Fleet management

Ship Management

Quality is paramount to all JL businesses and this is also reflected in the fleet management operations performed for the JL fleet of bulk and gas carriers, reefer vessels and product tankers.

JL continuously develops its ship management activities worldwide in order to create value for clients, partners and owners. Accountable and skilled staff in offices and onboard our vessels ensure the safety of people, ships, cargo and the environment.

JL is determined to meet the stringent demands of the shipping industry for maritime security and the safety of seafarers, cargo and vessels, while protecting the environment and providing our clients with uniform, high quality service.

Activities

Ship management services are provided by Lauritzen Fleet Management (semi refrigerated gas carriers, product/chemical tankers and reefer vessels) and by Gasnaval S.A. (semi refrigerated gas carriers) as well as by New Century Overseas Management Inc. (bulk carriers) and Star Management Associates (pressurized gas carriers).

In 2006, JL’s ship management providers were responsible for managing an average of 46 owned or long-term operated vessels comprising 11 bulk carriers, 23 gas tankers, 2 product tankers, and 10 reefer vessels.

Quality

The interaction between JL’s ship management providers and the officers and crew on board our vessels is a key factor to ensure high-quality operations at all levels.

Recruitment and retention of seagoing staff with the right qualifications is a critical factor to ensure the high quality operations of JL’s fleet. Seagoing staff are continuously trained in order to ensure that JL and customer requirements are lived up to and in order to secure a safe and professional conduct.

In 2006 Lauritzen Fleet Management joined the Tanker Management Self Assessment (TMSA) programme. The programme encourages ship managers to assess their management systems against specified key performance indicators, with the aim of continuous improvement in line with best practice. Underlining our dedication to quality ship management, our aim is to reach the highest level of performance in all TMSA categories.

Environment

JL is committed to protecting the environment and to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations. Prevention, optimization and preparedness are keywords in our approach to environmental protection.
In 2006, JL formulated a corporate environmental policy and Lauritzen Fleet Management started implementation of an environmental management system, aiming at achieving ISO14001 certification during 2007.

Energy consumption

JL ships consumed a total of 201,213 tonnes of oil in 2006 to produce 1,732,437 MWh of energy.

In 2006, average energy efficiency was 0.294 kWh/ton-mile, which is better than previous years mainly due to larger, newer and more environmentally friendly ships entering service, cf. Figure 15.

Reductions in emissions were achieved by focusing on propulsion performance, optimised engine performance and trading patterns, and by minimising ballast time. Emission figures are based on actual consumption, oil quality and engine emission factors, cf. Figures 16 and 17.

Accountability

2006 saw the introduction of a common set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across ship management entities, making it easier for JL to measure, document and report the full impact and results of activities.
Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) for 2006 was 2.74. This was a satisfactory improvement on previous years. All accidents can be avoided and it is JL’s goal to reach zero accidents.

A total of 125 port state controls were carried out on JL ships all around the world, with an average of 1.55 deficiencies.

Shipboard personnel

The crews aboard JL vessels are Danish, Filipino, Spanish, Cuban or from the Baltic states. Regardless of nationality, vessel type and trading area, we have a common commitment to safety, environmental protection and the drive for continuous improvements, through continuity training and education for all employees.

In future, the availability of sufficient skilled crew and staff at sea and ashore will be crucial to support JL’s growth strategies and plans.

We shall face these challenges by ensuring that we remain and develop our position as an attractive employer on the global scale, by adjusting employment terms to match competition and by innovative use of technology, IT and systems such as “ships on-line”, and especially by enhancing crew welfare.