MIKLAGARD
MANAGING A WORLD-CLASS MARITIME OPERATION Powered by Inside Marine
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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