Sharad Bhasin has navigated an extraordinary 40-year career … now, he’s helping us connect New South Wales with the world
Sharad Bhasin’s zest for adventure as a teenager sparked a 40-year career in the maritime industry. He’s travelled to ports and continents around the world, gaining a rare depth of experience that makes him a true expert in his field. And at Port Authority of New South Wales, this driven and passionate Harbour Master is making his greatest impact yet.
Ocean of opportunity
One week into medical school, Sharad Bhasin knew he wasn’t where he was meant to be. The 17-year-old felt restless, eager for action. Studying medicine wasn’t quite the thrilling experience his intrepid heart desired.
What Sharad craved was excitement, variety, and the opportunity to be challenged beyond his comfort zone.
“I realised I wanted a bit more adventure in my life. So, I joined the Merchant Marine, and the rest is history!”
Born in India, Sharad has come a long way since his days as a deck cadet on trading ships. He worked his way up to Captain, sailing the high seas to ports and continents worldwide. Since his days at sea, he has also worked at several shipping companies, both off and on-shore in Australia and overseas.
Yet, it’s his role as Harbour Master at Port Authority where his vast maritime knowledge, business acumen and zest for adventure truly come to the fore.
“My career spans 40 years, 19 of which were as a seafarer, so I have plenty of tales!” Sharad says. “Port Authority of New South Wales has some of the most beautiful ports in the world, and I have visited many ports. It has been an exciting journey from the moment I joined. I learn something new every day. It is a pleasant and quite exciting place to work.”
Real purpose and deep pride
Sharad had been working as Deputy Harbour Master in the Pilbara, Western Australia, for two years when he was ready for a new challenge - one where he could experience variety and challenge, at scale. Port Authority presented the perfect opportunity.
“I’ve always been in the marine industry,” Sharad reflects. “Not many of us have the privilege to stay in one industry most of our lives. That continuity and the fact that Port Authority is a reputed state-owned corporation attracted me. It is a unique place to be. We are on a journey of continuous incremental improvement in order to provide the best outcomes for the government, the economy and our port users. I am enjoying being part of that journey.”
Since joining us in 2017, Sharad has swiftly risen through the ranks of Manager of Compliance and Planning and Deputy Harbour Master Sydney Harbour, and now Harbour Master Port Kembla and South Coast.
As Harbour Master, Sharad’s focus is on whole of port marine safety outcomes and efficient operations. He continually evaluates and addresses risks to facilitate the safe passage of vessels entering and leaving Port Kembla - the largest motor vehicle terminal in NSW. The port is home to the state’s car, grain, cement, coal, steel and mining industries, among others, ensuring the flow of goods essential to Australia’s way of life and trade balance for our economy.
“Every day is different - we’re dealing with a variety of vessels transiting our ports in challenging weather conditions! It is a big responsibility, and yes, there is pressure, but I thrive under pressure. So, that sense of adventure I have always enjoyed is still very much there at Port Authority.”
As part of his role, Sharad oversees Vessel Traffic Services, Marine Operations and the Pilot team. He sees the impact of his work every day, knowing the teams are making a huge contribution to the economy and people of NSW and beyond.
“We provide continuity to so many businesses that depend on the ports to move their cargo on time. Even during the pandemic, we did an extraordinary job of keeping imports and exports flowing into and out of the country. As a result of our team’s excellent work, Port Authority’s Port Kembla was named the overall winner of the prestigious Illawarra Business of the Year Award in 2021. It goes to show that the best efforts in everything we do provide for engaged employees, happy customers and a world-class organisation, and I do believe the Port Authority has that reputation.”
Building a better future
Sustainability is a value close to Sharad’s heart. He is proud of Port Authority’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, and his involvement in implementing sustainable anchorage practices has led to vital improvements to the marine environment.
“Anchoring is an age-old, worldwide practice,” Sharad says. “Vessels lower their anchor to the sea bed about three to five nautical miles outside the port as they wait for a berth. A study by the University of Wollongong highlighted the effects of indiscriminate anchoring to the marine environment. So, I worked with the university to develop specific anchorage locations that would limit anchor areas, thereby improving environmental and safety outcomes for anchorage.”
Sharad and the university consulted with several stakeholders, including the Department of Planning and Environment, to designate 11 anchorage sites off Port Kembla.
“This approach of limiting anchoring to certain areas has made a very positive environmental impact. It is certainly up there in terms of world’s best practice.”
Sharad looks forward to continuing his own journey of learning at Port Authority while supporting the next generation of marine industry professionals in theirs.
“The most valuable asset the Port Authority has are its people. Every single person here plays their part. I do believe Port Authority is at the forefront of excellence and continuous improvement, and I am a part of that journey.”