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Welcome Capt. Sujit Padhye, our new Maritime Solutions Architect, who joined OrbitMI in the summer of 2025. Sujit began his career at sea in 1996, rising through the ranks to become a ship captain before moving ashore to lead a 24/7 Voyage Optimization service. More recently, he has combined his deep operational background with product management, developing tools that help both crews and office teams make smarter, safer, and more efficient decisions
I started my maritime career in 1996 as a cadet, gradually working my way through various ranks until I eventually became a ship captain. One pivotal moment was facing a severe storm at sea, which sparked my interest in weather routing and how smarter planning could make voyages safer and more efficient.
That curiosity grew into a passion and led me to move ashore, where I built a 24/7 Voyage Optimization service for an organization I worked with. I led that team for several years, helping ships take better routes and make smarter operational decisions. More recently, I’ve combined my operational background with product management, developing tools that address real-world needs for both crews and shore teams
Joining OrbitMI feels like stepping onto a vessel already moving at full speed, but with plenty of opportunities to chart new directions. I’m excited about the innovative, collaborative culture here, and the chance to work with people who genuinely care about improving the maritime industry. Bringing my expertise in voyage optimization and product development to a team already pushing boundaries is energizing. Plus, the knowledge that our work can have a global impact — from helping ships operate more efficiently to promoting sustainability — is incredibly motivating.
The maritime tech industry is at an exciting turning point. The opportunities are enormous — technology can transform how ships operate, from optimizing fuel efficiency to enhancing safety and reducing emissions. Advances in data analytics, AI, and connectivity at sea are opening possibilities we couldn’t imagine a few years ago.
The challenge is this: seafaring work means older ships and older systems, and adding technology to these isn't necessarily straightforward. With most of the companies creating their own platforms and each shipping line doing things in its own way, office teams find themselves working on multiple systems. Value begins with deriving as much use as possible from data available and making it useful, actionable information.
One of my key focus areas will be making our existing Voyage Optimization system more robust and highly efficient — ensuring it delivers smarter, more accurate results that align with both commercial goals and sustainability targets. I’ll also be focusing on the container segment, shaping solutions that address its unique operational challenges and opportunities.
Alongside this, I’ll be working on developing new solutions and managed services that go beyond just providing software — offering hands-on support so customers can get maximum value from the tools.
I’m also keen to explore and collaborate with new services in the market that align with our vision, so we can strengthen our offerings and deliver even greater value to our customers.
And of course, building and maintaining strong customer relationships will be at the heart of it all.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing leaders and colleagues over the years, but the people who inspire me most are those who lead by example — quietly, consistently, and with integrity. In my sailing days, I saw captains who could keep calm in difficult situations, literally and figuratively, and still take the time to guide their crew. That ability to balance professionalism with empathy has influenced me a lot.
Outside of work, I also draw inspiration from people who are lifelong learners — those who never stop asking questions and looking for better ways to do things. It reminds me that no matter how much experience we have, there’s always something new to learn.
I’d love to instantly master singing at a professional level — the kind where you can walk on stage, sing a few notes, and have the whole audience hooked. Music connects people in such a powerful way, and it would be incredible to share that kind of energy and joy.
And maybe, just to keep my work life happy too, I’d also love to master advanced coding — so I can build my dream maritime tech solutions by day, and still have time for a live performance by night 😊
For me, it’s as simple as putting on some soft music and enjoying a cold beer. There’s something about that combination — the music slows the pace of the day, and the beer just takes the edge off. It’s a little ritual that helps me switch gears, relax, and enjoy the evening.
I’m passionate about staying active — I enjoy running, cycling, and going on treks in the outskirts of the city. 
It’s my way of switching off from the screen, getting fresh air, and exploring new places. There’s something refreshing about being out in nature and pushing yourself physically — it clears the mind and recharges the energy for the week ahead.
