Interview of the week – Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS) – United Arab Emirates


this week we speak with Sreenath V,
Vice President - Operations & Projects,
Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS), United Arab Emirates


THE "WHO-WHERE-WHAT" CHALLENGE

Presently working as the Vice President for Operations & Projects, Oil & Gas, Sreenath joined CSS in 2002. Having been given the great opportunity to lay the foundations of the CSS Branch office in Bahrain, he later moved to the sales department at CSS Dubai.

From sales to operations to supply chain management, transport, and Projects Oil & Gas, he has been allowed to handle various aspects of freight forwarding industry.

It's now been 18 years with CSS & almost three decades in the industry and Sreenath still feels as young and vibrant as the day he joined CSS.

Tell us about Consolidated Shipping Services. Who owns the company?

Consolidated Shipping Services Group is an integrated freight forwarding solution provider with offices covering the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Started in 1995, we have completed 25 years in 2020 and have grown from just an NOVOCC operator in 1995 to being an integrated freight forwarding and Logistics group as we are today.

CSS group is owned by Mr. T.S. KALADHARAN who is the founding chairman and owner of the CSS group of companies.

Where are your offices located?

With the regional HQ based out of Jebel Ali free zone, our offices are located in Middle East & Indian Subcontinent (UAE, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), as well as India (10 offices) and Sri Lanka.

What is CSS's specialty and service range?

With a team consisting of over 750 experienced and dedicated professionals across 20 offices, CSS can meet a client’s freight forwarding requirements - be it by sea, land or air. CSS group adapts itself to the industry’s latest trends, offering efficient and feasible solutions to its clients and associates.

Projects, Oil and Energy division is another success, providing end-to-end solutions in project management.

We carefully study the geographical and product mix of our clients to provide the best solution while optimizing their business, saving them money and time. Our customers know they can count on us for flexible scheduling and efficient management. With great support from our partners worldwide, and of course needless to mention the back up from members of "The Heavy Lift Group", we have been able to provide our customers with an end-to-end seamless logistics solution.

Our other services include: NVOCC / Ocean Freight management, Air Freight management, Land Transportation management, Industrial Packing, Crating & Lashing, Multimodal Operations, Container Freight Station, Automobile Logistics, Supply Chain management, Hospitality & Hotel Logistics, Exhibition & Event Logistics and Yacht & Marine Logistics.

Tell us about projects that you have handled recently.

Over the last two years, we are proud to say that we have played a very important role in the Dubai Metro expansion projects 2020, being a direct vendor of M/S Alstom Transport S.A.

We have also been an integral part of the Zirku Island development project in Abu Dhabi & have had the opportunity to be a part of the Lanaz Refinery expansion Project Erbil, Iraq.

Are there any tricky points one should consider when planning a project cargo movement in the UAE?

The trickiest thing would be the local know-how about the land, the diverse landscapes, rules & regulations (especially the Do’s and Don’ts). It is also a bit tricky planning moves during the holy months, due to short working hours. Though there is immense support from the government, local knowledge will be the greatest value addition.

What is your advantage against competition? Why do you stand out?

With our 25 years in the industry in the U.A.E and with experience & presence in the region, we are able to give our customers a one stop solution to their logistics requirements.

What made you join the industry?

I joined the industry very young and have worked my way up the ladder by working in various departments, or should I say aspects, of our industry, from operations to sales, to 3PL & supply chain, to Oil & Gas & Projects.

It has been 29 years and more since then and I feel that what made me join the industry is the passion and the new challenges that come across daily and keep me motivated.

What was the impact that COVID-19 brought to your business?

As this pandemic has affected the rest of the world, U.A.E., along with the region, have also been deeply affected. The EXPO 2020 which was to be conducted in 2020 has been postponed for October 2021, therefore stalling & delaying various projects during last year.

COVID 19 pandemic has of course brought in many delays in various projects. The industry itself had to look into different ways of conducting / fulfilling day to day requirements, as working from home made things a bit trickier.

Who should be approached in CSS for inquiries?

