CEO Insights Magazine

As the Country Manager of C-Leanship Singapore, Syahrul Hatta Suratman navigates challenges inherent in leading a team comprising former peers and supervisors. Rising through the ranks, he recognizes the need to continually adjust relationships with colleagues. Syahrul emphasizes humility, open communication, and fairness, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect. Committed to C-Leanship's mission of contributing to environmental sustainability, he aligns organizational goals with personal values, striving to make a positive impact. With a family-oriented perspective, Syahrul values meaningful relationships, productivity, and problem-solving. He aims to leave a legacy of positive change, embodying dedication and integrity in both personal and professional endeavors. Let’s dive into this interaction to know more. 

Could you provide a concise overview of your professional history and experiences? Additionally, what drives your daily routines and keeps you motivated?

I hold an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Singapore, specializing in Offshore Oil & Gas Technology. Early in my career, I had the privilege of working aboard various offshore construction vessels, including some of the largest pipelaying and crane vessels globally. This experience introduced me to underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), sparking my interest and leading me to join C-Leanship as a trainee ROV Pilot in 2015, when the company was still emerging.

My overarching philosophy is to create a positive impact in all my endeavors. I aim for my work, and by extension, my organization, to contribute to society's betterment. C-Leanship aligns with this ethos, aspiring to be a global provider of sustainable services that protect both the environment and its inhabitants. Personally, I strive to be a positive influence on those around me, aligning with the company's core value of 'care' by prioritizing the welfare and development of my team.

How do you characterize C-Leanship Singapore as an entity and its present standing within the market?

C-Leanship aims to be a global partner in the shipping industry's biofouling management, emphasizing environmental protection. We optimize vessel performance through regular underwater hull inspections and cleaning using our in-house developed ROVs, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Our ROVs ensure proper disposal of fouling, mitigating the spread of invasive species and protecting local aquatic ecosystems.

Established in Denmark in 2011, C-Leanship has expanded to Busan, South Korea, and Antwerp, Belgium. Our Singapore office, founded in 2014, leads in underwater services within Singapore's terminals. We exclusively use ROVs for safety reasons, resulting in a 150 percent annual growth rate in underwater operations over four years. With the global focus on sustainability, we anticipate this trend continuing.

I advocate for personalized leadership, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of my team. Through regular one-on-one meetings, I grasp their evolving challenges and aspirations, aligning organizational goals with their personal and career objectives effectively. Committed to our company's value of 'Passion,' I invest in nurturing and empowering my team. This entails enrolling them in diverse training programs, offering internal growth opportunities, and allowing room for learning from mistakes. By fostering a culture of self-improvement, I aim to cultivate a strong leadership pipeline vital for our company's success.

How do you stay abreast of industry trends to guide your organization towards the future, and what is your roadmap moving forward?

Constant interaction with industry stakeholders, such as participation in events like the Singapore Shipping Association and international maritime conferences like the Maritime Decarbonization Conference and Singapore Maritime Week, keeps us updated on industry trends. These events provide insights into the direction of the maritime industry. Additionally, staying informed about global regulations, such as biofouling management guidelines, is crucial. For instance, tracking the implementation and updates of regulations in Australia and New Zealand helps us understand their impact and plan accordingly. 

This proactive approach allows us to anticipate changes, stay ahead, and continue adding value to our customers.

Furthermore, C-Leanship recognizes its significant role in addressing climate change, aligning with targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for net zero emissions from international shipping by 2050. Through our efforts, we've already contributed to saving nearly 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. We're committed to continuous improvement, enhancing our ROV technology, personnel competency, and service offerings to make a positive impact on our customers and the environment. This dedication positions C-Leanship as a leader in the maritime industry's fight against climate change, a role I'm proud to support.

What were the primary hurdles you faced in establishing yourself as a successful leader initially? How did you surmount these challenges to achieve professional success?

Ascending from an ROV Pilot trainee to Singapore's Country Manager at C-Leanship posed a significant challenge: leading a team comprising former peers and supervisors. With each promotion, I had to navigate shifting dynamics in existing relationships. I've found humility and transparent communication crucial. Actively listening to suggestions, ideas, and criticisms fosters mutual growth. Embracing constructive feedback, I continually refine my leadership. Fairness is paramount; while I may have prior connections, equitable treatment ensures team cohesion. Ultimately, fostering a sense of collective self-improvement binds us together on our journey toward success.

Syahrul Hatta Suratman, Country Manager, C-Leanship Singapore

Syahrul Hatta Suratman is the Country Manager of C-Leanship Singapore, adept at navigating leadership challenges within diverse teams. Rising through the ranks, he prioritizes humility, open communication, and fairness. With a family-oriented perspective, he strives for environmental sustainability and meaningful relationships in both personal and professional spheres.