Monaco: One of the most famous names in shipmanagement, Roberto Giorgi, talks to Maritime CEO today about what it takes to be a successful shipmanager in today’s increasingly competitive environment. Giorgi headed up the giant V.Ships organization for many years, but now is taking a step back. As of January 1 this year he has assumed the role of honorary president of V.Ships. He’s still very much the face of the company, but less involved day-to-day, which has allowed him to take on roles elsewhere such as being a board member of Scorpio Bulk and also the Italian group Azimut/Benetti as well as the Maritime Museum Galata in Genoa.
V.Ships now looks after some 1,000 vessels with around 650 of them under full technical management and the rest just crew management.
In terms of what shipowners are looking for when they search for a shipmanager Giorgi is clear.
“Adding value to the operation of the owners is the basic principle,” he says, adding: “Open communication, transparency, trust and personal relationship is a must for any service company… Service, service and service is a must.”
Giorgi is also quick to list what sets V.Ships apart from the myriad of other managers. Global coverage, global know how and competence in all aspects of the shipping business, the largest pool of seafarers in the world, and massive purchasing are all mentioned.
Based in Monaco for many years, Giorgi, an Italian national, has noticed the growth in the principality of shipping-related firms of late.
“Definitely Monaco has become a shipping cluster,” he says. Today the Shipping Chamber of Monaco has more than 30 members.