You can contact:

Log In

Picture of Ridwan Ongkowidagdo

Ridwan Ongkowidagdo

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Ridwan Ongkowidagdo is an Indonesian shipping executive with more than 25 years of experience in maritime transportation, finance, telecommunications, and corporate management.
He currently serves as Director of PT Pelayaran Taruna Kusan Jaya, a leading Indonesian heavy freight and heavy-lift shipping company, a position he has held since 2004. Prior to joining the maritime industry, he held financial management positions in several United States-based telecommunication technology and publishing companies, including Asiatel, Interpacket Networks, and McGraw-Hill.
Ridwan earned a Doctorate in Economics (Strategic Management) from Universitas Trisakti, an MBA in Finance and International Business from Loyola Marymount University (USA), a Master of Laws (MH) specializing in Maritime Commercial Law from Universitas Jayabaya, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona (USA).
His academic and professional interests focus on strategic management, sustainability, digital transformation, and competitive advantage in the shipping industry. His doctoral research examined the impact of sustainability and digitalization management on the competitiveness of small shipping companies in Indonesia and has been published in an international peer-reviewed journal.
In addition to his corporate leadership responsibilities, he has completed professional training in maritime law and arbitration, and marine HSQE (health, safety, quality and environment) auditing.

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Clinton Eckersall

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Clinton Eckersall is an Australian logistics executive with more than 27 years of experience in international freight forwarding, project logistics, and commercial leadership across four continents. His career spans both multinational corporations and privately owned businesses, giving him a broad perspective on how organizations of different scales approach complex logistics challenges. As Director at AAW Group, a privately owned Australian Logistics Group with operations across Australia and New Zealand, Clinton is based in Brisbane and leads the company's commercial strategy and international agent and network strategy. His nine years with AAW have seen him build the business's national sales capability and oversee its growth across gateway ports and specialist project freight markets. Clinton values the connections and collaboration that come with being part of a group like The Heavy Lift Group, and understands firsthand the role that trusted networks play in enabling independent operators to take on complex, multi-disciplinary projects with confidence. He is looking forward to meeting the group in person once again.

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Ragan Watson

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Ragan is a project logistics professional with 18 years of experience in heavy lift, project cargo transport, and specialized industrial rigging. Currently serving in a business development role for Barnhart across North America, he brings deep operational expertise earned over the prior 11 years in roles as Project Manager of Special Projects and Operations Manager of Heavy Transportation at Barnhart. Across each of these positions, Ragan has helped plan and lead project teams executing some of the most complex, demanding and award-winning projects in North America, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
Ragan is a committed student of his craft, continuously learning from the knowledge of peers, clients, and teammates. He holds that trustworthiness and honesty are the foundation of any successful partnership.
Outside of work, Ragan spends his time helping raise his young family with his wife, Michelle. Ragan is also active playing music in a local band, long distance running and cooking.

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Janesh Gulati

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Janesh Gulati has contributed extensively to the Project Logistics industry over a distinguished career spanning more than 42 years, serving in leadership roles, including CEO at J.M. Baxi & Co., and currently the Managing Director at Total Movements. During his tenure as CEO of J.M. Baxi’s Project Logistics vertical, he played a pivotal role in expanding the business and strengthening its position within the industry.
He has successful execution of a large number of Projects especially including many Super Thermal Coal Based Power Projects, Hydro Power Projects, Many Oil Refinery Projects & several complex Multimodal Transportation to his credit. He enjoys the confidence of a large number of EPC, Heavy Engineering customers for providing reliable and high quality logistics solutions.
He has played a key role in the Indian Project Logistics Industry over the past 4 decades and enjoys a stellar reputation in the industry.
He brings in his expertise in areas of Heavy Lift Transport, Multimodal Logistics, Organization Building, Financial Strategy, Procurement Strategy & Overall Business Strategy.

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Grant Bell

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Grant joined NMT in 2005 and, after 12 years abroad in senior chartering roles based in China and Singapore, returned in 2020 to help lead operations globally. Now a Partner and Director, he drives execution and growth across Australia and key Asia-Pacific markets. Known for his systems thinking and hands-on style, Grant is passionate about building capable teams and delivering practical, no-nonsense solutions. He’s also a firm believer in keeping things simple, staying grounded, and sharing a laugh along the way.

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Morris Mburu

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Morris Mburu, FICS, is an accomplished logistics, transport, and shipping executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across the East African market. As the Managing Director and founder of Export Consolidation Services (K) Ltd, he successfully grew the company from a startup into a major regional logistics operation employing over 100 staff and operating a fleet of more than 50 heavy commercial vehicles across multiple African countries.
Morris is recognized for his expertise in strategic planning, operational management, business development, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout his career, he has built strong partnerships across the shipping and logistics sector while leading organizations through major industry changes and challenges.
He holds an MBA in Shipping and Logistics from Middlesex University, UK, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (FICS), with extensive knowledge in shipping, port management, logistics, and multimodal transport.

