops for its members and prospective shipping professional on topics of interest. SPNM’s success stem from the fact that it has helped promote strong relationships by providing a platform which has enabled participants to meet the right people to include in their network and expand their sphere of influence.

Narrating the history and formation of SPNM, Anand Sharma the Director of Mantrana Maritime Advisory Pvt Ltd., and co-founder - Board Member - Jt. Secretary of SPNM explained how the organization evolved and grew into its present stature. "With three main objectives of socializing, learning and networking, this platform for yound shipping professionals was constituted," he said. "This event is special to us not only as it marks our second anniversary but also to announce ICS Mumbai becoming our Institute Partner in order to collectively support work towards our commonly shared objectives viz. learning.”

During the networking David informed MAPRO, “We look forward to a long relationship with SPNM. Our students are typically in the age group of 25 to 35 years and developing in their three years and SPNM will obviously be an attractive association to make a break in the maritime field. We would therefore, like to support them. At our Institute of Chartered Ship brokers, Mumbai, we have about 160 students and the graduates will get snapped up into employment.” David however, was unwilling to spell out the exact details of the relationship and the connection ICS plans to have with SPNM.

The managing committee of SPNM has a strong vision. It is focused on promoting and enhancing Mumbai as a maritime service center and be the ‘voice’ of young shipping professionals by engaging with the broader shipping community. SPNM will serve as a platform for networking to create relevant contacts and establish long-lasting relationships with tomorrow’s industry leaders whilst being exposed to current industry leaders.
Source: Shipping Professional Network of Mumbai