Our family business, which my father founded in 1946, specialises in the seaborne transport of petroleum and chemical products. Our main commitment right now is to understand how to read and seize the opportunities of a market deeply impacted by the global financial crisis and by the new international regulations.
Regarding the global financial crisis, the oil and chemicals market has not yet recovered as expected and remains stagnant. The volumes to be transported are not what they once were, but we anticipate that this market will return in the future to be a driving force in the global economy. Regarding the new international environmental regulations that are coming into force in 2020 and beyond, shipowners are facing some difficult choices. However, our current position provides us with a solid base for the coming years and it will be up to us to take advantage of these opportunities.
Having a flexible fleet is crucial to adapting to these changing international market situations. That is why we are currently engaged in a newbuilding project with the support of RINA. The two newbuilds will be equipped with the most modern environmental technologies available on the market, with a special focus on energy saving. RINA’s assistance is invaluable to ensure that we are in compliance with all current and future requirements and that we meet the high standards of both authorities and our customers. It is extremely valuable to be able to rely on constant support, a high level of expertise across many different areas and a worldwide presence.
In terms of our geographical presence, our fleet has traditionally operated mainly in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The two areas may be both European, but their situations are very different from a shipowner’s perspective. Currently, values in the Mediterranean tend to be more stable compared to a more dynamic scenario in Northern Europe.
There is much talk among shipping industry stakeholders about digitalisation of ships. This rise in reliance on digital technologies increases efficiency but also leads to a rise in the risk of cyberattacks. We are keeping a very close eye on cybersecurity threats as a result. In addition, we think it is important to look not just at the digital technologies themselves but at the crew members who will need to use them. Regular training of crew to make sure they are prepared for using these new technologies is essential.
In fact, it is vital that all employees are sufficiently highly trained, not just the crew members on the ships. Shipowners need a dynamic and well-prepared team who can be relied on to control the myriad elements that make up daily operations. This includes, of course, the financial and fiscal aspects, which are important pillars of good business management.
Managing the business properly and overcoming the challenges of the oil and chemicals market require daily commitment and great passion from an owner. In my case, that passion results from having breathed the family business from childhood and seen it grow and thrive day by day.
BiographyMariella Amoretti is the CEO of Amoretti Armatori Group. After graduating in Law in 1976 from the University of Parma, the city where Mariella was born and where the Group's headquarters is still based today, she began her career in the family business, which she now leads. Founded in 1946 by Mariella's father, Odoardo Amoretti, the Company is today a leader in the maritime transport market for oil products and boasts the main international energy majors as customers.
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