STEERING MARITIME INNOVATION
Sanjeev Wewerinke-Singh on Digitalisation, Compliance, and Sustainability at Varuna Marine Services
With over 15 years of maritime experience, Sanjeev Wewerinke-Singh has charted a unique course from Marine Engineer Officer to Managing Director of Varuna Marine Services B.V., a company at the forefront of transforming the maritime industry. In this interview, Sanjeev shares insights into his professional journey, Varuna’s mission to integrate advanced technology with maritime expertise, and how the company is addressing pressing industry challenges, from emissions compliance and digitalisation to cybersecurity and sustainability. As the sector undergoes rapid evolution, Sanjeev offers a compelling vision for the future, grounded in innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to helping clients navigate complexity with confidence.
Career Journey
Can you share an overview of your professional path and what led you to lead Varuna Marine Services?
My career in the maritime industry spans over 15 years, beginning as a Marine Engineer Officer. During six years at sea, I worked aboard various cargo vessels, honing my technical skills and developing a deep understanding of shipboard operations. This hands-on experience provided a strong foundation for my transition to shore-based roles, where I assumed technical and operational responsibilities with prominent shipowners.
These roles broadened my perspective on the industry’s evolving needs, particularly the growing importance of technology in improving efficiency and addressing compliance challenges. Driven by a passion for innovation and problem-solving, I have dedicated my career to leveraging cuttingedge technology to streamline maritime workflows, enhance sustainability, and fortify cyber defences. Today, as the Managing Director of Varuna Marine Services B.V., I lead a team committed to transforming the maritime industry through solutions that integrate technical expertise with advanced digital tools.
Company Overview
What is Varuna Marine Services’ core mission, and how do you support clients navigating a changing maritime landscape?
Varuna Marine Services B.V. stands at the forefront of innovation in the maritime sector, providing tailored solutions to meet the operational, regulatory, and technological challenges faced by industry stakeholders. Our mission is to empower clients to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape by offering services that seamlessly combine traditional maritime expertise with state-of-the-art technologies.
Since its inception, Varuna Marine Services has focused on building a sustainable and secure maritime ecosystem. We understand that the industry is undergoing significant changes, including stricter regulatory frameworks, environmental pressures, and an increasing demand for digitalisation. Our solutions are designed to help clients not only adapt to these shifts but thrive within them, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and sustainability.
Our unique approach emphasises collaboration, innovation, and long-term partnerships with our clients. By aligning our services with the specific needs of the industry, we aim to set new standards for operational resilience, environmental responsibility, and technological advancement.
Service Portfolio
What specialised services does Varuna offer, particularly in emissions compliance, environmental management, and digitalisation?
Varuna Marine Services offers a comprehensive range of specialised services designed to meet the critical needs of the maritime industry. Our service portfolio is structured to address emissions compliance, environmental performance, operational efficiency, and digital transformation.
In the area of emissions compliance, we support clients in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This includes helping vessels meet FuelEU Maritime and EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) requirements through robust reporting and reduction strategies. We also assist with EU Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (EU MRV), ensuring accurate data collection and submission. Additionally, we offer support with the IMO Data Collection System (DCS) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) assessments, enabling shipowners to monitor and improve vessel energy efficiency. Our team develops Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans (SEEMP) II and III, tailored to optimise performance while meeting evolving compliance targets.
Our environmental compliance services are focused on ensuring vessels operate sustainably and in line with international regulations. We guide clients through the implementation and testing of Ballast Water Treatment Systems, including adherence to IMO D2 standards. We also offer expert consultancy for retrofitting and environmental system installations, alongside comprehensive support for compliance with the US-EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP).
In terms of environmental management, we help organisations uphold high standards of environmental stewardship. This includes conducting Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) assessments and providing lifecycle maintenance strategies. We offer global asbestos removal, abatement, and management planning services, as well as ESG compliance consulting and reporting to support integration of sustainability into business operations.
Our maritime inspection and consultancy services are aimed at ensuring vessels meet international safety and performance standards. This includes conducting flag state inspections, offering technical consulting to drive operational improvements, and delivering onboard repair, maintenance, and installation services to enhance vessel reliability.
Recognising the vital role of digital transformation in maritime operations, we offer a range of digitalisation and cybersecurity solutions. At the core of this is CyberSmart, our AI-driven SaaS platform designed to modernise maritime workflows. CyberSmart features a suite of intelligent modules: Smart EMRV streamlines emissions monitoring, reporting, and verification for EU MRV and IMO DCS compliance, Smart Inspect supports efficient vessel inspections and compliance reporting, Smart Operations uses real-time analytics to optimise day-to-day activities, Smart Performance delivers data insights for improved fuel efficiency and performance, Smart Simulator offers advanced simulation tools for crew training and operational planning, Smart Navigation leverages AI for safer, more efficient route planning,
Smart EUA Settlement simplifies the EU ETS settlement process for emissions trading compliance, Smart FuelEU helps clients meet FuelEU Maritime requirements through integrated reporting and optimisation features.
Through CyberSmart, we are transforming traditional maritime processes into intelligent, user-friendly digital workflows that meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry.
We also ensure cybersecurity compliance, helping clients meet standards such as IMO MSC.428(98) and IACS UR E26/E27. Our advanced cybersecurity frameworks protect vessel systems from evolving threats. To further support maritime digitalisation, we provide advanced connectivity solutions, including Starlink and 5G integration, ensuring vessels maintain reliable, real-time communication and operational continuity.
