Council Members
Captain Yusuf Soomro - President
Captain Yusuf Soomro is a seasoned maritime professional with over 21 years of seafaring experience, including five years commanding Panamax and geared handy-size bulk carriers. Transitioning ashore in 2001, he has held significant roles such as Marine Surveyor with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Safety and Security Manager at CMA CGM, and Marine Accident Investigator with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). Since 2011, Captain Soomro has been providing marine consultancy services, offering expertise as an expert witness, accident investigator, and advisor on maritime operations. In 2022, he established Mercator Marine Consultancy Ltd, where he continues to deliver specialized services in the maritime sector.
Asad Naqvi - Vice President
Asad qualified as a solicitor in 2008, joining MFB in 2009 and has been a partner since 2014. He has extensive experience in both FD&D and P&I matters as well as ship sale and purchase, and he has experience of a wide variety of shipping disputes, and acts regularly for owners, charterers and their P&I Clubs.
Captain Talha Qureshi - Vice President
Captain Talha Qureshi is a distinguished maritime professional with expertise spanning marine operations, maritime law, and global shipping strategy. Holding a Master Mariner (FG UK Unlimited) qualification, along with a BSc, LLB, and LLM from London Metropolitan University, he combines operational proficiency with legal acumen. Currently serving as Head of Marine & HSQE at JP Morgan’s Global Transportation Fund, Captain Qureshi drives compliance, safety, and sustainability in global transportation. A former representative of St. Kitts and Nevis at the IMO, he has been instrumental in shaping international maritime policy. He is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute (AFNI) and a Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (MICS), reflecting his commitment to advancing the maritime industry.
Naushad Akhtar - General Secretary
Naushad Akhtar is a Senior Lecturer and MSc Programme Leader at the University of Gibraltar’s Maritime Science School, specializing in sustainable shipping, safety management, and maritime operations. With over two decades of experience in the maritime industry, Naushad has held key roles at Lloyd’s Register, where he contributed to marine classification and technical consultancy, and served as a Technical Specialist for new build constructions. His career reflects a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in maritime education and operations.
Saleem Ahmad - Technical Secretary
A Chartered Engineer, FIMarEST & FRINA, with considerable expertise in developing and managing Shipbuilding/Offshore Projects, SOLAS and Environmental Compliance, Cost Estimating, Electric Propulsion and DP Systems, LNG as Fuel / DF Engines, Ships Surveying, Quality Compliance, and Project Auditing.
Hammad Khawaja - Treasurer
A marine engineer, MBA, Bsc Maritime studies based in London with more than 10 years of diversified experience in Technical Ship Management, Project management, Business Systems, Business processes and internal auditing.
Arslan Khan - Media Secretary
A maritime and occupational health & safety graduate, Arslan has worked in sea and shore based assignments as OOW on-board oil tanker ships and with port authorities in different countries. Currently working as Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor with Port London Authority and based in London, UK.
Irfan Rahim - Council Member
International Civil Servant with IMO a specialised agency of the UN in London. Having vast experience in serving International meetings, report writing, drafting legislation and dealing with maters pertaining to maritime safety. Also, served as Chief, Transport Infrastructure Section at the United Nations ESCAP.