Director of Operations, Centurion
In a country where the ocean connects everything—people, trade, and progress—few have spent as much of their life navigating its rhythms as Ahmed Mansoor. With a career that spans over five decades, Mansoor has become a quiet force in the Maldivian shipping and logistics sector. Known for his deep knowledge, practical approach, and calm leadership, he has earned the respect of several generations in an industry that often operates behind the scenes, but underpins almost every aspect of daily life in the Maldives.
Born in 1956 in Seenu Hulhudhoo, Mansoor’s earliest steps toward a life at sea were not guided by legacy or inheritance, but by opportunity and determination. “Back then, shipping wasn’t something you saw as a career. It was something few got into—mostly those who were sent abroad to study,” he recalls. That changed when, after finishing his O-Levels at Majeedhiyya School in 1975, he was selected by the government to work for Maldives Shipping Limited (MSL) in Mumbai.
Building Expertise from the Ground Up in the Manual Era
Reflecting on the early days of his career, Mansoor recalls the steep learning curve he faced as a young man fresh out of school. “I was actually so fresh after my O-Levels, I didn’t really understand much of what I was supposed to do at MSL,” he admits. “Everything I learned, I learned from the staff there and through self-study.”
With limited formal training available at the time, Mansoor relied heavily on initiative and discipline to build his knowledge base. He had to read a lot, ask questions, and eventually started taking online logistics courses—mostly focused on accounting—so he could understand the numbers behind the operations. That early foundation would go on to shape the analytical and practical approach he brings to logistics today.
For five formative years, he immersed himself in commercial shipping operations and earned a Diploma in Accounting while simultaneously becoming proficient in administrative work. “There were about 40 ships in operation— maybe 80 if you counted the charters,” he says. “We didn’t have computers. Everything from freight rates to voyage estimates was done manually. I even worked as a telex operator, reading tapes with dotted messages. It was difficult work, but I think it taught me discipline and precision.”
Homecoming and Rising Through the Ranks
Returning to Malé in 1980, Mansoor witnessed—and helped navigate—some of the most challenging periods for MSL, and the Maldives shipping industry as a whole. He swiftly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming General Manager of the Freight Department. “At one point, I was managing voyage accounts, making dispatch charters, and preparing costings for every commercial trip,” he says. “Planning was everything.”
Over 36 years at MSL, Mansoor built a reputation of precision and efficiency. When the company’s financial struggles became serious, he transitioned to Centurion in 2010, bringing with him not just technical expertise but a rare depth of institutional knowledge.
The Centurion Chapter
At Centurion, Mansoor wears many hats, overseeing three vital departments: agency, logistics, and project cargo handling. His responsibilities range from managing time-sensitive resort supply operations—often involving the transport of perishable goods—to executing large-scale, high-stakes projects.
Among the most challenging of these, he recalls, was the ambitious task of transferring solar panel units across 14 islands in Haa Alifu Atoll. The project required the coordination of over 140 containers for both import and inter-island distribution, despite the islands lacking proper port infrastructure or heavy handling equipment. It demanded innovative logistical planning, including the use of customized offloading solutions, and precise scheduling to navigate remote locations.
His career has been defined by more than numbers and cargo. Mansoor also helps shape company culture wherever he has worked by setting examples with his actions. “Everyone is here to work,” he says simply. “I work very closely with my staff. Even if they make a mistake or fail to complete a task in time, I work with them to fix it rather than expect them to make up for it. If I, the head, cannot show my team how to solve a problem, I’m not doing my job correctly.” This people-first philosophy, combined with a meticulous command of the industry’s mechanics, has earned Mansoor deep respect among his peers.
His accomplishments are many: successfully bidding for government contracts, navigating tight cost margins, and maintaining high-efficiency operations with limited resources. He credits much of his success to mentors like former MSL Managing Director Mr. Ali Maniku, and current Centurion leaders Aimon and Captain Maumoon. “They trusted me to do my job, and that confidence helped me grow,” he says.
**Life Outside of Work and Wisdom for the Next Generation**
Outside the demanding world of shipping and logistics, Mansoor speaks most fondly about his wife—the true anchor in his life. Married since 1978, he credits his wife as his greatest supporter throughout the decades, standing by him through long hours, countless challenges, and career-defining moments. Mansoor similarly lights up when he talks about his two children, both of whom have pursued careers in medicine. “My daughter is a psychiatrist, and my son is studying internal medicine,” he shares with a quiet smile. “They have both worked very hard, and I’m so proud of what they have achieved.” It’s clear that while his career has been long and demanding, his family remains his greatest source of support, joy, and pride.
When asked what advice he would offer the next generation of logistics professionals, his answer is characteristically grounded and realistic. “Know your numbers. Understand accounting. Logistics is all about planning, and if your plan doesn’t work on paper, it won’t work in real life. You will need to be resilient, because nothing moves without logistics.” After 50 years of service to an industry that is often invisible to the average Maldivian but vital to national life, Ahmed Mansoor’s legacy will remain in the culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence that he has quietly nurtured—decade after decade.
