Miklagard

MIKLAGARD

MANAGING A WORLD-CLASS MARITIME OPERATION Powered by Inside Marine

insidemarine.com

MIKLAGARD

I PROFILE

Miklagard S Ship Management is a versatile and proactive vessel operator, covering all the bases with its expertise in technical, crew and operational management. It was first established in 2019, following a crucial agreement with RFOcean. Managing Director and partner of Miklagard Tayfun Bozoglu and Managing Director of RFOcean & Partner in Miklagard Frederik Rye-Florentz discussed the company’s journey so far, in an exclusive interview with Inside Marine. Report by Imogen Ward.

F

or Miklagard S Ship Management it

A long-standing history

was not a case of right place right

Miklagard’s history dates all

time, but rather the right people

the way back to the ‘80s, when

and a plethora of experience. Combining

ŞENER Group owned and operated

ŞENER Ship Management’s 25-year legacy

chemical tankers. Over the years,

in chemical tanker management and

ship construction was also added

RFOcean’s expertise in ship investment

to its growing list of capabilities.

and commercial management, the two

“I first started working at ŞENER

made a perfect match.

“I first met Tayfun back in 2018,” Managing

in 1995, so I really witnessed the company’s growth and

Director of RFOcean & Partner in Miklagard

progression,” said

Frederik Rye-Florentz said. “At the time,

Managing Director of and

RFOcean was in the process of buying

partner Miklagard Tayfun

some ships which Tayfun was managing.

Bozoglu. “Up until 2010, the

We were also looking for a technical man-

company had around 13

agement platform that had everything we

chemical tankers that it

didn’t. That’s really where Miklagard

had constructed and

evolved from.”

owned. It was offering these

66 Inside marine

vessels out for long-term charter with some

is paramount. This sets the foundation of

major players, including BP, Shell and Total.

our decision-making process, ensuring that

“In 2019, ŞENER sold its last ships to RFOcean, and the two companies came to an agreement, which resulted in myself and my team transferring with the ship.”

safety and environmental conservation guide our every action.

“This approach not only fosters a positive work environment, but also facilitates

The team brought with it over 25 years’

a seamless integration of new team

worth of experience and a stellar safety

members – in office and offshore – and

management system. Since its establish-

the wellbeing of our staff is crucial.”

ment, Miklagard has focused on its mission to service tanker operators with a focus

Continuing to grow

on integrity, passion, safety and marine

Currently, Miklagard manages six chemical

environment preservation.

tankers and two handysize bulkers, but

“No commercial benefit should ever

this figure is expected to grow swiftly. In

compromise safety or environmental safe-

collaboration with RFOcean, who recently

guarding,” Mr Bozoglu said. “Our goal of

ordered four newbuild 6,600 dwt methanol-

achieving zero accidents and zero pollution

ready stainless-steel tankers from a Chinese

Inside marine 67

68 Inside marine

MIKLAGARD

I PROFILE

shipyard, Miklagard utilised its expertise to

panies have been working hard to address

enhance the project.

the upcoming regulatory changes, in order

“This really was our groundbreaking new build order,” said Mr Rye-Florentz. “The

to retain their place at the forefront of innovation and development.

ships are methanol-ready and also rely on

“We went through all the fuels, and we

diesel-electric propulsion. The process was

landed on methanol,” Mr Rye-Florentz

quite long, and we worked closely with

said. “It suited our needs best. Obviously,

Miklagard to develop the necessary speci-

the cost and supply of bio-methanol is

fications. I signed the contracts for these

still an issue – one that I don’t think will

vessels in June this year, and that was

be solved overnight – but we are ready to

really the beginning of a new trajectory for

tackle these issues head-on.

Miklagard. We were really keen to apply the

“When it comes to newbuilds, flexibility

team’s expertise and capabilities to this

is key. You can’t be tied down to just one

project, especially as half the team come

fuel-type, and that’s really a conclusion

from the Turkish shipbuilding industry. When

garnered by the whole team at Miklagard.

it comes to shipbuilding, there is an abun-

Our hybrids give us a lot of flexibility.”

dance of experience at Miklagard.”

This investment is crucial for both compa-

Miklagard is also managing two 19,000dwt intermediate chemical

nies as they seek to align with the industry’s

tankers that RFOcean acquired earlier

net zero emissions targets. The two com-

this year.

70 Inside marine

A top priority

crew welfare. On top of this, we ensure

The company could not provide its

their accommodation has everything

world-class service without the help of its

they need, including Wi-Fi for interaction

hardworking crew. According to Mr Bozoglu,

with those at home. We have recently

that is why Miklagard is also investing in its

invested in Starlink to improve the crew’s

crews: “We provide regular training sessions

communication experience.”

for our staff – both onshore and offshore,

This commitment to crew welfare is

and always ensure they are up to date

clear from the company’s retention rate.

with all sector developments, rules and

Currently sitting at an impressive 95%,

safety regulations.

the company prides itself on cultivating

“We also invite external professionals to run sessions which help to improve

a positive working environment and providing clients with the highest quality of

Inside marine 71

MIKLAGARD

I PROFILE

service. Career progression is also an important element of this, and several of the company’s sea masters began their career as sea cadets on its vessels!

Keen to uphold its dedication to its crews, Miklagard also has its own health and safety management system.

“We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of our crew members, staff, contracted personnel and everyone directly and indirectly associated with our business, our offices and our ships,” Mr Bozoglu said. “This system promotes a culture of safety across every phase of our operations and encompasses a range of procedures and operational instructions that help to monitor and uphold safety at sea.

“Our system is reviewed periodically in accordance with the guidance outlined by the Tanker Management and Self-Assessment programme, enabling

72 Inside marine

us to continuously refine and enhance

and passion, then that’s going to get us

the effectiveness of these procedures.”

a long way.”

According to Mr Rye-Florentz,

As it looks into the future, Miklagard intends

Miklagard’s personal approach really

to continue nurturing that passion, to pro-

makes a difference in the eyes of its cus-

vide its customers with the very best service

tomers: “Miklagard manages the ships

possible. “We really aim to be leaders in ship

like they own them. There is a great deal

management; prioritising quality of service,

of passion within everyone that works for

lasting client partnerships and safety every

the company, and that’s key. At the end

time,” Mr Bozoglu concluded. “We will con-

of the day, we are providing a service

tinue to expand our fleet and seize emerging

that needs to run as smoothly as pos-

opportunities where possible to leave our

sible, and if there is good communication

mark on the maritime industry.”

n

Inside marine 73