Two top names in commercial shipping circles have entered the arena seeking what they perceive to be the more lucrative sector of the vessel management market.
Svitzer the Tugs and Towage arm of A P Moller who operate the Maersk line have set up Svitzer Superyachts operating from the UK headquarters based in South Wales. Among their fleet is Kogo the 72 metre superyacht built by Alstom in 2006.
Captain Grant Thompson said the company was impressive in the way it handled the superyachts classification five year survey.
Andrew Weir Yacht Management is another company to enter the fray. Part of Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd, this family owned company based in London has over 120 years of experience in the maritime industry.
This includes the on-going management of Christina O, the vetran motor yacht with a history of having famous celebrities on board.
Both companies have recently announced the launch of new websites aimed at owners, captains and crew. The site launched by AWTM was designed in direct response to research into what the superyacht customer really wants.
AWYM Managing Director Stephen Corkhill says: “We have always taken customer care very seriously, talking and listening to our international clients and taking their views on board. Over the past 12 months we have conducted a series of informal research studies and these results have influenced the new website design and content."
Incorporated into the websites are key areas covering: Yacht management, Project Management and Yacht services. These will include, Crew, Maintenance, Purchasing, Pre-Inspection ISM / ISPS development Services, New Build, Conversion, Refit, Regulation, Insurance and Accounting.
Both companies convey experience and professionalism in a very competitive market. A major factor for their instant success is that they both offer management services on a fixed fee basis and, in the case of AWYM, stated they have access to specialists, ranging from marine engineers and naval architects to chartered accountants and software experts.
