ABC Maritime AG

About Company

ABC Maritime AG, founded in 1982 by Hans Tanner, is a Swiss-based, family-owned ship management company headquartered in Nyon, just 15 minutes from Geneva. Over the past four decades, the company has grown to manage over 180 vessels, including tankers, dry cargo ships, and offshore support vessels, with its Tanker division boasting a Document of Compliance (DOC) for nearly 35 years.

ABC Maritime aims to be the world’s leading vessel operator and the preferred integrated ship manager for owners globally. Its mission is to deliver cost-effective management and marine services, emphasizing safety, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility. The company is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and maintains a Safety Management System certified by DNV and Bureau Veritas.

With a fleet of over 180 vessels and a workforce of approximately 1 500 seafarers from over 30 nationalities, ABC Maritime provides a wide range of services, including technical management, crewing, commercial operations, supply chain management, and support for challenging regions like West Africa. The company also offers niche services such as floating accommodation barges and has established itself as a strategic partner for major oil companies, offshore firms, and financial institutions.

ABC Maritime actively participates in international maritime events, promotes training and safety programs for seafarers, and maintains a strong network of offices worldwide, including in Switzerland, Singapore, and West Africa. Its commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability positions it as a trusted name in the global shipping industry.

Review of ABC Maritime: A Swiss-Based Crewing and Ship Management Company

ABC Maritime, registered in Switzerland, operates as an agent for tanker and offshore fleets. This review focuses on its offshore operations, crew management practices, and overall performance based on recent insights.

Overview

ABC Maritime manages a small offshore fleet of 9 vessels, including 4 Accommodation Barges, 2 Crew Boats, and 3 Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels, currently under repair. All vessels operate in West Africa. The company, which previously had an office in Odessa, Ukraine, has recently relocated its operations to Bulgaria. ABC Maritime is known for hiring a significant number of Ukrainian seafarers, alongside Filipinos and other nationalities for ratings, while officers are predominantly Ukrainian, and superintendents are Swiss. Contracts for ratings last 3 months, while officers serve 2-month terms.

Pros:

• Easy Entry Point: ABC Maritime is an attractive option for seafarers with limited experience or those transitioning from other fleets, making it a good “starter” company.
• Timely Payments: Salaries are paid on time, which is a significant advantage in the industry.
• Good Supply: The company provides decent provisioning and support for its crews.
• Promotion Opportunities: There is potential for career advancement within the company for those who perform well.

Cons:

• Limited Offshore Experience: ABC Maritime has relatively little experience in the offshore sector, which can lead to operational challenges.
• Low Salaries: The company is known to undercut wages, with pay rates below industry averages but slightly higher than competitors like Navis. Specific rates include: OS $53, AB $90, Bosun $100, Cook $100 for ratings; and C/E $300, 2/E $220, 3/E $120, ETO $200, 2/O $160, C/O $260, Master $350 for officers.
• AHTS Operations Struggles: In 2023, the company ventured into the AHTS business but has faced difficulties. All three AHTS vessels have been idle in a Chinese port for two months without secured contracts. The vessels were purchased in poor condition, and multiple breakdowns were discovered after crews boarded, exacerbating operational issues.

Crew Composition and Challenges

The crews are predominantly Ukrainian (100 % for AHTS vessels), with some Filipino and other international ratings, Ukrainian officers, and Swiss superintendents. Typical challenges associated with Ukrainian crews, such as communication or operational issues, have been noted.

Overall Assessment

ABC Maritime earns a solid 4 out of 5 for its ease of entry and reliable supply chain, making it a viable option for newcomers or those seeking a quick start in the offshore sector. However, its limited experience, wage dumping, and recent struggles with AHTS operations are significant drawbacks. Seafarers considering ABC Maritime should weigh the trade-offs between easy access and lower compensation.

Note from the author: The company’s recent foray into the AHTS business in 2023 has been largely unsuccessful, with ongoing issues related to vessel condition and contract acquisition. This highlights the need for ABC Maritime to address operational and strategic challenges to improve its standing in the offshore market.

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