We are delighted to welcome Nathan Balakrishnan as Client Operations Manager at OrbitMI. With experience both at sea as a Second Engineer and ashore in digital product roles, Nathan combines deep operational knowledge with a passion for helping organizations embrace digital transformation.
I began my career sailing on tankers, eventually rising to the rank of Second Engineer. My time at sea gave me firsthand insight into the operational challenges vessels face and the importance of sound decision-making in real-world conditions.
When I transitioned ashore, I became interested in digital initiatives designed to improve life for both ship and shore teams. Since then, I’ve taken on product and project roles focused on vessel performance, reporting, and regulatory compliance, always working to bridge the gap between technology and operational realities onboard.
For me, the biggest challenge in maritime digitalization has always been the human element—and I’m driven by the opportunity to help organizations navigate that transition successfully.
What excites me most about joining OrbitMI is the chance to work at the intersection of technology and real-world maritime operations. Having experience both at sea and ashore, I understand the complexities clients face daily.
OrbitMI’s mission to drive smarter, data-driven decisions resonates deeply with my passion for improving operational efficiency and sustainability. I’m especially motivated by the opportunity to work closely with clients, understand their challenges, and deliver solutions that add real value. Being part of a team shaping the future of maritime intelligence is something I’m genuinely excited about.
I think one of the biggest opportunities lies in improving data availability and ship-to-shore transfer. While vessels are increasingly equipped with sensors and digital reporting systems, a lot of the data still depends on manual entry. That creates errors and inconsistencies and limits the effectiveness of performance monitoring, analytics, and compliance reporting.
The urgency here is driven by new regulatory frameworks—IMO DCS, CII, FuelEU Maritime, and EU ETS—that demand more frequent, transparent, and traceable reporting. This pressure is encouraging companies to invest in digital solutions that ensure accuracy, automate compliance, and reduce administrative burdens.
The biggest challenge remains people. Resistance to change is natural, especially among crews and shore teams used to legacy systems. Successful digital transformation depends on empathetic design, targeted training, and building trust in new tools. Technology only works if people are confident in using it.
In this role, I’ll be working to strengthen the feedback loop between clients and our product team, ensuring OrbitMI evolves in line with real-world operational needs. Listening to both ship and shore users is essential to refining usability and building trust in digital tools.
I’ll also be focusing on vessel performance benchmarking using machine learning models. By analyzing both historical and real-time data, we can create dynamic baselines for fuel consumption and emissions. These models will also support predictive maintenance, identifying early signs of issues like hull fouling or engine inefficiency, helping operators act in time to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve compliance scores such as CII and AER.
One of my biggest role models is a former Chief Engineer I sailed with early in my career. He was technically sharp but also had an incredible ability to stay calm under pressure, support the team, and make balanced decisions that considered safety, performance, and people.
What stood out most was how he led by example—always taking the time to explain the “why” behind his actions. That left a lasting impression on me. He showed me that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about clarity, empathy, and accountability. I try to bring that mindset with me into every role, especially when working on tech-driven solutions that ultimately depend on the people who use them.
If I could instantly become an expert in any skill, it would be high-performance and precision driving. I enjoy the challenge of mastering control—understanding limits, reading the road, and responding with confidence and finesse. For me, it’s about awareness, timing, and discipline as much as speed.
For me, the best way to unwind is spending time with my three dogs. Whether we’re walking, playing fetch, or just outdoors together, they make it easy to disconnect and reset.
On weekends or longer breaks, I love going on hikes or camping trips with them. Being out in nature—with no deadlines, no screens, just fresh air and good company—is the perfect way to recharge.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about cars and driving. I’ve always been fascinated by the engineering, design, and innovation that go into them. For me, driving is both functional and deeply enjoyable—whether it’s a relaxed weekend trip or pushing performance to see what’s possible.
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