Dockwise :: Weblog 2011

Dockwise Australia

About three years ago, I was asked to head Dockwise’s team in Perth, Western Australia. It’s been a fantastic experience thus far. Australia’s energetic outlook stretches from coast to coast. In many ways, Australia is a land of plenty: the vastness of the country, an endless coastline, an impressive first nations heritage, a relatively recent settlers’ history, and an abundance of natural resources.

Pirates: the scourge of the Indian Ocean

Allow me to use this blog to comment on an underreported and by the public often underestimated problem: that of piracy in general and in the Indian Ocean in particular.

Don’t think Johnny Depp and Pirates of the Caribbean here, but ruthless organized crime, where criminal syndicates - using the services of international law firms - fund, recruit and equip pirates for operations in the Indian Ocean. Although piracy or attacks by gangs on vessels are also known to take place in the Strait of Malacca, West Africa and to the north and west of South America, currently it is nowhere as bad as in the Indian Ocean.

Dockwise Management Vessel Safety Visit - Sponsorship Program

I have been fortunate to be able to participate in the Dockwise Management Vessel Safety Visit – Sponsorship program that began in November of last year. This program was initiated by our QHSES department as a way to bring our vessels’ captains and crews in closer communication with the company’s senior management, and for the special purpose of promoting safety to be a real part of everyone’s daily routine and culture within Dockwise.

The Annual Review 2010: Effectively Reporting Both Challenges and Opportunities

On Friday, February 25, 2011, our Full Year and fourth quarter (Q4) results, and the Annual Report 2010 were published. 2010 was a year filled with both challenges, as well as opportunities for success.

The New Year Brings New Opportunities for Dockwise China

As we look towards a new year for opportunities, it’s important to recognize that China, like so many other countries, is also feeling the effects of a slow economic recovery. Although inflation is a big concern here, China’s foreign reserves continue to grow and money from FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) also continues to flow in. The government continues to open its doors and the country continues to adopt more transparent business policies. As a result, the economic outlook is bright and business growth should continue to be strong.

Charting a Course for Success in 2011

On behalf of our global team at Dockwise, I want to express my best wishes for a safe, healthy, and productive 2011. The past year was filled with unique challenges that included a struggling global economic recovery, escalating piracy attacks at sea, as well as the Macondo tragedy and subsequent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. However, in spite of these difficult circumstances, there were also distinct opportunities for success.