Sustainability Initiatives
How is Varuna embedding sustainability into its services and supporting clients with ESG integration?
At Varuna, sustainability is more than a commitment, it is a driving force behind everything we do. We actively integrate green technologies and environmentally responsible practices to minimise our environmental footprint. By helping clients adopt innovative solutions to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and comply with international regulations, we contribute to shaping a more sustainable maritime industry.
We also support clients in implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, enabling them to align their operations with global sustainability objectives. This not only helps meet regulatory requirements but also enhances their reputation and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.
Technological Integration
How are advanced technologies like AI and satellite communication driving Varuna’s service delivery?
At Varuna Marine Services B.V., technology drives our mission to deliver smarter maritime solutions. Leveraging AI, satellite communication, data analytics, and maritime digitalization, we enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and enable data-driven decision-making.
At the core of this transformation is CyberSmart, our AI-powered SaaS platform built to streamline and future-proof maritime workflows. Its modular design combines automation, real-time insights, and regulatory alignment into one seamless ecosystem.
CyberSmart modules include:
• Smart EMRV – Streamlines EU MRV and IMO DCS compliance.
• Smart Inspect – Accelerates inspections with AI-supported reporting.
• Smart Operations – Enhances fleet operations with real-time analytics.
• Smart Performance – Uncovers fuel and performance insights using predictive models.
• Smart Simulator – Powers training and voyage planning through realistic simulations.
• Smart Navigation – Enables AI-based route planning for efficiency and safety.
• Smart EUA Settlement – Simplifies EU ETS tracking, credit handling, and reconciliation.
• Smart FuelEU – Supports full FuelEU Maritime compliance with GHG tracking and reporting.
With CyberSmart, ship owners, managers, and operators gain a powerful digital edge, staying compliant, agile, and competitive in today’s evolving maritime landscape.
Industry Challenges
What are the biggest challenges facing the maritime industry today, and how is Varuna helping clients respond?
The maritime industry faces unprecedented challenges, including complex regulations, environmental responsibilities, and cybersecurity threats. Varuna Marine Services is equipped to address these challenges head-on by delivering comprehensive solutions that promote compliance, operational resilience, and sustainability.
Our proactive approach helps clients navigate this evolving landscape with confidence, ensuring they remain competitive and secure in an increasingly regulated and digitalised environment.
Strategic Partnerships
How does collaboration with industry partners enhance your capabilities and service offerings?
Collaboration is a key pillar of our success. By partnering with leading organisations across the maritime and technology sectors, we expand our capabilities and deliver enriched solutions to our clients. These partnerships enable us to stay at the cutting edge of industry trends and provide clients with unparalleled support and expertise.
Global Market Strategy
What is Varuna’s approach to international growth and regional service customisation?
Varuna Marine Services B.V. drives its international growth through a robust global market strategy rooted in strategic partnerships, local regulatory insight, and adaptive service models. Recognizing that maritime compliance and operational needs vary significantly by region, Varuna collaborates with in-country agents and technical experts to tailor its offerings, such as emissions reporting, IHM surveys, asbestos management, and maritime cyber security, to align with local regulations and cultural expectations. This regional customisation ensures that clients not only meet compliance requirements efficiently but also gain operational advantages suited to their specific market. By maintaining consistency in quality while embracing flexibility in delivery, Varuna supports shipowners and operators with scalable solutions that work across multiple geographies.
Particularly focused on key maritime hubs like Europe, Greece, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Japan, Varuna strengthens its presence through both on-the-ground initiatives and global outreach. The company actively participates in premier industry events such as Posidonia, Europort, Sea Asia, Bari Ship, and SMM Hamburg to stay ahead of market trends and forge lasting relationships. In parallel, Varuna invests in thought leadership by organizing webinars on pressing maritime topics like sustainability, cyber security, and emissions compliance, fostering dialogue, awareness, and innovation across the sector. This proactive engagement not only enhances Varuna’s visibility and credibility worldwide but also reinforces its mission to be a trusted, forward-thinking partner in the maritime industry’s evolving landscape.
Customer Experience
How do you ensure a strong client experience and long-term satisfaction across your projects?
At Varuna, customer satisfaction is paramount. Our client-first approach emphasises strong relationships, timely responses, and solutions tailored to meet unique operational challenges. By consistently delivering exceptional value and maintaining high service standards, we distinguish ourselves in a highly competitive industry.
Varuna
supports shipowners and operators with scalable solutions that work across multiple geographies
Future Vision
Where do you see Varuna Marine Services heading in the next few years, and what goals are you focused on achieving?
Looking ahead, Varuna Marine Services aims to expand its technological offerings, enhance its global footprint, and drive sustainable practices across the maritime industry. Our vision is to set new standards for innovation and environmental responsibility, ensuring our clients remain at the forefront of maritime excellence.
Varuna Marine Services B.V. is a globally trusted maritime solutions provider based in the Netherlands. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, they deliver tailored services—from emissions and ballast water compliance to cyber‑security, IHM management, inspections, and digitalisation. Their expert team ensures sustainable, cost‑effective, and regulation‑ready operations worldwide.
Sanjeev Wewerinke Singh Managing Director