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, 1986.
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 Br. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India, a PG Diploma in Marine Engineering from 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 ships, particularly LPG tankers, bulk carriers, self-unloading bulk carriers, Ro-Ro ships, and VLOCS (Very Large Ore Carriers), and more than four years as a senior marine consultant. He is also an ISM, MLC & ISPS Internal Auditor certified by Lloyd’s Maritime Institute, London.
As a Maritime Consultant, Auditor, Investigator, and Trainer, I provide investigative and advisory services for a diverse range of maritime clients, including vessel owners, charterers, and P&I / H&M Clubs. I lead incident and accident investigations that vary from major accidents (involving loss of life or injury) to near misses. I determine the cause, establish fault, and generate recommendations to prevent recurrence.
Liaise with the USCG for inspections/CoC and investigations, leveraging knowledge and experience of current US CFR and international IMO maritime regulations to ensure industry-standard compliance.
Investigate the potential causes of collisions/allisions, including weather, vessel condition, human error, lack of compliance, or failure to follow safety procedures.
Undertake pre-purchase / chartering, inspections, HSSE/MARPOL training for international clients, and technical / condition inspections of tankers, inland vessels, offshore vessels, barges, and tugboats.
Investigate machinery breakdown and malfunction, repairs, upgrades, forensic investigation, fuel-related claims and damages analysis, and expert review of cost analysis.
Arrange and supervise repairs, dry docking, and monitor cost control.
His areas of specialisation include:
• Motivated Mechanical/Class 1 Marine Engineer (Chief Engineer)
• Operation and maintenance of all marine machinery (ME, AE, Compressors, Boilers, Purifiers, Pumps, etc.)
• Maritime Safety Legislation (ISPS, MLC)
• P&I, H&M Claims / Investigation / Mitigation.
• Damage Inspection and Repair Supervision, Grounding, Collision, Allision, and Machinery Damage.
• Dock damage and personal injury investigations.
• ISM.ISPS & MLC auditing.
• Condition, loss control, dry-docking, and pre-purchase surveys
• Train the vessel crew and prepare the vessel for USCG COC and PSC inspections
• Hatch opening and cargo condition inspection of the vessel and outturn survey.
• Maritime Auditing (IRCA lead ISO)
Mr. Solaiman Chowdhury has over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, including nearly 13 years of sailing experience on Bulk Carriers, Containers, Crude Oil tankers, and Chemical and Product tankers. Mr. Chowdhury has over 15 years of shore job experience from 2008 to 2023, working as a Technical Superintendent and Vessel Manager for Tanker Shipowners and Managers based in Singapore. He is experienced in Superintendency and Shipmanagement of Crude Oil Tankers, Chemical and Product Tankers, and LPG Carriers.
Mr. Chowdhury attained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Maritime and Logistics Management from the University of Tasmania, Australia (UTAS). He also holds an Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering (AMR) degree from the Singapore Polytechnic. He possesses a valid Class 1 (Marine Engineer Officer) Certificate of Competency (COC), issued by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Mr. Chowdhury graduated from Bangladesh Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Marine Engineering degree issued by the National University of Bangladesh.
Apart from the above-mentioned academic qualification, he has the following professional ancillary course certificates:
His areas of specialization include:
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 Reddy 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:
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.
Mr. Stylianou has more than 35 years of experience in the maritime industry, including sailing and superintendency experience in engineering ranks on tankers, gas carriers, cruise ships/yachts, bulk carriers, container ships, new buildings and other types of vessels.
His areas of specialisation include:
• Special marine projects design and management
• Damage inspections and repairs supervision
• Insurance Marine Warranty Surveyor for ships, offshore vessels, and structures.
• Handling claims and disputes (insurance, chartering, fuels, etc.)
• Development and implementation of an effective and efficient Risk and Condition-Based Maintenance system
• Ships' technical evaluation
Mr Stylianou holds Master’s degrees in law, Business, and Engineering and Bachelor's degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
He is also a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Shipbroker, Certified Lead Auditor ISO / ISM / ISPS / MLC, and Certified Hotel Administrator. He also holds state licences in safety consultancy, training course development and delivery, engineering consultancy, and electrical contracting.
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.
Chrystalla Nicolaou has joined as an Accounts Officer, bringing extensive experience in finance, having worked across the maritime industry.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in Shipping & Finance, equipping her with a strong foundation in both financial management and industry-specific practices.
In her role, Chrystalla is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial activities that support our global maritime operations.