Picture of Murilo Caldana

Murilo Caldana

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Murilo Caldana is a Brazilian project logistics executive with more than 25 years of experience in heavy lift, project cargo, and complex industrial logistics across Latin America, with his strongest background in Brazil. His experience in Mexico, where he lived and worked for over three years, not only opened the doors to a new language, but also provided deep exposure to the complexity, diversity, and business dynamics of Latin America as a whole.
As Project Director at FOX Brasil Project Logistics, he has led and supported major projects in sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, pulp & paper, and industrial plants across the region.
A long-standing member of The Heavy Lift Group, Murilo combines practical field experience with strategic market insight, bringing a strong perspective on Latin America’s opportunities, challenges, and the importance of collaboration in delivering complex global projects.

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Iris Muellejans

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Iris Katrin Muellejans is Managing Partner Director of Rolf Riedl GmbH, an international freight forwarding company, which she has led for over 22 years after taking over the family business. She specializes in heavy lift and project logistics, with extensive experience across the power and energy sector, managing projects from initial feasibility studies through to full on-site execution. Her expertise spans overland, air, and ocean logistics, alongside rigging and foundation installation. Known for her hands-on approach, Iris combines strategic leadership with practical execution in delivering complex global transport solutions.

Picture of John Doe

John Doe

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Colin is a seasoned veteran in the project logistics sector, having spent over 30 years in the industry. As of 2024, he was appointed Co-Vice President, Director of Project Logistics Global at Rhenus Logistics, where he oversees Rhenus Project offices across the Americas, India, China, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Based in New York, Colin has been with the company for over 30 years, originally starting at KOG Transport in 1995 before it was acquired by Rhenus Logistics in 2015.
In addition to his leadership role, Colin emphasizes teamwork, mentoring the younger generation, and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with clients. He is known to strongly believe in customer-centric service and collaborative, tailor-made logistics solutions.

Picture of Christian Buss

Christian Buss

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Christian Buss is Head of Chartering at Briese Chartering GmbH & Co. KG, based in Leer, Germany. He brings nearly two decades of experience in the multipurpose and project cargo shipping sector, having previously held senior roles at EMS Chartering and BBC Chartering. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise in global chartering markets, commercial strategy, and complex cargo solutions.

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Jaap Gebraad

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Jaap Gebraad has worked for about 10 years as Board Secretary and Senior Project Manager of the "Bureau Innovation Research & Development" of the Foundation STC Group. He was also the Daily Secretary of the European Association EDINNA (Education in Inland Navigation). From 2018 to March 2022, Jaap was Director Research and Development Affairs at SEA Europe and Executive-Director of the Waterborne Technology Platform. Jaap holds a Bachelor's Degree in Logistics and Economics of the University of Applied Sciences (HES) in Rotterdam.

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George Tzogopoulos

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Dr George N. Tzogopoulos (Ph.D. Loughborough University, UK, 2009), expert in media and international relations as well as Chinese affairs, is member of Centre international de formation européenne (CIFE) core faculty. At CIFE, he directs the modules on 'conflict and cooperation in the international system' and 'international energy governance and conflict'. George is the author of three books: US Foreign Policy in the European Media: Framing the Rise and Fall of Neoconservatism (IB TAURIS), The Greek Crisis in the Media: Stereotyping in the International Press (Ashgate) and The Miracle of China: The New Symbiosis with the World (Springer). George is also Non-Resident Fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA), Senior Fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), Research Associate at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), and part-time Lecturer at the Democritus University of Thrace.

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Panos Patsadas

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Panos Patsadas is holding of a BSC in Applied Mathematics, a master’s degree in International Trade and Transport, and is also a certified Life Coach, alongside his career in Shipping. Over the last 20 years, Panos has held various managerial and leadership positions in the Breakbulk, Heavylift, Gas and Petrochemicals industries, working for Large Shipowners and Energy Majors. This has helped him develop a deep understanding of the Energy Supply chain challenges, both at Infrastructural level, as well as at the logistics and the downstream side of it. In his current role as Global Chartering Manager for Trans Global Projects, he is part of a small team that serves 6 international offices with their chartering requirements, as well as oversees the tonnage procurement for large EPC projects.

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