MSM CEO Faouzi Fradi highlights the importance of trust with shipowners as mergers reshape ship management's future.
As mergers and growth races accelerate in the global ship management sector, Faouzi Fradi, CEO of Dubai-based MSM, stated that the successful ship management companies of the future will be determined not by fleet size, but by the trust relationship they establish with shipowners.
While the growth and consolidation processes of ship management companies continue in the maritime sector, MSM CEO Faouzi Fradi made significant assessments regarding the future of the industry in an interview with Splash247.
Formerly known as Maryam Shipmanagement, MSM recently renewed its corporate identity and moved to its new headquarters in Dubai. The company aims to transition from a structure that primarily serves the vessels within the group to an international third-party ship management platform.
Fradi noted that large ship management companies have significant advantages in terms of purchasing power, technological infrastructure, and operational systems, but that growth can also bring bureaucracy, high costs, and slow decision-making processes.
He expressed that MSM has adopted a management model that is more flexible, capable of making quick decisions, and able to communicate directly with shipowners, emphasizing the importance of upper management's direct involvement in technical issues and pooling operations.
Fradi stated that the company aims for controlled growth in technical operations and personnel management over the next three to five years and plans to strengthen its activities in Turkey, Greece, Norway, India, and the Philippines.
Touching on MSM's investments in digital transformation, Fradi explained that they are working on AI-supported reporting, predictive maintenance, fleet performance analytics, and management of charter contracts.
He emphasized that artificial intelligence should not be used to replace maritime workers but rather to enhance operational efficiency and reduce administrative workload.
According to Fradi, the true value of technology should be measured by its ability to save time, improve decision quality, and reduce costs.
Fradi pointed out that one of the most significant issues facing the ship management sector is the shortage of qualified seafarers, stating that the demand for experienced officers and engineers will increase even more in the coming years.
He noted that alternative fuel technologies, automation systems, and digital ship operations have created new areas of expertise, and personnel training should not solely focus on obtaining certifications.
Fradi emphasized that working conditions for seafarers, the ability to take regular leave, communication opportunities with land, and career planning are also decisive factors in retaining personnel in the sector.
Regarding the decarbonization of maritime transport, Fradi stated that there is currently no single fuel solution applicable to all vessels for the 2030s.
He expressed that shipowners should consider the age of the vessel, trade route, remaining economic lifespan, and fuel infrastructure when making new fuel investments.
Fradi stated that modernization investments that provide energy efficiency, voyage optimization, maintenance quality, and economic returns in existing vessels should be prioritized.
Fradi pointed out that geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and high-risk maritime areas are increasingly complicating ship operations, noting that shipowners need companies that not only manage costs but can also take responsibility in times of crisis.
He emphasized that successful ship management companies in the next five years must have strong technological infrastructure, financial discipline, and experienced personnel, but that the real difference will be created by the trust relationship.
According to the CEO of MSM, the successful ship manager of the future will be the company that can maintain the human connection with the shipowner, vessel, and seafarer while growing.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
