Viswanathan Arrekkath, Logistics Expert

With over 30 years of cross-border logistics leadership, Mr. Viswanathan Arrekkath delivers structured, risk-aware, and performance-driven logistics solutions. His blend of mega-project exposure, remote mission logistics, oil & gas expertise, and training capability positions him as a high-impact consultant and corporate trainer for manufacturing and infrastructure enterprises seeking operational excellence in logistics and supply chain management.
4. Viswanthan

Viswanathan Arrekkath is a seasoned logistics and supply chain leader with over three decades of global experience across infrastructure, oil & gas, aviation, rail, construction, defense, UN missions, and mega industrial projects. A graduate of the University of Calicut, he has built a distinguished career delivering mission-critical logistics solutions across India, the Middle East, Africa, and high-risk operational zones.

Currently serving as Logistics Consultant with Colliers International India (PMC) for CtrlS Data Center construction and previously as Senior Logistics Manager (Consultant) with Tata Projects Ltd for the Noida International Airport project, he specializes in fast-track project cargo execution, multimodal freight strategy, and site logistics governance.

Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered measurable value through cost optimization, time-critical cargo movements, risk mitigation, and operational system improvements, supporting large-scale industrial developments and complex global operations.

Sector & Technical Specialization

Mr. Arrekkath’s expertise spans high-impact sectors including:

  • Infrastructure & Mega Construction Projects

  • Oil & Gas (LNG, Refineries, Energy Projects)

  • Aviation & Airport Development

  • Rail Infrastructure

  • Data Centers & Industrial Facilities

  • Military & UN Mission Logistics

  • Remote & High-Risk Operations

He has managed logistics for marquee projects such as:

  • Dubai Parks and Resorts

  • Etihad Rail

  • MONUSCO

  • NATO Afghanistan operations

  • LNG Train Project for Sonatrach

  • Projects for Qatar Petroleum

  • Assignments linked with Saudi Aramco

His technical command includes ODC cargo handling, breakbulk operations, hazardous cargo (IMDG certified), vessel and aircraft chartering, bonded cargo management, multimodal transport strategy, bulk material coordination (including bitumen and LSHS), and large-scale project mobilization & demobilization.

Operational & Project Expertise

Mr. Arrekkath brings strong operational leadership in:

  • End-to-end project cargo management (import to final site delivery)

  • International freight negotiation and RFQ strategy

  • Customs clearance and regulatory compliance

  • Fleet, yard, and laydown area management

  • Site access control and security logistics

  • Warehouse & distribution optimization

  • Supply chain coordination with global suppliers

  • Incident reporting, PTW reviews, and HSE-driven logistics controls

In fast-track environments such as the Noida International Airport project, he ensured on-time material delivery across all transport modes, reduced logistics bottlenecks, coordinated with IOCL for bulk tanker placements, and strengthened vendor-performance alignment.

His overseas roles in Congo, Afghanistan, Sudan, Algeria, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia demonstrate his ability to operate under extreme logistical constraints while maintaining service continuity, cost discipline, and operational integrity.

Training & Technical Consulting Expertise

Beyond execution, Mr. Arrekkath is a systems-oriented professional with strong training credentials. He has:

  • Served as ISO Process Owner

  • Conducted toolbox talks and driver safety programs

  • Trained teams on Shipping Information Systems (SIS) for Traffic & Documentation

  • Led logistics awareness programs for contractors and site users

  • Implemented procedural improvements to enhance documentation accuracy and shipment tracking

His consulting capability extends to:

  • Logistics cost-reduction strategy

  • SOP development for project logistics

  • Risk mitigation frameworks for high-value cargo

  • Contractor logistics governance

  • Supply chain restructuring for efficiency and transparency

His programs are particularly valuable for manufacturing and infrastructure companies seeking to strengthen logistics compliance, reduce freight costs, and improve delivery reliability.

How Industry Benefits

Manufacturing, EPC, and industrial organizations benefit from Mr. Arrekkath’s expertise through:

  • Reduced freight and demurrage costs

  • Improved on-time project material availability

  • Stronger customs and regulatory compliance

  • Structured vendor and transporter performance systems

  • Risk-controlled hazardous cargo handling

  • Faster project mobilization cycles

  • Enhanced site safety and logistics discipline

His leadership combines strategic planning with ground-level execution — ensuring that logistics becomes a competitive advantage rather than a project risk.

Frequently Faced Challenges & Practical Solutions

1. Delayed Project Cargo & Customs Bottlenecks
Solution: Pre-clearance documentation audits, early engagement with CHAs, shipment tracking dashboards, and structured RFQ planning.

2. Site Congestion & Poor Material Flow
Solution: Defined laydown zoning, loading/unloading bay allocation, traffic diversion planning, and real-time coordination with contractors.

3. Cost Escalation in Freight & Bulk Materials
Solution: Strategic rate negotiations, multimodal optimization, and coordinated tanker placement planning with suppliers like IOCL.

4. High-Risk & Remote Operations
Solution: Advance route planning, compliance with defense/mission protocols, safety briefings, and strong local liaison management.

5. Lack of Documentation Accuracy
Solution: Structured documentation controls, staff training, manifest verification processes, and digital system adoption.