30 under 30: Ones to Watch – Showcasing the next generation of maritime talent (7)
Sep 22, 2025
Reading Time: 6 mins
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the next generation of rising talent in the maritime industry. From mentees turned trailblazers, to client-recommended innovators, and fresh voices from across our network — these are the ones to watch.
Clyde Dias
Technical Dept. (Oil & Product Tankers), Zodiac Maritime Ltd. London
What attracted you to the maritime industry? I’ve always felt a strong connection to the sea. My great-grandfather Francisco Fernandes served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary during World War II, so the maritime world was something I grew up hearing stories about. I’m from Goa, a coastal state with a rich maritime history, so ships and the ocean have always been part of my surroundings. On top of that, I’ve always had a passion for engineering. I love understanding how things work and solving complex problems. The maritime industry brings those two worlds together, with engineering applied in one of the most challenging environments there is: at sea. That combination of heritage, passion and challenge is what drew me to this career.
Have you had any mentors or inspirational people who inspired your career or the sector you are in?
Yes. I’ve had two major inspirations in my journey toward a maritime career. My great-grandfather served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary during World War II, and his stories about life at sea gave me an early respect for the discipline, teamwork, and resilience the profession demands. Another key influence has been Dr. B.K. Saxena, a well-known and respected figure in the Indian merchant navy community. As the founding principal of Tolani Maritime Institute and a graduate of the World Maritime University, he has made a lasting contribution to maritime education and training in India. His leadership, deep technical knowledge, and dedication to raising industry standards have inspired me to aim for excellence and make a meaningful impact in my own maritime career
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I see myself as a Chartering Manager at Zodiac, having progressed through technical and operational roles while building strong commercial expertise. I’m currently pursuing my PQE ICS exams, which I believe will give me the professional grounding in shipping, trade and chartering to achieve that goal. By then, I aim to have developed deep market knowledge, strong industry relationships and the ability to contribute to Zodiac’s growth and strategic objectives
Is there any advice you have been given or would give to someone about coming into the maritime industry?
One piece of advice I was given early on and that I’d share with anyone joining the maritime industry, is to stay curious and adaptable. The industry is constantly evolving — whether it’s new regulations, technology, or market shifts. So being willing to learn and adapt is essential. At the same time, never underestimate the value of building strong relationships. Shipping is a global business, but it’s also a close-knit community and the connections you make can open doors and help you grow.
Harry Blythe
Graduate Naval Architect, Babcock International Group
What attracted you to the maritime industry? I’ve always felt a connection to the sea—whether it’s sailing or just being around boats. Combine that with a love for engineering and problem-solving, and the marine industry felt like the perfect place to be. It’s full of challenges, but also opportunities to work on really interesting projects.
Have you had any mentors or inspirational people who inspired your career or the sector you are in?
I’ve been fortunate to have a number of mentors who continue to inspire me, through the shipwrights I have gained an excellent mentor in Duncan Cunningham who has supported me for the last two years through my masters degree and first year of work. The number of connections I have made through the shipwrights has really helped me broadened my industry knowledge and I now have a number of contacts I can turn to for advice and who are happy to share their knowledge. From the start of my university studies Charlotte Kirk has been a constant source of support and guidance, it was Charlotte who introduced me to the shipwrights, she has facilitated numerous meetings with industry representatives throughout our studies and has always been so willing to give up her time to help develop the next generation of marine professionals.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I’d like to be leading complex design and engineering projects that push the boundaries marine technology. I’m aiming to become Chartered along the way, and I’d like to be in a position where I’m mentoring junior engineers. Ideally, I’d be in a role where I’m still learning, still challenged, and making a real impact in the maritime sector.
Is there any advice you have been given or would give to someone about coming into the maritime industry?
If you’re thinking about joining the marine industry, I’d say go for it—but come in with curiosity and patience. It’s a niche field with loads of variety, from ship design and offshore structures to sustainability and automation. The learning curve can be steep, especially early on, but the work is rewarding and often has a real-world impact. Try to get hands-on experience as soon as you can—whether that’s through internships, site visits, or talking to people in different roles. And don’t be afraid to ask questions; most people in the industry are happy to share what they know.
Daryna Rozum
Reward Consultant, Spinnaker
What attracted you to the maritime industry? To me, maritime industry is very niche and unique. It has a very long history and is somewhat romanticised in media. I grew up reading stories about sea adventures, and although real life work in maritime HR is nothing like this, it still carries some of that exciting flavour.
Have you had any mentors or inspirational people who inspired your career or the sector you are in?
My host dad. He loves sailing and I sailed alongside him a few times. He’s also a great success story in how he built his own career from nothing to immense success.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’d like to stay in maritime so will probably want to move up the ladder in this industry. I’m toying with the idea to go study maritime economics to put on tome of my generic economics degree, so might venture heavier in maritime analysis. At any rate, I’d like to see myself as a success story in 10 years.
Is there any advice you have been given or would give to someone about coming into the maritime industry?
Maritime industry is a lot to learn about if you’re just coming into the industry. And I think it’s one of the fields where there’s always plenty to learn. So that is something to be ready for
