OUR TEAM IS COMPRISED OF LEADING DOMAIN EXPERTS
CYPRUS
GREECE
SINGAPORE
Jason Fernandes, son and grandson of proud mariners, started his sea-going career as an apprentice in 1974 in Madras, India. He sailed as an engineer primarily on OBOs but also on tankers and bulk carriers. In 1985, he got his Chief Engineer's CoC/license from UK, and in 1990, pursued a MS Degree in Maritime Management with Marine Insurance & Law as electives at the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine.
In 1991, he joined AIMS as a marine surveyor in New Jersey and in 1996 joined the reputable consulting firm of Martin, Ottaway, van Hemmen & Dolan, Inc., with whom he remained until 2009, when he founded Fernandes Maritime Consultants (FMC) in New Orleans, a firm he headed until the end of 2022. Jason Fernandes is now a Consultant heading the operations of FMC International, USA.
Areas of specialization:
Inspection of hull and machinery damages, supervision of repairs and verification of costs, investigation into collisions, allisions, groundings, forensic engineering, and failure analysis. Deposition testimony and court testimony as an expert. Risk assessments, vessel vetting and condition surveys, dock damage, and personal injury investigations.
Liquid and solid cargoes damage inspections, loss mitigation and verification.
Education and Professional Qualifications:
Degree: MS in Maritime Management; Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine; graduated 1991
Electives: Marine Insurance and Maritime Law, Intermodal Transportation
License: Chief Engineer’s Certificate of Competency (Motor). Issued by the Govt. of the U.K, 1985
Diploma: Mechanical Engineering; Central Polytechnic, Madras, India; graduated 1978
Apprenticeship: Marine Engineering, Binny Engineering Works, Madras, India, 1974-1979
Notable Projects:
Participated in successful evacuation of M.V. “NORMAN ATLANTIC”, an OBO, loaded with 60,000 Tons of (liquid) naphtha,
and destroyed in bombing attack during the Iran - Iraq war in December 1987.
With a career in accounting that began in 1991 in New York City, Karen Fernandes brings over three decades of diverse financial expertise to the table.
In 1997, she transitioned to New Orleans, where she continued to expand her professional portfolio.
In addition to her corporate experience, Karen has also pursued successful entrepreneurial ventures. Karen Fernandes joined Fernandes Maritime Consultants (FMC) in 2009, where she took charge of office management, client relations, surveyor support, and all accounting functions—including payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
Mr. George holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India, a PG Diploma in Marine Engineering from the Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI-DMET), Mumbai, India, and a Chief Engineer’s Certificate of Competency (Motor) issued by the Government of India. He has more than twenty-nine years of experience in the maritime industry, including twenty-five years of sailing experience on various types of vessels—particularly LPG tankers, bulk carriers, self-unloading bulk carriers, Ro-Ro ships, and Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs)—as well as more than four years’ experience as a senior marine consultant. He is also certified as an ISM, MLC, and ISPS Internal Auditor by Lloyd’s Maritime Institute, London.
As a Maritime Consultant, Auditor, Investigator, and Trainer, he provides investigative and advisory services to a diverse range of maritime clients, including vessel owners, charterers, and P&I / H&M Clubs. He leads incident and accident investigations ranging from major casualties involving loss of life or injury to near-miss events, determining root causes, establishing fault, and developing recommendations to prevent recurrence.
He liaises with the USCG for inspections, Certificates of Compliance (CoC), and investigations, leveraging in-depth knowledge of current US CFR and international IMO maritime regulations to ensure industry-standard compliance.
He investigates the potential causes of collisions and allisions, including environmental factors such as weather, vessel condition, human error, non-compliance, and failures in safety procedures.
He undertakes pre-purchase and chartering inspections, as well as HSSE/MARPOL training for international clients. His scope of work also includes technical and condition inspections of tankers, inland vessels, offshore vessels, barges, and tugboats.
He conducts investigations into machinery breakdowns and malfunctions, including repairs, upgrades, forensic investigations, fuel-related claims, damage assessments, and expert reviews of cost analyses.
He arranges and supervises repairs and dry docking activities, while closely monitoring cost control and execution.
Areas of Specialisation:
• Motivated Mechanical/Class 1 Marine Engineer (Chief Engineer).
• Operation and maintenance of all marine machinery (main engines, auxiliary engines, compressors, boilers, purifiers, pumps, etc.).
