Dear colleagues,
2019 is about to end, and it has been another year of hard work, unfavourable markets but also a year of progress. Our results are still not where we want them to be, but I am happy to see that all the things we have been working on to improve our performance are beginning to work…or that “the medicine is working”.
One of the definitive highlights of this year relates to our fleet renewal, and in particular the delivery of the new Hudong class. The first of our Super Segregators were delivered, and they are truly masterpieces. The world’s largest stainless-steel vessels, and also the most efficient and environmentally friendly. This was also recognized when we won the “ship of the year” award, which made me very proud. This is in every respect a team win, and something you should all take credit for. Taking on such a challenging technological, financial and operational project need all hands on deck.
On the terminal side, we have continued the work to strengthen our core terminal activities. Our ambitions are high, and the outlook for terminals in the chemical hubs remains positive, despite the fact that we now have a smaller footprint in terminals…but it is a healthy footprint. By streamlining the portfolio and moving corporate functions to Bergen, we now have a leaner organization, well equipped to take on a new decade
Another highlight – and by far the most important – is that we after a bad start to the year on safety statistics, we have now passed 120 days without LTIs throughout the organization. This is the only focus that matters at the end of the day – that we go to work safe, and come home safe. It does not matter what we say, it matters what we do, and I ask you carry this in your heart always: We do not compromise on safety.
I also need to say that I will personally remember 2019 for the year of the Stolt Groenland and Bow Dalian incident. It is truly a miracle that no one lost their life in that incident, and my visit onboard Bow Dalian 12 days after the incident made a deep impression on me, and is a good reminder that incidents can happen anywhere, anytime and without warning.
Regarding our markets, we are now more optimistic than we have been for a long time. The demand for our services is growing faster than the number of vessels, so we believe we have the worst behind us and it seems like the markets are on the right track! It’s about time!
2019 has been all about improving our performance and stabilizing our setup and our organization. We have done a lot, and now deliver solid results on safety, operational performance, vetting and efficiency. We enter the coming year with a platform that is second to none in our industry.
You should be proud of the work you have done this year, and of everything we, as a global team of colleagues, have achieved. I cannot promise that 2020 will be a complete turn to the better, that is unfortunately not within my powers, but let us bring the wins and experiences from the past years with us, and do our very best to make the future success story for ourselves, our families, and our company.
I wish you all a happy holiday and a safe, prosperous new year. I look forward to working together with you when we enter a brand new decade, filled with opportunities.
Stay safe,
Kristian Mørch
