Sea World Management

Proven management excellence

Sea World Management is a successful maritime services firm that was established in Monaco in 1990. The company offers investors and ship owners a full platform of service functions to manage investments in all segments of shipping. CEO Roberto Corvetta explained more to Hannah Barnett.

SAa family-run boutique firm, Sea World Management (SWM) prides itself on cultivating highly personal relationships with clients, charterers and suppliers, many of which have endured for over 30 years.

The company is well known for treating both vessels in its ownership, and those managed for third parties, with meticulous attention and care.

“We treat them all as if they were our own,” said Roberto Corvetta, CEO. “This enduring connection is fostered by our exceptional team, renowned for their highquality expertise and broad experience. Our remarkable blend of professionalism, passion and enthusiasm sets SWM apart in the maritime industry.”

Three decades of success

Specialising in product tanker, dry bulker and offshore cable vessels, SWM transports more than four million tonnes of petroleum and agricultural products per year, thanks to an experienced team of over 30 shipping professionals and support staff. With a dedication to delivering exceptional service and maintaining a strong work ethic, the company has established itself as a reputable and reliable entity in its industry.

“The company is committed to excellence,” said Mr Corvetta. “That, coupled with a high level of professionalism, has been a driving force in our development.”

Innovation and forward-thinking strategies have also played a pivotal role in maintaining the company’s competitiveness and ensuring its longevity in the market. Indeed, SWM is skilled at adapting to evolving trends and embracing new technologies to shape its success.

As a result, the company is actively engaged in new projects. “These initiatives underscore our commitment to growth and diversification, as we continue to explore opportunities and expand our presence in different segments of the shipping industry,” said Mr Corvetta.

In recent years, SWM has enjoyed significant growth, thanks to this specialisation and diversification across various sectors.

Initially focused on tanker operations, the company later expanded its portfolio, engaging in highly specialised activities, such as the management of cable-laying vessels for leading global companies and dry cargo operations.

The company now proudly oversees a diverse fleet encompassing tankers, dry cargo vessels and specialised cable-laying ships. Showcasing SWM’s expertise in handling various types of maritime operations, the current portfolio consists of approximately 30 vessels.

As part of its embrace of diversification, SWM recently entered into a strategic joint venture with the renowned Columbia Ship Management, known as Columbia SeaWorld Monaco

“This collaboration has opened new avenues for us; not only in the shipping sector but also in related industries such as yachting, aviation and other specialised services,” Mr Corvetta explained. “This joint venture has allowed us to expand our presence in diverse markets and capitalise on opportunities beyond traditional maritime operations.”

A range of services

SWM takes pride in offering a comprehensive range of services to both investors and ship owners, ensuring a seamless and efficient management process.

The company’s services cover various critical aspects of vessel operations and ownership. These include technical management, which ensures the optimal performance, maintenance and safety of the vessels under management; this includes regular inspections, planning and compliance with industry regulations.

All aspects of crew management are handled too, from recruitment and training, to scheduling and welfare. This ensures that vessels are operated by skilled personnel, promoting safety and operational excellence. SWM also facilitates chartering

activities, managing the negotiation and execution of charter agreements, thereby maximising vessel utilisation and revenue generation for ship owners.

Clients are likewise assisted with the financial aspects of vessel ownership and operation. “This includes planning, budgeting and coordination of financing arrangements to optimise investment returns,” Mr Corvetta explained.

Helping customers navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure smooth business operations, SWM also takes care of various administrative and corporate responsibilities, including legal compliance, documentation and reporting.

“Each project we undertake stands as a testament to the company’s success and highlights its exceptional capabilities,” said

Mr Corvetta. “From collaborations with industry leaders in tankers, management and dry cargo, to offshore activities –every venture showcases SWM’s commitment to excellence.”

These accomplishments underscore the company’s adaptability, professionalism and dedication, solidifying SWM’s reputation as a trusted and accomplished player in the maritime sector.

Embracing the future

Of course, collaborators also play a pivotal role in ensuring the punctuality, competitiveness and quality of services rendered by SWM vessels worldwide. Therefore, establishing and maintaining enduring relationships with partners and suppliers remains integral to the company’s success.

“We place great emphasis on fostering strong, long-term connections with key suppliers through a foundation of rigorous cooperation and friendship,” said Mr Corvetta. “These relationships contribute significantly to our operational excellence and underscore the importance of collaborative partnerships to achieve success in the dynamic maritime industry.

“Our emphasis is on transparency, which has fostered credibility with stakeholders, including clients, partners and investors. Operating with a clear approach builds long-term relationships and enhances the overall reputation of the company.”

The company will attend Posidonia in June, the marine industry’s top networking event, run by the Union of Greek Shipowners. Alongside that, SWM looks set to continue a path of steady growth, expanding in a measured manner that aligns with its capabilities and technical capacity.

“Our objective is to continue navigating the industry landscape with prudence; always proportional to our strengths,” as Mr Corvetta put it.

Alongside these objectives, the company is also preparing to tackle another significant challenge. “Environmental concerns are one of the biggest tasks facing the marine industry today,” Mr Corvetta explained. “So, we are actively engaged in various projects aimed at addressing and ensuring the company’s compliance with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Tackling these challenges head-on is a priority, as we work towards

a sustainable and responsible future in the maritime industry.”

Making a start, SWM has already been awarded ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 and 45001:2018, credentials that certify Quality and Environmental Management systems are in place to ensure consistent , reliable customer service whilst operating in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.

Having entered the industry at the age of 20, Mr Corvetta now boasts over 40 years of experience in shipping. He maintains that the work continues to be both fascinating and exciting, and such passion has stood him in good stead.

“Navigating challenges is a perpetual objective, but one that I’ve consistently achieved thanks to the enthusiasm I have for the business,” he concluded. “This passion has always provided the necessary adrenaline to confront the continuous challenges inherent in the shipping industry.

“I also find great excitement in the future of the company. My daughter Virginia, who recently finished her Masters in Shipping, Trade and Finance from Bayes Business School, has joined us, offering a fresh perspective and the potential to propel Sea World Management forward in the years to come .” n