Engineering Excellence: How Marine Expert Sian Yang Tan Is Crafting Unbreakable Offshore Structures

In the vast and challenging world of marine engineering, few individuals shine as brightly as Sian Yang Tan. With a career dedicated to the design and construction of offshore structures, Tan has emerged as a leading expert known for his innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability. Currently serving as a Project Manager at Seatrium AmFELS, Inc., Tan’s work encompasses the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning to execution and closure, making him a pivotal figure in the marine engineering landscape.

A Journey Through Education and Early Career

Born in Malaysia, Sian Yang Tan’s academic journey began in Singapore before taking him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering (Honors) from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. His career commenced at Keppel Fels Pte Ltd, a prominent player in the marine industry, where he gained invaluable experience rotating through various departments. This comprehensive exposure allowed him to understand the intricacies of project management, from initiation and planning to execution and performance monitoring.

Tan’s passion for engineering is evident in his enthusiasm for building mega projects. "I love building mega projects and seeing heavy structures come together and float," he shares. "It’s amazing to see steel, machinery, piping, and electrical systems all working together to create something functional."

Mastering Project Management

As a Project Manager, Tan’s responsibilities are multifaceted. He meticulously analyzes designs, develops strategies, and ensures that projects adhere to deadlines and budgets. His proactive approach includes listening to user feedback and making practical improvements to designs, addressing potential issues before they escalate into major problems. "Clients are often frustrated when problems highlighted early on aren’t addressed until they become major issues," he explains.

Tan’s role extends beyond mere oversight; he actively collaborates with engineering teams to ensure that client requirements are met, particularly in complex electrical and instrumentation aspects. His love for engineering shines through in the planning stage, where he designs vessel layouts to ensure stability and functionality. "I enjoy the monitoring and controlling phase, working closely with production to ensure everything runs smoothly," he adds.

Notable Achievements and Projects

Throughout his career, Tan has managed several high-profile projects, showcasing his expertise in project management and financial oversight. One of his significant achievements was overseeing a $570 million manufacturing project at Sea Forrest Engineering Pte Ltd, where he adeptly handled financial aspects and ensured optimal cash flow.

As the Assistant Project Director at CIMC Raffles Offshore (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Tan led a team in constructing semi-submersible drilling rigs, maintaining client relations, and developing detailed project schedules. His tenure as a Senior Project Manager at Paxocean Engineering Zhoushan Co. Ltd further solidified his reputation, where he worked with cross-functional teams to create new processes for customs clearance and local transportation regulations.

One of Tan’s most notable projects involved developing two shipyards in China. The first, an anchor-handling supply vessel shipyard, spanned approximately 200,000 square meters. Tan was instrumental in land acquisition, layout design, and operational oversight, resulting in a total investment of $44 million and a profitable sale of $150 million after his tenure.

The second shipyard, located on Zhoushan Island near Shanghai, was a massive 1 million square meters with two dry docks. Initially designed for building jack-up rigs and semi-submersibles, the shipyard transitioned to repair work under Tan’s guidance, showcasing his adaptability and foresight in project management.

Overcoming Challenges in Marine Engineering

Tan’s journey has not been without challenges. He acknowledges the demographic and cultural differences in the workforce, which can complicate communication and collaboration. "There’s a wider range of skills in Asia, but communication can be difficult," he notes. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of early identification of design problems and the need for specialized skills, particularly in the U.S. labor market.

To foster a positive and collaborative work environment, Tan adopts an approachable and open-minded demeanor. "I like to make the work environment positive and collaborative, and I often break the ice with humor to solve problems," he shares. His holistic approach to project management ensures that projects meet client expectations and industry standards.

Innovative Solutions and Future Vision

Tan’s innovative mindset is evident in his approach to problem-solving. He recalls a project where a vessel was cut in half to extend it by 50 meters, a complex task accomplished without cranes by relying on water for support. "This is a very difficult thing to do, and very few people in the industry know how to implement the process," he explains.

Looking ahead, Tan envisions implementing modular construction in shipbuilding, where each block is fully outfitted before assembly. This approach aims to streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency in marine engineering.

Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Tan’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in his ongoing education. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Fairfax, alongside a Master of Science in Business Analytics and an MBA from Hult International Business School. This diverse educational background further supports his expertise and positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.

A Collaborative Spirit

Colleagues who have worked with Tan commend his collaborative spirit and technical acumen. Rolando Reynosa, a Project Engineer at Seatrium AmFELS, highlights Tan’s decisive leadership and problem-solving skills during critical phases of their projects. "His commitment to excellence and proactive problem-solving are commendable," Reynosa states, emphasizing Tan’s ability to foresee potential issues and implement preemptive solutions.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Impact

Sian Yang Tan’s journey in marine engineering is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and innovative spirit. His contributions to crafting unbreakable offshore structures not only reflect his technical prowess but also his commitment to collaboration and communication within the industry. As he continues to push the boundaries of marine engineering, Tan’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the field, inspiring future generations of engineers to pursue excellence in their craft.

In Tan’s words, "Nothing brings me more joy than showing my family a gigantic ship or oil rig I have worked on—a permanent structure that is having a huge impact on so many lives."