Contact Dr Ajay Deshmukh
- Tel: 01234 758157
- Email: Ajay.Deshmukh@cranfield.ac.uk
Background
Dr Ajay Deshmukh is a Lecturer at the Centre for Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Prior to his tenure at Cranfield, Dr Deshmukh served as a Research Associate at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, an esteemed specialised agency of the IMO and United Nations.
Dr Deshmukh holds a PhD in Maritime Affairs from the World Maritime University, Sweden, MSc in Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Heriot-Watt University, UK and Post Graduate Diploma in Shipping Management, NIMS (India).
Additionally, he is a member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), London, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), India. He was also a certified container inspector from the International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL), Washington DC, for a decade.
In terms of industry experience, Dr Deshmukh has accumulated nearly 8 years in the Indian logistics sector, occupying various management positions across multiple companies. Notably, he held the positions of Director Commercial and Operations at Opal Asia India Pvt. Ltd, as well as Deputy General Manager at Hind Terminals Pvt. Ltd, where he oversaw container operations nationwide, including CFSs and ICDs.
Research opportunities
His research focuses on maritime transport and logistics, particularly ports’ intermodal connectivity, logistics network design, port supply chain integration, resilience and sustainability. He examines how network structures, supply chain integration and cooperation shape port competitiveness and the ability of logistics systems to serve inland markets. His work combines network analysis and quantitative methods to inform transport strategy, infrastructure planning and policy.
Current activities
Dr Deshmukh’s research examines how multimodal connectivity between seaports and their hinterlands shapes port competitiveness and market share. He investigates the roles of different types of inland logistics centres and their connections to ports through road, rail and inland waterways. His work explores how the structure and configuration of these networks influence ports’ access to inland markets and their competitive positions.