Highlights:
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UNIDO and Bahrain Chamber jointly honor SV Anchan
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SV Anchan recognized for global maritime leadership and performance
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SV Anchan is the only Indian-American on the American Club Board of Directors
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He brings more than three decades of international maritime experience
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Anchan founded Safesea Group serving UN and US government agencies
Indian-American maritime executive SV Anchan has been jointly recognized by a United Nations agency and Bahrain’s leading business chamber for his leadership and contributions to the global maritime sector. The recognition highlights the role SV Anchan has played across maritime safety, international trade operations, and cross-border industry collaboration over several decades.
SV Anchan, Chairman of Safesea Group, received the ACE Global Bridges 2026 Global Maritime Personality for Performance & Leadership Award. The award was presented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), together with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Washington-based ACE Health Foundation. The award ceremony took place during a special event hosted by the Bahrain Chamber on Sunday (8).
SV Anchan’s recognition reflects his long-term involvement in international maritime operations and his leadership in developing shipping and logistics solutions for global institutions and governments.
SV Anchan maritime career spans decades of global operations
SV Anchan has built a maritime career spanning more than three decades across multiple shipping and logistics verticals. As founder of Safesea Group, SV Anchan has led operations that support international trade flows, maritime safety frameworks, and supply chain continuity across regions.
Safesea Group, founded by SV Anchan in 2006, began operations in New Jersey and expanded into ship owning and operations covering oil, chemical, and dry bulk vessels. Under SV Anchan’s leadership, Safesea also expanded into ship management, agency services, freight forwarding, warehousing, and related logistics services.
According to company information, Safesea serves key global institutions including the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the US government’s General Services Administration. SV Anchan’s work through Safesea has positioned the company among specialized shipping groups supporting global humanitarian and government logistics requirements.
SV Anchan highlights Bahrain’s maritime importance
During the ceremony, SV Anchan spoke about international collaboration and industry partnerships. He said he was honored to stand alongside leaders “strengthening connections, deepening partnerships, and building meaningful collaboration together. Events like this inspire all of us, as business leaders, to contribute more, work harder, and raise our respective flags even higher across our industries.”
SV Anchan also stated his future commitment to maritime and trade sector progress, saying he would continue working “relentlessly to transform these opportunities into tangible, real outcomes, day by day.”
SV Anchan also referenced his long-standing professional relationship with Bahrain. He recalled his involvement in the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme following the Iraq-Kuwait war. “I had the privilege of supervising the first vessel, and thereafter that sailed under this program in this region, making my professional association with Bahrain both meaningful and historic,” he said.
SV Anchan emphasized Bahrain’s role as a connection point between the US 5th Fleet and commercial shipping operations, supporting vessel safety across strategic routes including the Gulf of Aden.
SV Anchan on maritime strength and global economic development
SV Anchan highlighted the strategic importance of maritime infrastructure for economic growth. He said, “And I say this not merely because I come from a third-generation maritime family, but because history clearly shows that no nation has achieved lasting economic success without maritime strength as a core pillar. In contrast, countries that have ignored maritime development have seen their global economic standing shrink over time. That speaks volumes about Bahrain’s vision and history.”
SV Anchan also noted Bahrain’s geographic and maritime advantages, stating that the country naturally emerges as a global maritime partner with strong industry foundations and long-term sector potential.
SV Anchan becomes only Indian-American on American Club Board
In another major milestone, SV Anchan was appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc., known as the American Club. SV Anchan is currently the only Indian-American executive serving on the organization’s 20-member board.
The American Club, established in New York in 1917, is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the Americas. It is also part of the International Group of P&I Clubs, which collectively provide insurance coverage for about 90 percent of the world’s shipping.
SV Anchan was nominated by Chairman Robert Bondurant and elected during the American Club’s 108th Annual Meeting in New York. SV Anchan was elected to serve a 12-month term alongside other board members.
Safesea described SV Anchan’s appointment as a “milestone that reflects both tradition and forward-looking leadership.”
The company added: “This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Anchan’s longstanding commitment to the maritime industry, his deep expertise, and the trust and respect he has earned globally. It marks a natural progression in a career defined by leadership, integrity, and dedicated service to the global maritime community.”
Safesea also stated: “It is a privilege to be associated with institutions that play a critical role in ensuring safety, stability, and continuity in international shipping—responsibilities akin to those of a statutory body.”
SV Anchan recognized globally for maritime leadership
SV Anchan has previously received major industry recognition including being the first recipient of the Shipping Pravasi Award, India’s highest shipping honor. SV Anchan also received the National Maritime Award for Eminent Overseas Maritime Personality from the Government of India in 2016.
SV Anchan was also named among the Top 10 Inspiring Leaders of 2022 by Global Brand Research & Consulting firm Helin.
Through multiple leadership roles, SV Anchan continues to influence global maritime operations, international shipping safety standards, and cross-border trade logistics.
