In view of the continuing consolidation in the shipping sector, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement and Columbia Shipmanagement have teamed up to create an independent procurement company to deliver greater value in ship supply costs for shipowners.
GP General Procurement Company Limited (GenPro) will negotiate framework supply agreements with international ship suppliers on behalf of its members’ clients with a view to securing the lowest prices achievable on all consumables.
Ian Beveridge, CEO of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement said:
We believe GenPro will change the way global procurement is delivered to shipowners on an international scale and will in time become a compelling new force in the industry. Both companies are leveraging their industry links and relationships to owners and we believe this is something owners will welcome.
Mark O’Neil, CEO and President of Columbia Shipmanagement stated:
GenPro represents optimisation of the procurement process in its purest form – a veritable ‘win-win’ for owners and suppliers alike.
The scope and reach of the procurement effort will not be limited to maritime products and consumables, but will include all products and consumables associated with the operation of the maritime business, onshore and offshore.
GenPro will derive its income from a brokerage fee agreed with, and paid to it, by the ship supplier. It will also negotiate and agree volume-related discounts with the suppliers which shall be returned to GenPro members’ clients in full.
