Meet the team: Satheesh Prabhakaran | ABL
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
Satheesh Prabhakaran, Group Dynamic Positioning Manager | ABL Singapore
What do you do at ABL?
My team and I assist vessel owners and end users, manage station keeping risks, primarily for Dynamically Positioned vessels. Vessels working in close proximity to any structure using its own thrusters with the aid of position reference systems and sensors, are at risk of losing position if the associated risks -environment, equipment failures, configuration errors e.t.c are not managed for the specific task.
We have supported projects, from the build stage in the shipyard, to the delivery. I’m quite proud to say that none of the vessel that we have supported since inception have had negative publicity. Every vessel that we have delivered is productive and most importantly safe. I am supported by a small but fantastic team in Singapore and Brazil who are exceptionally dedicated and talented engineers. It helps that most of our clients are technically astute and value the technically complex scope of work that we undertake for them. I am involved technically with some fantastic projects with vessel owners mostly in Brazil and the Asia Pacific region and the work keeps evolving every day. There are always new challenges and has been keeping me and my team extremely busy with very little time for rest.
What inspired you to go into the field you are in?
Understanding consequences of equipment failure has always intrigued me – finding ways to mitigate or fix these consequences takes up a fair bit of my time. There are various standards and rules in place for vessels that are evolving as technology advances. Keeping pace with the technology and the host of offerings for the offshore sector is a hard act to follow.
What do you enjoy about working at ABL?
I enjoy working with like-minded vessel operators and end users who see the value in identifying risks associated to the vessels under their care. There is actually great camaraderie with most of the clients that we support, who want to ensure that their vessels are safe to operate and to provide assurance to their processes. When concerns that are identified as disseminated to industry, the equipment manufacturers/ regulators correct for systems, and rules in place to address identified concerns, it gives me peace and comfort to know that I helped and that the vessels under my care are safe. It is also comforting to know that there are many experienced DP experts in the ABL group spread across the world that I can leverage on for support at a moments notice. We’re a fantastic bunch and I am constantly amazed by the level of collective expertise and knowledge that this group holds. I’m excited to be part of this journey!
What excites you about the energy transition?
I foresee that the energy transition will bring about more opportunity to support vessel owners and clients with managing their risks. Particularly with the close proximity that some of these vessels need to be operating in. We have undertaken such risk management for a few vessels involved as part of the Marine Warranty Services that we provide and I expect such services to be growing exponentially.
What do you enjoy in your spare time?
I love spending time with my family-my kids are at an age where they are inquisitive and sometimes ask questions that I often pause to wonder about. I have missed a good chunk of their developmental years owing to commitments with work. With my team and the network of fantastic DP leads spread across the world, I think I can be assured that I will be home more often!