• Maritime safety legislation (ISPS, MLC).
• P&I and H&M claims handling, investigation, and mitigation.
• Damage inspection and repair supervision, including grounding, collision, allision, and machinery damage.
• Dock damage and personal injury investigations.
• ISM, ISPS, and MLC auditing.
• Condition surveys, loss control, dry-docking, and pre-purchase inspections.
• Training of vessel crews and preparation for USCG CoC and PSC inspections.
• Hatch opening and cargo condition inspections, including outturn surveys.
• Maritime auditing (IRCA Lead ISO).
Capt. Nan Oo has 28 years of experience in the maritime industry, having served on general cargo vessels, Bulk carriers, and oil and chemical tankers. He has commanded as a Master for 11 years on oil and chemical tankers.
Captain Nan Oo holds a Master Mariner (Unlimited Tonnage) qualification from the Nautical Institute of Marine Technology in Yangon (Myanmar),
His areas of specialization include:
• Safety, Quality, and Environmental (SQE) policy audits
• Incident and accident investigation
• Damage inspection and repair supervision
• Groundings, collisions, allision, and machinery damage
• Personal injury investigation
• Cargo loading and discharging supervision
• Navigational, operational, and cargo issues
• SIRE inspections and pre-vetting audits as per OCIMF standards
• CDI Chemical and oil internal and pre-vetting audits
Nihari Guda brings a solid academic and professional background to her role as Accounts Manager at FMC International LLC. With over 2 years of experience in finance and operations, she holds two master’s degrees—one in Business Management and another in Science Management—as well as a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering. Her unique combination of financial expertise and technical knowledge enables her to streamline financial processes through automation and digital tools.
In her current role, Nihari is responsible for a wide range of financial functions including budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and reconciliation. She works closely with internal departments and external vendors to maintain financial integrity and improve operational efficiency. Her proactive approach and deep understanding of both financial systems and technology allow her to drive continuous improvement within the organization.
Areas of Specialization:
Anshuman has over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry, including over a decade of sailing on ocean going cellular container vessels, car carriers, and DP1 and DP2 class offshore vessels as a Chief Engineer. Anshuman holds an STCW Unlimited Class One Chief Engineer’s License. He has over ten years of ashore experience as a dry-dock superintendent, technical superintendent, and technical maritime consultant in Dubai, Singapore, Cyprus, and the USA. He has supervised dry-docking, installation of EGCS systems, and reefer expansion for more than a dozen vessels in Turkey and China. He has published multiple technical articles in peer-reviewed international technical journals and delivered over a dozen technical presentations. He has been interviewed for his opinion by international print media on maritime incidents.
The US government has also recognised Anshuman as an individual with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.
His areas of specialisation include:
• Safety, Quality, and Environmental (SQE) policy audits
• Incident and accident investigation
• Damage inspection and repair supervision
• Groundings, collisions, allision and machinery damage
• Dry-docking supervision
• Vessel inspections
• EGCS and BWTS installation supervision
• Layup repair supervision
• Reefer capacity expansion supervision
• Exhaust Gas Cleaning System installation supervision
• Personal injury investigation
• Cargo loading and discharging supervision
• Expert opinion report preparation for maritime litigation
• Deposition as a technical maritime expert in the US judicial system
• Safety, pollution and environment compliance.
• ISM, ISPS, ISO 9001, 14001, 18001, and QHSE audits.
• Technical troubleshooting
Capt. Gajanan Karanjikar is a seasoned Master Mariner with experience on a diverse range of vessels, including bulk carriers, tankers, and offshore vessels. He has managed numerous drydocking and conversion projects for various shipowners and managers, providing him with extensive exposure to ship management and repairs. He is well-known in the maritime industry and has a strong reputation for his ability to handle challenging projects and offer innovative solutions to the industry's needs. Additionally, he serves as the President of the All-India Maritime Pilots’ Association, leading this esteemed organisation.
His areas of specialisation include:
• Marine expert Witness- Analyse accidents and incidents and witness statements for facts.
• Investigations into collisions, groundings, fire casualties, and forensic analysis
• Hull and machinery damage and repair surveys
• Personal injury and dock damage surveys
• Vessel condition surveys.
• Vessel repair assessment and damage repair cost analysis.
• Liquid and solid cargo surveys of all kinds.
