Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has long been a trailblazer in the maritime industry, particularly known for its rapid newbuild programme and its decisive shift toward alternative fuels. As the industry grapples with the complexities of the energy transition, EPS continues to demonstrate that early adoption and fleet flexibility are the keys to long-term success.
We recently caught up with Sachin Sahawarat to discuss how EPS maintains its rigorous standards amidst high-volume growth and what the next chapter looks like for the company’s technical strategy.
Scale Without Compromise
EPS is known for an incredibly fast-paced newbuild programme. How do you maintain technical oversight and quality control at such high volumes?
It comes down to collaboration. We work very closely with shipyards and designers, but the backbone of the process is our experienced in-house technical teams. This integrated approach is what allows us to scale our newbuild programme so effectively; it ensures we maintain consistency in both quality and performance, regardless of the volume.
The Fuel-Agnostic Philosophy
You’ve bet heavily on dual-fuel (LNG/Ethane/LPG) vessels. What is the next logical step for the EPS engine specifications?
Our strategy is actually focused on flexibility rather than committing to a single fuel pathway. We continue to prioritise dual-fuel capabilities, and we are constantly working with industry partners to support various alternative fuel solutions as the global energy landscape evolves.
Safety and Operational Readiness
How are you addressing the unique safety protocols required for the diverse range of alternative fuels you currently operate?
Safety is absolutely central to our approach. Meeting regulatory and classification requirements is the baseline, but we go much further than that. We place a very strong emphasis on crew training and building operational readiness. It’s about ensuring our teams are well-prepared and confident in handling different fuel types safely in real-world conditions.
Lessons from the Vanguard
EPS has a reputation for being an “early adopter.” What was the most important lesson learned from your first generation of dual-fuel tankers?
Our early investments have already led to meaningful emissions reductions, putting us well ahead of evolving IMO targets. If there is a primary lesson, it’s that one should not let “perfect” be the enemy of the “good.” By taking bold steps early—at a time when few others were willing to act—we proved that meaningful change is possible when you match ambition with direct action.
Balancing Speed and Sustainability
How do you balance the push for decarbonisation with the need for high-performance, high-speed delivery required by your charterers?
We don’t actually see those as competing priorities; we see them as complementary. By adopting efficient technologies and constantly optimising our operations, we aim to deliver both the emissions reductions the planet needs and the high-level performance our charterers expect.
Future-Proofing the Fleet
What is your approach to “future-proofing” the steel—ensuring that a ship delivered today can be converted to hydrogen or ammonia by 2032?
Again, it goes back to flexibility. Our design philosophy focuses on building in that adaptability from day one, ensuring our fleet can pivot as different fuel pathways become more viable in the coming decade.
Source: cyprusshippingnews.com
