Vice President (Middle East) / Regional Director Captain Amarjit S. Kauchhur has had his hand on the pulse of the maritime industry for 50 years. His tenure over a period of dramatic change and transition in the industry has given him a unique technical and strategic perspective. That perspective has allowed him to foster new relationships and open new markets. In recognition of his outstanding career and continual advancement of the industry, Captain Kauchhur was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2024 at The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards in Dubai.
“Amarjit has an unbelievable wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Bill Gallagher President of international Registries, Inc. which provides administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry. “He is able to carefully and strategically understand both the technical and shoreside perspectives of the industry and translate the needs of both into action and solutions,” he continued.
Captain Kauchhur was educated at India’s Air Force Central School and began his career at sea after graduating from college in Jalandar, Punjab. Working his way through the ranks, he sailed as a Master for more than 23 years aboard tank ships, bulk carriers, container ships, and general cargo ships for The Shipping Corporation of India and Barber Ship Management. Captain Kauchhur used the knowledge and experience from these sea-based roles to transition to shoreside roles, serving in positions that advanced safety, compliance, and operations. He served as Manager of Quality Assurance for International Tanker Management Ltd. Dubai and helped them become the first ship management office in the world to be certified with an integrated office manual that included ISO 9001 and 14001, the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, and the International Safety Management and International Ship and Port Facility Security Codes.
With his knowledge earned at sea and shoreside, Captain Kauchhur joined IRI as Regional Manager and oversaw the opening of the Dubai office in 2009. One year later he was promoted to Vice President (Middle East) and Regional Manager, and in 2023, Captain Kauchhur assumed the title of Vice President (Middle East) / Regional Director and now oversees an office of 12 team members.
“It was a big undertaking,” said Captain Kauchhur. “But I was supported by senior leadership and given the freedom to expand the regional presence of the RMI Registry in a way that fit the culture, market, and opportunities in the Middle East. We started small and expanded to where we are today – a full-service office supporting commercial vessels, offshore units, yachts, and passenger vessels as well as the corporate side of the business.”
In late 2024, the Dubai office represented 34.4 million gross tons and more than 1,050 vessels from owners/operators in the Middle East.
“Amarjit is a true leader and mentor. He uses his knowledge and experience to listen, understand, and work together to find a common-sense solution,” said IRI Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Piraeus Office Theo Xenakoudis. “His colleagues and clients trust him because they know their challenges and opportunities are understood.”
In recognition of his five decades of actively advancing the industry, Captain Kauchhur was presented with the TMS Lifetime Achievement Award surrounded by colleagues and family. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Chairman & CEO, Emirates; Chairman, Dubai Airports in Dubai the award is presented annually to an individual in the industry for their outstanding and lasting contribution to the maritime, shipping, and trading industries. Recent honorees have included Mr. Rashid Isa Rishi Al Heddi (2023), Dr. Engineer Farhan Muhesen Al Fartosi (2022), Musaed Bin Abdulrahman Al Drees (2021), and Saadi Al Rais (2020). More than 1,150 people attended the event in 2024, representing all facets of the maritime industry across the Middle East and Indian subcontinent.
While this international recognition may be seen as a crowning achievement for some, Captain Kauchhur remains modest and, as he has throughout his career, looks to always learn and improve.
“We learn from each other and look upon the ideas, concepts, and solutions of today to build a future for tomorrow,” said Captain Kauchhur.
To see a video clip of Captain Kauchhur’s award presentation, please click here.