• Pre-vetting and Pre-Sire 2.0 audits as per OCIMF standards
• Vetting, condition, loss control, dry-docking, and pre-purchase surveys
• Safety, pollution, and environmental compliance surveys.
• Navigation audits- remote and sailing audits.
• ISM, ISPS, ISO 9001, 14001, 18001, and QHSE audits.
• Risk assessment and Risk mitigation review.
Implement pollution prevention as per SOPEP, SMPEP, VRP standards, and compliance with USCG and CFR requirements.
Capt. Rodrigues has 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, including 25 years of sailing experience on various types of vessels, including containers, bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, and forest product carriers. Capt. Rodrigues is a DNV-GL certified ISM-ISPS-MLC auditor.
Capt. Rodrigues holds a Master Mariner (unlimited) license from the U.K. He has earned his B.Tech in Nautical Studies from the U.K.
His areas of specialization include:
Mr. Sandeep Chandran holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Chief Engineer’s Certificate of Competency (Motor). He has over twenty years of sailing experience, culminating in the rank of Chief Engineer on a wide range of vessels, primarily chemical and gas tankers. During this time, he has also supervised dry dockings and special surveys, as well as overseen yard deliveries, sea trials, and the commissioning of newbuilds in South Korea and China. He has successfully implemented energy-efficiency initiatives—achieving a 7% reduction in fuel consumption—supporting broader decarbonization efforts in the maritime sector.
As a Maritime Consultant, Auditor, Investigator, and Trainer, Mr. Chandran provides comprehensive investigative, technical, and advisory services to vessel owners, charterers, P&I Clubs, and H&M underwriters.
His areas of work include:
Mr. Chandran also arranges and supervises repairs, dry docking, and monitors cost control. He trains crews and works closely with the USCG for inspections/CoC and investigations, leveraging his strong knowledge of U.S. CFR and international IMO maritime regulations.
He is an accredited ISM, MLC & ISPS Internal Auditor.
His areas of specialization in a nutshell:
Stelios Demetriou holds the position of Chief Financial Officer in FMC Group. He is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the FMC's financial operations, shaping long-term financial strategies and supporting sustainable growth.
Stelios has 23+ years experience, working as a director for fund management, fund administration, corporate services and assurance companies. He holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Montclair State University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a holder of the CySEC Advanced Certification and a holder of the Advanced Certificate in Fund Administration.
Anna Panagiotou is the Chief Accountant of the FMC Group of companies. She holds primary responsibility for the accuracy of the organization’s financial records. Anna supervises all accounting operations and enforces compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements to ensure reliability of financial reporting and support the organization’s fiscal governance and decision-making processes.
Anna has 10+ years experience, working for regulated fund management companies and investment firms.
Ioanna Christou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Cyprus University of Technology, with a specialization in Petrochemicals. She works as an Operations Coordinator, where she supports daily operations by managing client communications, handling service requests, and coordinating activities. Ioanna ensures accurate record-keeping in line with company procedures and contributes to operational efficiency through well-organized documentation and continuous improvement efforts.
Ioannis Filippousis is a dedicated maritime operations professional with a strong background in economics and management. He specializes in coordinating vessel inspections and audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing workflows within the maritime industry. Ioannis combines his expertise in economic analysis and business management to support efficient decision-making and strategic planning in complex maritime environments.
He holds a Master of Science in Shipping Management from the University of Piraeus and a Bachelor of Science in Economic Sciences with a specialization in business economics and finance from Athens University of Economics and Business. Ioannis is certified as an ISM-ISPS-MLC Internal Auditor and has completed advanced training in maritime safety standards, risk management, and crewing through recognized maritime institutions.
His areas of specialization include:
Ioannis is known for his analytical approach, proactive problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver results in high-pressure maritime environments.
Nicholas brings a fresh and innovative outlook to the maritime services sector.
With a solid foundation in business, highlighted by his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, he takes the helm in overseeing the seamless coordination of our services for clients throughout Asia. His meticulous approach ensures that every stage of the process is executed flawlessly, from initial planning to final delivery.
Specialising in Business Analytics and Operations & Supply Chain Management, Nicholas plays a pivotal role in driving operational enhancements and spearheading digital transformation initiatives within the organisation. His expertise not only streamlines processes but also positions us at the forefront of industry advancements, enabling our clients to benefit from improved efficiency and service quality.