2019 Finalist: Kumaran Kathiresan

Biography

Kumaran Kathiresan is 39, originally from Singapore, and is currently pursuing an MSc in Maritime Operations Management at Liverpool John Moores University. He started his career as a deck cadet and subsequently moved on to shore-based jobs. He has 17 years of experience in the maritime sector, working for ship-owners in various positions such as Operations Executive, Marine Superintendent and Port Captain. As Port Captain (DPA & CSO), he oversaw the safety and operations of a fleet of 26 oil tankers. 

What made you choose maritime as your area of study and research?

I have always been passionate about the maritime industry which lead to taking up a Diploma in Nautical Studies. While sailing and working as a Marine Superintendent, I was interested in other aspects which make up the maritime sector, such as marine finance and economics, maritime law, port business, chartering, insurance and so on. The programme modules at LJMU offered deeper understanding in various aspects, and allowed me to pursue my interests in depth.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the Maritime Masters programme?

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the maritime business and to expand my knowledge beyond the parts of the sector related to my current areas of professional specialisation. furthermore, I hope the programme will equip me with skills like critical thinking, analytical ability, writing techniques and time management that will be useful in my career. By doing the Maritime Masters programme, I hope to improve my relative standing in the competitive maritime job market.