Dubai-based Emirates Shipping Line has appointed Sushil Sriram as chief executive officer, replacing Till Ole Barrelet, who is stepping down after four years in the role.

Sriram joined ESL in January 2024 as chief trade officer and has since worked alongside the senior team on network development and commercial strategy. He brings around 20 years of experience across strategy, operations and commercial management, with time spent in markets across Asia and Europe.

Barrelet led the carrier through a period of repositioning and expansion, helping to sharpen its strategy and raise its profile in global liner markets.

The company said it expects to continue building its position as a carrier of choice in its core trades under the new chief’s leadership.

The leadership change comes as ESL marks 20 years in business. Founded in 2006 as a niche carrier, the company has grown into a mid-sized liner operator ranked 20th on Alphaliner’s list of top carriers. The company, which runs a network of more than 70 offices in 32 countries, operates close to 30 ships with a combined capacity of about 120,000 teu.