Hong Kong: Shipmanagers can thrive in the downturn, according to one of the profession’s leading practitioners, Rajaish Bajpaee. The ceo of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) tells Maritime CEO: “Whilst BSM cannot find immunity from the downturn, we are not pessimistic about the revenue front given more tonnage looking for shipmanagers.”
The Hong Kong-based executive outlines opportunities in his field. “Just by looking at those repossessed vessels by the banks, old tonnage to be scrapped, etc,” he says, “I already see immense opportunities for shipmanagers like BSM where we offer not only shipmanagement services but also a cradle of value added services.”
It is the quality of performance and sustainable cost competitiveness that shipowners are looking for, Bajpaee maintains. “In this connection,” the Indian national reveals, “our experience shows that some progressive-minded owners understand the situation and trend, and have actually even agreed for increase in fees concomitant with the quality of services provided.” Typically these involve key performance indicators-based, performance-linked fees, whereby both the owner and the manager can mutually share the sustainable gains in the long run.
BSM is poised to cross 700 vessels in 2013, cementing its position as the world’s second largest manager after V.Ships.
In terms of new business, Bajpaee says: “The LNG market is certainly promising.” Geographically, Bajpaee says BSM is looking at opportunities in Indonesia and many Eastern European and South American markets.
The BSM ceo has more than 40 years of industry experience at sea and ashore. He took on the reins of BSM in 2010, having previously served as president and ceo of Eurasia which was folded into BSM in a restructuring in 2008. [06/03/13]
