Maritime transport - a term used to describe shipping goods via the global waterways - is critical for international trade and the health of the global economy. Around 80% of global trade by volume is transported by sea and handled by ports around the world. Though there is a global dependence on this form of transportation, its environmental impacts are often called into question. The global shipping industry pollutes the air, seas, and land, impacting marine life, human life, and the planet. As the industry seeks to make amends and alter its course through more sustainable shipping methods, new approaches have to be developed, learned, and adopted.
Liquefied Natural Gas or LNG Shipping is a relatively new, innovative fuel that could change how the global shipping economy operates. Fida Husain, an expert in LNG shipping is one of the few professionals who are helping the industry through the large changes required for it to progress. Liquefaction is a process of cooling the gas and turning it into a liquid that is 1/600th of its original volume. This process leads to more efficient transport over long distances, helping the global shipping industry reduce its emissions footprint.
It may seem unconventional that Fida Husain's legal career would lead him to this spot, but when his path is examined, it all becomes clear. After he finished studying international business law, Fida went on to work for a couple of different law firms, focusing largely on mergers and acquisitions and corporate law. He moved to Doha-Qatar in 2010 to work with an international investment bank on the merger of two of the largest shipping companies in the area.
Once the merger was complete, Milaha, the merged company, brought Fida on board to support their legal department. Within a few years, Fida proved himself and was promoted to the head of legal. Even though he was considered young for this type of role, he quickly made an impact . His leadership skills stood out, as did his ability to understand deeply technical legal implications around maritime shipping and other international transactions.
While overseeing the entire legal department and keeping a watchful eye on the legal, compliance, and government relations functions, Fida focused on a very up-and-coming area: LNG shipping. Moving oil & gas around the world is dangerous and costly - in more ways than one - but it's necessary. Entire countries are powered by natural gas, and most people heat their homes with it, too. By harnessing the power of LNG shipping, not only can the movement of oil & gas on a large scale become more efficient and better for the planet, but it can also become safer and more cost-efficient.
Fida's legal career has seen some of the most interesting cases; he helped strategize and carry out a new business plan when Milaha was impacted by the boycott against Qatar. Fida's leadership and technical expertise helped move the transshipment hub from Dubai to Oman, restoring Qatar's supply chain. He has been instrumental in decarbonization efforts within his organization and has managed to help Milaha meet International Maritime Organization's new strict regulations on Greenhouse Gas emissions for all deep sea vessels. He has been recognized as a "Top 20" talent in the maritime industry in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent region.
However, Fida has never been in it for the accolades; he loves the challenge that his work brings and he's always up to solve another complex issue. As the global shipping industry gets called to make significant changes, other leaders are frustrated, but Fida continues making an impact.