Her area of specialisation includes:
With specialised expertise in shipping finance, she manages accounts, ensures accurate reconciliation across all transactions, and collaborates closely with our operations and technical departments to align financial reporting with real-time maritime activities.
Eva Aristotelous is the Marketing and Social Media Manager at FMC International.
She possesses more than 20 years of extensive experience in the maritime industry, having held various roles, including Public Relations and Communications Expert, Human Capital Executive, Client Relationship Manager, and Corporate Affairs professional.
Her expertise encompasses a diverse skill set that includes Human Capital management, Negotiations, Marketing and Public Relations, as well as Project and Business Planning.
Additionally, she is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
With over 10 years of invaluable experience in the shipping industry, Pelagia Chatzikyriakou brings a strategic vision and a wealth of expertise to our leadership team.
As a Commercial Director, she spearheads our sales and business development efforts, driving growth and expanding our market presence.
She holds an MBA from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor’s degree from Panteion University.
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.
Mr. Sachdeva has more than 48 years of maritime experience, the first thirteen of which were spent at sea as he progressed from Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer on Aframax tankers, bulk carriers, and multipurpose vessels.
The next thirty-five years were spent ashore in Hong Kong, Cyprus, Greece, Singapore, Dubai, Venezuela, Brazil, and the USA, starting as a Technical Superintendent and eventually heading various branch offices of companies such as V Ships, Bernhard Schulte, Wallem, Koyo Kaiun, and Target Shipmanagement.
Mr. Sachdeva holds a degree in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from MERI, India, is a certified Project Manager from PMI USA, Auditor for ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, and an Internal Auditor for ISM and ISPS.
His areas of specialisation include:
• Investigations into collisions, grounding, fire casualties, and forensics.
• Hull and Machinery damages, repairs, and investigations.
• Conversions, dry-dock, and major repairs in dry-docks worldwide
• Personal injury, facility damages, and investigations
• Cargo Surveys for Solids, Liquids, and Gas
• Pre-USCG, Port State Inspections, Pre-Vetting Inspections.
• Asset preservation, evaluation, and loss control for Financial Institutions
• Safety, Pollution, and Cyber Security Audits
• Risk assessment, risk Matrix evaluation, and speak-up training
• Media Response Training
Capt. Basri graduated in Marine Transportation and Management Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (Türkiye). With 12 years of experience in the maritime industry, he has spent almost a decade sailing on various tankers, including chemical tankers, oil/chemical tankers, asphalt bitumen tankers, and MR-sized oil tankers.
He holds an STCW Unlimited Oceangoing Master’s License issued by the Turkish Authority and is certified by DNV as an Internal Auditor for an Integrated Management System in maritime (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001).
Capt. Basri also specialises in terminal inspections for LPG terminals and serves as a loading master at such facilities.
His areas of specialisation include:
• Conducting terminal inspections as per SIRE standards and serving as a loading master at LPG terminals
• Port Captain for cement vessels
• Liquid, gas and solid cargo surveys
• Cargo loading and discharging supervision
• Navigational, operational and cargo audits
• Ship repairing supervision
• Safety, Quality, and Environmental (SQE) policy audits
• ISM, ISPS, ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, audits
• Pre-purchase inspection
Ganesan Sondron is an offshore and marine industry veteran with 25 years of comprehensive experience spanning operations, repairs, certification, and project management1. He holds a Marine Chief Engineer Unlimited qualification (STCW95 Reg III/2 - Class 1) and a Master of Science degree in Maritime Studies from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Ganesan sailed from Cadet to Chief Engineer on petroleum product tankers, Crude oil tankers Aframax up to VLCC size, containership and type-2 chemical tankers on foreign going voyages. His extensive shore track-record encompasses offshore operations, classification society work, and shipyard construction, with a proven track record of maintaining high working standards while focusing on cost efficiency and timely project delivery.
His recent high-profile projects include quality management for EXMAR/ENI LNG vessel conversions, leading commissioning teams for the Eemshaven LNG regasification terminal in the Netherlands during the EU gas crisis, and serving as Machinery Superintendent for Chevron Thailand and Petronas FLNG operations.
Ganesan holds professional memberships as IMarEng, MIMarEST with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (United Kingdom) and is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Singapore.
His areas of specialization include:
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.
Gilberto has ten years of experience in the maritime industry.
His career has ranged from the shipbuilding sector, where he worked for a high-performance sailboat yard, to his current role at the FMC, where he has gained extensive knowledge of the maritime field.
He works in the Operations department while contributing to the company's strategic projects, with a focus on digital development and services.
Gilberto holds a Master's Degree in Naval Engineering from the University of Southampton.
His areas of specialization include:
