The team at ESCO Consultants 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 ESCO Consultants, but do you know our team?

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO ?

“My day at ESCO involves managing projects in my pipeline, supporting my team and clients worldwide, and preparing materials for potential opportunities. I stay informed about upcoming projects, connect with industry peers and decision-makers, and ensure ESCO is well-positioned to win new work.

I also advise prospective clients on optimising their operations to maximise value, often leading to opportunities to provide operational support throughout the lifecycle of their assets”

What inspired you to join your industry?

From as early as I can remember, I aspired to be an engineer, imagining myself crafting solutions to tackle the world’s major challenges. Over time, I realised progress in the real world often comes in small, incremental steps rather than ground-breaking leaps. This shift in perspective taught me to appreciate the process of making ideas tangible, even if imperfect.

Success is about making things work, solving implementation challenges, and embracing the journey. This realisation and satisfaction inspired me to join this industry and continues to fuel my passion today.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

ESCO is serving as the marine warranty surveyor for the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project, overseeing the installation of a high-voltage DC (HVDC) line beneath the Hudson River to transport power from Canada to New York. My role involves monitoring the pull-in of the HVDC line from the seafloor onto land, ensuring it meets design parameters and addressing operational challenges.

The project’s complexity goes beyond engineering, scheduling was adjusted to protect a nearby bald eagle nesting site, and operations were carried out in sub-zero temperatures. What makes a project like this exciting is that solutions must be crafted around real environmental and operational constraints. Despite the challenges thrown our way, we developed ingenious solutions to make the project a success.

What do you think the future of energy and oceans looks like in the USA ?

The energy and oceans sectors in the USA are on a growth trajectory, driven by rising consumer demand and government initiatives promoting industrial development. While tariffs and other microeconomic shifts may create short-term disruptions, the outlook for US ports remains positive, with projected growth of around 2%, according to Moody’s ratings.

In high-density states, there’s a growing push to shift goods transport from roads to rivers, utilising waterways as highways. This creates opportunities for ESCO to collaborate with port operators on developing efficient, future-ready facilities. Despite political noise, US infrastructure projects are often shaped by practical regulations. For example, while national policies may waver, FEMA guidelines still require climate change considerations for new structures, ensuring data-driven decisions prevail where it matters most.

What do you enjoy most so far about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in Houston?

The Houston office feels like a family, and the camaraderie here makes work even more enjoyable. We celebrate the little moments, like Auntrell’s daughter exploring classic film photography, Nicholas sharing stories of his family’s trip to witness a Tesla booster landing, or Ivan’s tales of near hole-in-ones on the golf course. There’s always something to laugh about, whether it’s reminiscing with David Ballads about solving problems from decades ago or simply catching up on life.

It’s a team that’s deeply connected, both personally and professionally, making every day rewarding and fun.

What can we expect from the ports and terminals market in the USA this year?

2025 looks promising for the ports and terminals market, with increased government spending in energy and infrastructure creating new opportunities. While some renewable energy projects may face delays, deregulation could encourage private investment and innovation in the sector. A key focus will be on advancing already funded projects that face challenges like resource competition, particularly for skilled engineering contractors. As technical partners, ESCO will play a vital role in helping stakeholders develop effective solutions to bring these projects to completion.

We also anticipate the growing role of AI in infrastructure, potentially driving efficiency in areas like data center placement in natural cooling environments such as oceans or streams. ESCO is actively engaging with government and industry partners to collaborate on these forward-thinking initiatives.

With strong potential for growth, ESCO is well-positioned to expand its presence in the ports and terminals sector, taking on exciting development projects across the United States.

More about Ashwin

Position: Director Ports & Terminals

Office: Houston, Texas, USA

Hobbies: fishing, air rifle target shooting, gardening, small-scale livestock raising, and reading with a particular fondness for fiction.

Favourite Book: “I’m always reading fiction, with Colleen Hoover and Kristin Hannah being my recent favourites. Hoover’s emotional rollercoasters and Hannah’s unforgettable characters make for perfect late-night reads. I also ventured into Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, which left a lasting impact. It’s a haunting, unsettling story that stays with you long after the last page.”

ESCO provides specialist expertise in marine studies, including technical due diligence, and engineering consulting services to assist in the development of new and existing port projects. Our team of experts offers extensive ports and harbours risk engineering and technical due diligence solutions to identify and mitigate risks, including formal risk assessments, navigational risk analyses and vessel manoeuvring simulations.

The post Meet Ashwin Parambath, Regional Manager, Ports and Terminals, Americas appeared first on ESCO.

The team at ESCO Consultants 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 ESCO Consultants, but do you know our team?

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO ?

“My day-to-day work at ESCO involves collaborating with my team on projects, problem-solving, and ensuring tasks align with company goals.

It’s a mix of meetings, independent work, and adapting to challenges while staying focused on delivering results.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

I have been a seafarer for about 15 years and the passion and connection with sea inspired me to take up this job. Working on onshore and offshore projects keeps me engaged and excited to take up new challenges every day.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now

Every job that we handle is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. Currently, the de-commissioning work that we are handling on the west coast of India is quite interesting and exciting.

What do you think the future of energy and oceans looks like in India?

India has tremendous potential to lead the way in renewable energy. With a focus onshore wind, tidal power, offshore and sustainable marine resources, we can drive growth while preserving ecosystems. It’s an exciting time for energy and marine initiatives in the country.

Why should people join us on stand at Maritime India 2025?

Visiting our stand at Maritime India 2025 is more than just discovering what we do. It is an opportunity to collaborate, address industry challenges, explore innovative solutions, and contribute to shaping the future of the maritime industry in India and internationally.

What do you enjoy most so far about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in Mumbai?

One of the best parts of working with the ESCO Consultants team in Mumbai is the vibrant and supportive team. We also know how to balance work and fun whether it’s celebrating with team lunches, participating in office challenges, or bonding over coffee breaks. It’s a team where professional growth and genuine connections go hand in hand!

More about Sandeep

Position: Country Manager – India

Office: Mumbai

Hobbies: Keeping fit, playing sports like cricket and football and traveling to new places

Don’t miss the chance to connect with Sandeep and our local marine experts next week at Maritime India Expo. Explore ESCO’s range of marine and engineering services aimed at driving safety and sustainability in ports & terminals, shipping, and offshore energy asset transportation, construction and operations.

The post Meet Sandeep Sharma, Country Manager, ESCO India appeared first on ESCO.

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO?

“My day-to-day activities are quite varied. Some days, I conduct suitability or condition surveys and other marine warranty survey duties, sometimes outside Lagos while other days, I am in the office reviewing engineering documents, writing reports, checking others’ reports for approval, preparing report templates, and contributing to bid preparation.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

From a young age, I have felt a strong sense of responsibility for the safety of life, property, and the environment, particularly in the maritime transportation sector. Watching Titanic as a child sparked my interest, and this led to choose a career in the industry. I wanted to work with a team or company that prioritises safety in the maritime sector, ensuring the enforcement of various maritime conventions and approving procedures that guarantee safe operations, luckily for me I found ESCO.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I recently worked on a thrilling trailered load-out operation of a story living quarters in Port Harcourt. The operation involved moving 610 tons living quarters, using a GO modular transporter, from the land onto a floating barge and it was an amazing experience to witness the complexities of ballast and deballasting, adjusting for tide changes, and managing the off-centre gravity of the structure. Seeing the operation completed on time and on budget was truly exciting.

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in Nigeria?

The future of energy in Nigeria is promising, with continued exploration of oil and gas, new discoveries, and a growing emphasis on offshore development. Oil companies are increasingly focused on developing existing fields, while the government is actively working on tax reforms to improve the investment climate. In addition to offshore oil and gas, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are gaining traction, particularly in the northern regions of the country.

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in Lagos?

What I enjoy most is the strong sense of community and teamwork within the ESCO Consultants team in Lagos. You never feel isolated; there is always a supportive environment, and the team makes you feel special, especially on your birthday. I also enjoy the friendly relationships we have with freelancers, creating a warm and collaborative work atmosphere.

More about Kabiru

Position: Junior Engineer

Office: Lagos

Hobbies: Research

Favourite Movie: Titanic

Next month, don’t miss Kabiru and the rest of our local maritime experts at this year’s Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) in Lagos Nigeria. Book a meeting on stand HO2 to discuss ESCO’s expertise in marine warranty survey and engineering consultancy services supporting major offshore activity in Nigeria and the wider region

The post Meet Kabiru Oyegbemi – Junior Engineer, ESCO Nigeria appeared first on ESCO.

What does your day look like at ESCO?

Being a surveyor requires flexibility, which includes attending to existing cases and new cases. When I am not out on survey, I prefer to get to the office pretty early, when it’s a bit quieter. I attend to client emails, whilst monitoring active cases and on occasion I handle towage and voyage approvals. Day-to-day in the office, I will also be arranging surveys required for the day or week ahead.

What inspired you to join your industry?

“I started as a deck cadet in 2003, in offshore diamond drilling operations, working in my home country of Namibia. Since that time, I have always been inspired by Mariners who have dedicated their lives at sea and come ashore to drive and enhance the marine industry. In terms of surveying, I purposely transitioned into it from sea, as I believe that seagoing experience and technical knowledge assists in creating transparency and a 3^rd party oversight over ships and marine assets for the Underwriters and Owners.

I just love the ocean and ships and believe their effects globally are at times underestimated.”

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I have recently transitioned from the Maritime department to the Offshore department, for marine warranty survey (MWS) exposure, where I look forward to playing an integral part in executing rig moves and various MWS related tasks. I have also recently attended surveys of dredgers that are engaged in gas pipeline deployment from sea to ashore in Afungi, Mozambique. I am enthusiastic about this ongoing project, which will require continued involvement, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

With Africa’s initiatives to enhance trade and sustainability in its maritime sector, Can you tell us what you think the future of energy and oceans looks like in your home country of Namibia?

The recent oil discovery in my home country reflects a potentially bright energy future for the country, with suggestions even of Namibia being the next Guyana for oil. Green hydrogen has gained momentum as a new renewable energy, and considering the abundance of heat and wind, Namibia can be considered as well positioned for renewable energy development. Furthermore, there are plan for the local port authority to expand its infrastructure to align with the future oil and gas demands, creating more new opportunity in energy and oceans locally.

Though my work is with ESCO’s operations in the UAE, I am very excited to see our operations and team in South Africa diversifying its support to the Namibian energy sector. With collaboration as one of our core values across ESCO Consultants, I hope and look forward to the opportunity to also contribute as ESCO and our sister company, the renewable energy consultants, JMC, further develop their footprint in Namibia.

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in Dubai?

The team is very diverse and professional in all areas and the vast amount of experience makes work a lot of fun and easier in a way. I find the social gatherings during tea /lunch breaks, interesting in that colleagues get to discuss global topics and those that are not work related, allowing one to take their mind off work.

More about Erastus

Position: Senior Surveyor

Office: Dubai

Hobbies: Running / jogging and watching football also learning to play the guitar

Favourite book: ‘The Monk who sold his Ferrari’.

ESCO brings together the deepest pool of multi-disciplinary expertise to support all areas of shipping, from early advisory and technical due diligence, navigational planning, early engineering, vessel design and modifications, through to operations, with surveys, inspections and audits as well as world-class marine warranty survey, to supporting in the minimising of losses with marine casualty management, salvage and wreck removal, and expert witness work.

The post Meet Erastus Nashima, Senior Surveyor, ESCO Dubai, UAE appeared first on ESCO.

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO?

“As a newly established office, we are researching opportunities and meeting potential clients. Promoting ESCO in a new market is busy and exciting.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of travel and adventure, and at 18, I decided to turn that passion into reality by going to sea. That decision is what shaped my career and paved the way for my journey to the maritime industry

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I live in Taranaki, which is at the heart of New Zealand’s Oil & Gas industry and the region is actively working though its own transition to a renewable energy future.

It is exciting to be part of a community that is actively looking to resolve the energy challenges of the future, while managing the legacy of the past.  With ESCO we have chance to make a difference, be part of something bigger, supporting the energy transition and build a resilient and sustainable future.

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in New Zealand?

“The future looks very promising. New Zealand already has a high percentage of its power generation from renewable resources and has the potential to tap into so much more, both on and offshore.

The Southern Ocean is a vast underutilised energy resource”

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in New Zealand?

We are a small team with big aspirations. I enjoy working on big picture thinking with a Lord of the rings back drop

More about Adam

Position: Senior Consultant

Office: New Zealand

Hobbies: Jiu Jitsu, freediving and tinkering with my old Land Rover

Favourite book: ‘First you have to row a little boat’ by Richard Bode.

At ESCO, we bring over 150 years of expertise in the maritime industry, offering comprehensive solutions across all shipping and maritime-related matters. Our recently established New Zealand office in Mount Maunganui provides local expertise backed by a global network, specialising in services such as marine casualty investigation, vessel and yacht surveys, risk assessment, ports and harbours consultancy, marine warranty survey, and support for energy transition projects.

Get in touch with our New Zealand Office on how we can support you and your maritime projects:

The post Meet Adam Eager, Marine Senior Consultant, ESCO New Zealand. appeared first on ESCO.

The team at ESCO Consultants 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 ESCO Consultants, but do you know our team?

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO?

“My day often starts with a catch up of emails from colleagues in different time zones. Response priority is given to Asia and Middle East to ensure they get a return from me before they sign off. I can then focus on my ongoing jobs which are generally either marine casualty or engineering consultancy. Casualty work often consists of FFO (fixed & floating object) post loss. As a Civil Engineer, I often focus on jobs within my area of expertise, which mainly include port infrastructure such as quay walls, fendering equipment, mooring equipment, breakwaters and terminal buildings.

On the other hand, consultancy jobs are more design focused, and often consist of Port feasibility studies, and Port technical due diligence (TDD) studies and generally require inputs from various entities and teams across the Group. I get involved in the design of berthing, mooring and wave protection structures, focusing on their structural design. I also conduct mooring analyses, where outputs become a critical input for the concept design of Ports.

I regularly attend Ports across the UK for marine casualties where I undertake joint surveys of alleged damages, often between a vessel and port infrastructure. These attendances are often at short notice, and remaining available and responding quickly is key for our clients.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

“Since university, where both my dissertations were related to offshore renewables (floating solar & offshore wind foundations), I developed a keen interest in marine infrastructure. As a civil engineer, I realised that there was a big gap in existing port infrastructure for these ever-growing offshore wind turbines, and thought I’d like to work in this sector. Safe sector in the long term, as port design and maintenance is unlikely to ever see a trough during my career. As I started working, I then realised that the size of ships was also becoming a leading factor in the extension and development of ports. I generally enjoy the variability of the work I do, where loading conditions and boundary conditions always differ from a port to port and region to region.  I naturally ended up specialising in port infrastructure rather than renewables, and I understood that it isn’t possible to work in everything!

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

“I am just back from North Africa, where I am working on a marine casualty case which has now grown to be a very large claim. This involves extensive damages to a quayside in a major port. What I enjoy the most in the job is investigating the incident, the damages incurred by it, and separating the pre-existing damages from previous incidents or wear and tear.

We then make sure that repairs agreed by the Port are adequate and represent a like for like replacement, using a cost-efficient method. These are interesting investigations that require the review of various sets of data requiring different skill sets including master mariners, naval architects and of course, civil engineers.”

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in the UK ?

“I think that future in renewables is bright, despite recent market adjustments. There are challenges in the supply chain and upfront costs are high, but as we develop and continue to enhance the technology, I would expect both of these to start reducing, leading to a more cost-efficient market. I am no expert in renewables, but I hope and believe that it’s efficiency and capacity will continue to increase.”

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in London?

“Getting to stretch my legs every 15mn or so to open to entrance door of the office More seriously, I enjoy the social aspect of the office, with a large proportion of junior staff, often keen for a social drink after work. The view is obviously a big plus, which makes the office space that more enjoyable.”

More about Henri

Position: Maritime Civil Engineer

Office: London / Southampton

Hobbies: Triathlon, Eating & Travelling

Favourite movie: The Godfather

Favourite song: Rispondimi by I Muvrini

ESCO provides specialist expertise in marine studies, including technical due diligence, and engineering consulting services to assist in the development of new and existing port projects. Our team of experts offers extensive ports and harbours risk engineering and technical due diligence solutions to identify and mitigate risks, including formal risk assessments, navigational risk analyses and vessel manoeuvring simulations.

Join us for the ESCO December Maritime Market Briefing on Thursday, 12th December, where our maritime experts from around the globe will come together to address your questions on a wide range of maritime topics, offering valuable perspectives on this year’s key challenges facing the industry and expert strategies for navigating 2025.

Find out more and register your interest here:

The post Meet Henri Mutti, Maritime Civil Engineer, ESCO London appeared first on ESCO.

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO?

“Due to my dual role, each day can vary significantly, as I handle local operational management (including attendance when needed), HR and recruitment tasks, as well as projects related to my position as Global Director for Marine Assurance Services.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

Honestly, when I started college, I had no idea I would end up at sea. However, after a challenging first trip, I quickly adapted to a life of traveling the world on different sizes of container vessels.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I am currently working on developing ESCO’s in-house survey tool/app, which will be available soon. Collaborating with the AIM software team has been a fantastic experience; their dedication to helping ESCO deliver software that streamlines surveying and reporting is truly inspiring.

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in the UAE ?

The future for energy and oceans in the UAE looks promising. Numerous significant projects are planned for both offshore and onshore, offering ESCO a chance to get involved. This extends beyond our traditional oil and gas markets to include AIM, Renewables, and ARG Software. As we explore new opportunities, we must also remember our core clients, who will be transitioning within the energy sector as well.

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in Abu Dhabi?

“Being with ESCO Consultants since the beginning has been an amazing experience, especially watching the Abu Dhabi and UAE team grow. We make it a point to gather for social events when we’re not offshore.

Our morning coffee sessions are a great time to bond and discuss the tasks for the day.”

More about David

Position: Group Director – Marine Assurance Services (& Country Manager – UAE)

Office: Abu Dhabi – UAE

Hobbies: Boating at the weekend, Golf, cycling

Favourite movie: The Shawshank Redemption and The Inscrutable American ?

Favourite song: Group -REM “Losing my Religion” but when I was younger listened to groups like Aslan, Sultans of Ping and Ned’s Atomic Dustbin

Next week, David and the rest of the ESCO Consultants team will be exhibiting at ADIPEC 2024! Visit our global experts at Stand 8538 and discuss how we can support your project developments in every phase of its lifecycle across the energy, engineering, and digital sectors.

Click the link below to find out more about our delegation at the event :

The post Meet David Duffy, Group Director – Marine Assurance Services & Country Manager – ESCO UAE appeared first on ESCO.

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO?

“It varies. Considering we are required to make site visits frequently, there is a lot of traveling. However, I do get to spend some time at the office and spend quality time with my colleagues.  

What inspired you to join your industry?

Growing up, my dad had so many senior ship staff home for dinner (from tanker lightering vessels) and I was enamoured by the fact that they worked hard and were able to make a good living while seeing the world. This excited me and determined the course of my career.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I am currently working on several marine insurance cases. This type of work challenges me to stay sharp and maintain an objective perspective.

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in Norway ?

Norway is working towards a greener future, focusing on sustainable ports, vessels, and infrastructure. The country’s commitment to green initiatives is promising.

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in Stavanger ?

“I get to interact with exceptionally intelligent, knowledgeable and hard working colleagues. While our main focus if ensuring ESCO is successful, we have a lot of fun”

More about Subbi

Position: Principal Maritime Consultant

Office: ESCO Norway AS (Stavanger)

Hobbies: Reading, Playing Golf, Traveling

Favourite movie: The Shawshank Redemption and The Inscrutable American

Favourite song: “I like to listen to Jazz – especially Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone and Elle Fitzgerald”

ESCO Consultants offers a broad range of digital and software tools, combined with in-house engineering and marine expertise to offer clients forensic navigational planning and analysis services for the shipping industry. Our navigational expertise applies to all phases of a shipping asset’s life-cycle – from early navigational routing, risk assessment and mitigation, through to marine accident investigation in the event of a marine casualty.

Subbi recently delivered an insightful presentation on “Safe Mooring” at this month’s October market briefing. He covered the key factors contributing to unsafe mooring practices and outlined essential steps to enhance safety in these crucial operations.

Connect with our team at ESCO Norway and request Subbi’s full presentation by getting in touch below

The post Meet Subbi Nookala, Principal Marine Consultant, ESCO Norway appeared first on ESCO.

What does your day-to-day look like at ESCO?

“I’ve been part of the ESCO team (LOC At that time) since 2012, first as freelancer, juggling my roles as Chief Officer SDPO and Captain of DP 2 and DP3 vessel in the Oil and Gas industry.

Nearly six years ago, I transitioned to a staff position, and ever since, my daily work has been incredibly diverse and consistently challenging. Despite the demands, at the end of each day, I find myself filled with satisfaction, proud of the work we’re doing in our Mexico office.”

What inspired you to join your industry?

At first as master mariner, I wanted to travel everywhere, when I joined ESCO, I realised that I needed to explore new opportunities, and I found that the industry offered a wide range of options. I met my mentor during an onboard inspection, and since then, my growth has been constant.

Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?

I am currently participating in a salvage operation in Mexico to retrieve a crane that collapsed a couple of years ago and is now on the seabed. This type of work is always challenging!

What does the future look like in energy and oceans in Mexico ?

It’s difficult to predict the impact of the many changes in government policies. However, we remain optimistic that Mexico has potential in its people, who continue to push for true changes aligned in the right direction.

What do you enjoy most about working as part of the ESCO Consultants team in Tampico?

“When I worked as an Officer and Captain on board, what I regretted most was spending time away from my family (I have a wife and three fantastic children!). What I enjoy most now is that, on many occasions, I can continue doing what I love without having to be absent for long periods of time from them. That is invaluable!”

More about Marco

Position: Senior Marine Surveyor

Office: Tampico, Mexico

Hobbies: Play Guitar and kayaking ??

Favourite song: The Godfather / Author Stephen King

From tomorrow to the 9th of October, Marco will be joining the rest of the ESCO team at this year’s Dynamic Positioning Conference in Houston! Book a meeting with the team on Booth 1 to find out more on ESCO’s global #DPSurveyor footprint and discuss how we can provide through-life support providing value to DP systems

The post Meet Marco Lopez Cucurachi, Senior Marine Surveyor, ESCO Mexico appeared first on ESCO.