In our special column, we are pleased to host an interview with Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive Officer, UK Chamber of Shipping who shares his experiences of working in the marine environment, while further highlights the need of shipping industry to significantly reduce carbon emissions harmful to the planet, within the next thirty years.
Mr. Sanguinetti advises us to always strive to make a difference and broaden our horizons by expanding knowledge and trying to understand different perspectives on key issues. He also explains that only with collaboration among all parties within the industry we could address effectively all future concerns.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined the shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
Bob Sanguinetti: I was born and raised in Gibraltar so it’s not surprising that I am passionate about the marine environment. I was also very keen to travel and to see the world, and to be part of an organization that thrives on teamwork, sense of purpose and adventure – the Royal Navy ticked all the boxes. More recently, I returned to Gibraltar as CEO of its thriving port – the biggest bunker port in the Mediterranean which kept me busy for almost four years.
S4S: What about your current job / role most excites you and why?
B.S.: Representing the UK shipping community is a tremendous privilege. I work closely with highly committed, talented and focused individuals from right across the diverse maritime spectrum. I am also able to draw on my knowledge and experience to help address issues such as climate change, safety, seafarer welfare and innovation and consolidate the UK’s role as a leading maritime nation.
S4S: When you think of the word successful who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
B.S.: Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. With a powerful mix of vision, tactics, and full suite of human qualities, he was able to identify nascent potential, nurture and develop talent and teamwork to an extent seldom seen in any sport anywhere in the world.
S4S: Who is / was the most influential person / mentor to you and why?
B.S.: All my previous bosses. As I’ve progressed through my professional life, analysis of my bosses’ qualities and behaviours have shaped my own.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
B.S.: Listen to those around me to broaden my horizons, expand my knowledge base, and understand different perspectives on the key issues.
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18 year old self one thing, what would it be and why? What piece of advice should you ignore?
B.S.: Be yourself, and strive to make a difference in an area you feel passionate about.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
B.S.: I would like to see closer agreement and greater collaboration across the global shipping community on the practical steps we need to take to significantly reduce or eliminate carbon emissions harmful to our planet within the next thirty years. Government, manufacturers, academics and the shipping community need to come together, in a way not seen before, to address the challenges, and seize the opportunities that will shape the future of our wonderful industry.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
B.S.: Always do what’s right and do your best!
About Bob Sanguinetti, Chief Executive Officer, UK Chamber of Shipping
Bob Sanguinetti was born and raised in Gibraltar. After graduating from Oxford University, he served in the Royal Navy for almost three decades, rising to the rank of Commodore. The former mariner served at sea and commanded several Royal Navy warships and a multinational coalition Task Group before working at the Ministry of Defence in a number of strategic roles. His last job in the military was as Head of Intelligence at the UK’s National Operations Headquarters in North London.
He assumed the role of CEO of the Gibraltar Port Authority in May 2014. During his tenure, the Port of Gibraltar saw the reversal of a downward trend in vessel traffic and activity in most sectors through a series of initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening relationships with the local port community, and driving through a robust marketing and engagement plan with international ship owners and operators. He served on the board of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) from 2016 to 2019.
Bob Sanguinetti was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the UK Chamber of Shipping in July 2018. His role includes responsibility for the UK shipping industry’s relations with government and other relevant bodies (national and international) on all fiscal, economic, employment, safety and environment, security and other issues.
