At Maersk Fleet & Procurement India, people are at the heart of every voyage, and few embody that spirit better than Bhooshan Malkani. As Marine People Manager, he leads a team of five People Advisors who serve as a lifeline for our crews, supporting more than 2,000 of the 5,000 seafarers at Maersk. His role, as he describes it, “sits at the intersection of people, ships, and purpose.”

Bhooshan and his team are responsible for the entire HR lifecycle for Maersk’s seafaring community; from onboarding and development to engagement and retention. “A big part of my work,” he explains, “includes revamping onboarding and culture-fit sessions across fleet segments, ensuring new joiners don’t just understand their role, but also feel connected to Maersk’s values from day one..”

Through initiatives like ship-shore connect programs, multi-channel communications, and regular feedback loops, Bhooshan strives to bring a sense of belonging to colleagues who spend months at sea. “Simple but powerful interventions like these build trust, improve morale, and remind our seafarers that they are seen, heard, and valued,” he says.

The impact of his work goes beyond operational success: it’s about people thriving, both onboard and ashore. “When our people thrive, the business moves forward, one voyage at a time.”

A journey of inclusion and belonging

One of Bhooshan’s most memorable experiences at Maersk began on his very first day. Coming from a non-maritime background, he admits that joining this industry felt like stepping into a different world. But what followed was an inspiring lesson in inclusion.

“I was assigned a dedicated buddy who became my first anchor, helping me navigate not just processes, but people and culture,” he recalls. His manager’s patience and his peers’ encouragement helped him quickly learn the ropes, while friendly banter about maritime terminology made the transition surprisingly enjoyable.

He adds, “What stood out most was that I wasn’t just welcomed - I was truly included.” From representing the team at industry events to participating in cross-functional projects and even spending time onboard a vessel, Bhooshan’s initiation into maritime life was as practical as it was personal. “These experiences didn’t just teach me about the industry, they made me feel like I belonged.”

People who grow together

When asked what he loves most about working at Maersk, Bhooshan doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the people.”

He credits his manager for setting the tone through trust and patience, but he emphasizes how peers and his team enrich his daily experience. “Having a best friend at work is underrated and incredibly powerful. I’m grateful to say I have not just one, but a few such people here at Maersk.”

He views leadership as a shared journey: “There’s often an expectation that a manager must always be the guide or expert. But my experience here has been refreshingly different, it’s a two-way journey of growth. My team challenges me, supports me, and constantly raises the bar.”

That mutual trust, learning, and shared ownership, he believes, define Maersk’s people culture.

Values that anchor success

In a role that connects thousands of people across oceans, Bhooshan believes that success is built on the Maersk values as much as on skills.

“Constant care is essential,” he shares. “It’s about anticipating needs, earning trust through consistency, and improving experiences step by step.”

Above all, he believes in the power of people by creating space for growth, encouraging balance, and investing in the team’s development. He believes that it leads to sustainable performance.

For anyone aspiring to join his team, Bhooshan’s advice is simple - “Come with curiosity and an open mind. You don’t need to know everything on day one, what matters is your willingness to learn and your care for people.”

In a world where ships carry not just cargo, but purpose, Bhooshan Malkani stands as a reminder that at Maersk, the greatest journeys are powered by people.