Headquartered in Singapore, Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company (AG&P) develops LNG import, regasification facilities, and downstream city gas networks. It also provides engineering and project management services for LNG and other infrastructures.
The organization provides clean, secure, and affordable natural gas to customers in new and growing markets worldwide through an integrated gas logistics platform covering the entire gas value chain, from sourcing supply to delivery to end-users.
It helps its customers to take on their infrastructure challenge that lowers cost, makes installation easy, accelerates construction schedules, and eliminates risk, allowing assets to become operational quickly. AG&P’s services include development, engineering, procurement, and construction for onshore and offshore gas infrastructure, LNG logistics, LNG marketing, and delivery of natural gas straight to industrial, commercial, vehicular, and domestic customers.
Presently, the company has four businesses:
- LNG Terminals & Logistics: A global downstream LNG infrastructure platform, AG&P brings a commercially viable, practical, and innovative LNG / NG solution, rolling out multiple LNG import terminals and linked city gas operations. AG&P uses its unique technology and LNG ecosystem to accelerate downstream demand infrastructure adoption across underdeveloped, developing, and developed markets.
- LNG Technology: AG&P is a majority owner of GAS Entec, a world leader in LNG terminals and technological solutions, specializing in end-to-end LNG projects, including LNG-to-power projects, LNG bunker vessels, small-scale LNG floating terminals and LNGC-to-FSRU conversion projects, with four patents to its name.
- City Gas Distribution (CGD): Operating under the brand name AG&P Pratham, AG&P is one of the largest private energy players in India, with 12 long-term 25-year exclusive concessions in the five states of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- AG&P Industrial: For more than a century, AG&P has established a strong record of delivering modular solutions for heavy and light industry infrastructure, including E-houses, LNG facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, onshore and offshore platforms, mining operations, food processing and plant utilities for blue-chip companies.
The Leader
Onkar Kapoor serves as the Group CIO and CDO of AG&P. His illustrious career, which commenced in 1999 as a humble trainee engineer, has been a remarkable journey through the dynamic realm of information technology, spanning various verticals and corporate landscapes. Over the following decades, Onkar immersed himself in the intricacies of technology deployment, gaining profound knowledge. Subsequently, Onkar’s focus shifted towards the strategic management of technology, entailing the adept resolution of intricate business challenges through its seamless integration. This evolution encompassed fostering business growth and overseeing the expansive IT portfolios of large corporations.
In Onkar’s words, “My growth has been guided by a positive outlook, an unrelenting commitment to learning, a clear-sighted vision, and an unwavering resolve to tackle complex issues with efficient solutions. Diligence, patience, and the invaluable mentorship of seasoned professionals have all been pivotal to my journey, and the strong spirit to execute even the most formidable projects.”
Beyond his professional world, Onkar also recognizes the crucial role played by his family in this remarkable journey. Their untiring support is integral to his success, shaping him into the accomplished leader he is today.
Under Onkar’s leadership, AG&P now stands to continue its journey of excellence in the ever-evolving world of LNG.
Bringing Change
AG&P is fully committed to four essential pillars: People, Processes, Technology, and Cyber Security. The organization has already attained a remarkable level of excellence in these domains. AG&P’s renewed policies and processes are thoughtfully rooted in the principles of digitization, automation strategy, and adherence to global standards.
The organization is also bringing in cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Analytics, Industrial Internet of Things (IIot), Cloud Computing, DevOps, Hyper Automation, Blockchain, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP). These innovations converge with fully integrated systems strengthened by advanced cybersecurity protocols. AG&P’s overarching aim is to establish a single, authenticated, and controlled source of information to reduce redundancy and furnish accurate information across functions and Management Information System (MIS) reports.
AG&P’s ongoing programs extend towards building Data Lake, advancing data analytics capabilities, and automating MIS processes through intuitively designed dashboards for quick and informed business decisions. Most of AG&P’s systems have been migrated to the cloud, a strategic move that amplifies the organization’s IT capabilities.
AG&P has strategically partnered with industry leaders to ensure secure and seamless operations: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, SAP Cloud, and Microsoft Azure Cloud. These platforms, along with synergistic integrations with other SAS providers, form the backbone of AG&P’s cloud strategy.
A Milestone
Under Onkar’s leadership, AG&P has achieved a significant milestone by successfully deploying SAP S4 HANA ERP, EPM along with ISU, paving the way for several enhancements tailored to the company’s CGD business. Simultaneously, the company is also embarking on an exciting journey with the implementation phase of Oracle Fusion Cloud-based ERP, EPM, and Primavera to bolster its corporate and AG&P Industrial businesses.
It has also introduced AI-based HRMS from HONO, which promises to revolutionize its workforce management. It takes pride in completing numerous transformative projects, seamlessly integrating Microsoft’s Modern Workplace suite, Identity & Access Management, and Digital Signature solutions. In addition, Onkar and his team at AG&P have crafted personalized business applications through Business Process Automation (BPA) while safeguarding the digital landscape through robust cybersecurity measures and data protection protocols.
As the organization steers towards operational efficiency, it remains focused on BPA by launching several collaborative platforms, including Power Apps, Sharepoint, and BPM tools. For engineering projects, AG&P has curated AVIVA’s 3D, 4D, and 5D solutions, along with other project tools deployed for complex engineering projects.
Tackling Challenges
The primary hurdle Onkar and his team confront is the need for a cultural shift and the transformation of traditional mindsets. However, they understand that with unwavering management support, this challenge becomes surmountable and an opportunity for growth. AG&P’s primary strategy to overcome this is fostering a synergistic alliance between the IT and HR teams. They recognize that to embrace technological innovation and operational excellence successfully, it’s essential to ensure that every organization member is on board. AG&P invests in comprehensive training, immersive workshops, and targeted development sessions to achieve this. This approach empowers employees to adapt to new technologies, embrace change, and contribute to the company’s journey toward excellence.
Onkar’s personal creed is deeply rooted in the pursuit of excellence. He envisions AG&P not just as a formidable player in its sector but as a company that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other Fortune 500 companies.
Present Market Landscape
Onkar believes the continuous expansion of the LNG market underscores its pivotal role as an essential player in the global energy matrix. He recognizes that this growth trajectory is not just another fad but a reflection of changing market dynamics and increasing emphasis on cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
At AG&P, this belief drives a proactive approach toward development. The company actively creates efficient and appropriately sized LNG import terminals, which act as gateways to new markets, enabling access to LNG resources. AG&P’s unique strength lies in its ability to bring innovative technical and commercial solutions to the table.
This expertise translates into the accelerated realization of LNG terminals and downstream networks. The company’s approach not only speeds up the process but also does so in a more economical manner, all while implementing proven and efficient solutions.
Looking at the Future
Onkar Kapoor’s philosophy revolves around the concept of parallel growth, where his personal development aligns harmoniously with the progress of the organization he serves. He eloquently states, “In dedicating my skills to the organization and the communities it serves, I’ve realized that recognition and rewards follow suit.”
Onkar also understands that in the modern landscape where digital transformation and automation are paramount for global organizations, there is an opportunity for individuals in roles such as CIO, CDO, or CTO to exhibit transformative technology potential in propelling business growth.