Captain Arshad Bhat: Master Mariner
Captain Arshad Ahmed Bhat is the CEO of Etihad Group. He is a Master Mariner, having sailed on board oil and chemical tankers for 11 years, and later headed up shipping companies and commercial teams and co-led the companies trading department.
In 2003, he set up Etihad Engineering & Marine Services Fzc, followed by Etihad Shipping LLC in 2005. Later, in 2011, he added the Oil Terminal at Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah. His companies are trading worldwide with a particular focus on Middle Eastern, African and Indian markets. With over 25 years’ experience in shipping and oil trading, he therefore has an in-depth knowledge of these sectors and has chaired numerous seminars and conferences internationally.
Can you tell us about each of the different businesses under Etihad Group?
Etihad Energy FZC is an oil/petroleum trading company. Physical trading, logistics and distribution are at the core of the business, but are complemented by terminals, storage and shipping. With its roots in Sharjah, the company operates in major oil markets in the Middle East and Africa, through its main office is at Hamriyah Free Zone in UAE.
Etihad Shipping is one of the major players in the UAE’s oil/products/chemical tanker markets and is primarily focused on owning, chartering and management of tankers. Our fleet consists of stainless steel and coated tonnage ranging up to 32,000 dwt. Around 14 vessels are owned and fully managed by Etihad Shipping. The main focus of the company now is to acquire more tankers and provide economic pool management services to the tanker owners.
How would you describe the work culture at Etihad Group?
Gaining synergies from our parent companies in the maritime sector, we have grown twofold in the Middle East’s oil and petroleum trade market since our inception. We have extensive logistical and storage capacity, which helps us deliver on commitments in any market environment. Our vision is to flourish, regenerate, expand and keep abreast with the world energy market, and our mission is to invest in infrastructure, tech knowhow, people and keep up with modern technologies.
Have there been any recent updates that have affected your services?
Starting from January 2020, there will be a Sulphur Cap with stricter limits on sulphur emissions (SOx). We can comply with this new regulation by using low-sulphur fuel oil or compliant fuel blends (0.50% sulphur) or retrofitting vessels to use alternative fuels such as LNG or other sulphur-free fuels. We at Etihad Group are prepared for these changes in the coming year.
CONTACT
T: 00971 6 526 02 | M: 00971 50 305 44 09
F: 00971 6 526 02 64
