Hong Kong: On Monday it was announced that one of the most famous names in shipmanagement was handing over the reins of day-to-day business at Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM).
Rajaish Bajpaee will hand over ceo responsibility to his current deputy, Captain Norbert Aschmann, through planned succession at the end of December after more than 27 years of loyal service to the Schulte Group.
Bajpaee will then take up the position of chairman in a non-executive capacity
Speaking exclusively to Maritime CEO, Bajpaee reflects on how his industry has changed over the years.
“Shipmanagement services nowadays have become commoditized,” he says, “to a point that cost efficiency, asset preservation, and fitness for purpose are a given.”
The major challenge for shipmanagers, he reckons, is that they must always be able to effectively respond to the global and local market dynamics, and anticipate, meet and achieve the satisfaction of customers through customised and innovative solutions.
Another big change, Bajpaee notices is that nowadays, competition does not only come from within the shipmanagement industry. Shipowners have also become strong competitors. However, having noticed a change in ownership patterns, and with generational shifts in traditional owners, new players like venture capitalists and private equity, there is also a possibility of financing institutes repossessing distress assets which will require to be professionally managed by shipmanagers.
On his advice to his successor, Bajpaee discusses BSM’s continued desire to be the best. “The best,” he says, “is a journey without a finish line. That is the underlying theme of our leadership in quality shipmanagement and the diverse spectrum of services we provide.”
Having been in shipping for more than 40 years Bajpaee’s knowledge and enthusiasm is likely to open many new doors to executive boards around the world, however he will not be drawn on what other interests he might pursue in the new year.
“I hope to continue to contribute to the industry in whatever way possible,” he says. [17/12/14]
