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An interview with Leif Høegh, Chairman of the Board and Owner of Höegh Autoliners
Published: 19 September 2023
“Throughout our 75 years of membership, BIMCO has contributed to our business as a leader on development in rule-based shipping and standardised operations”.
“Höegh has a remarkable history dating back to the company's foundation in 1927. When my grandfather started out mainly in oil tankers and later diversified to liners and dry cargo ships,” he says.
How did the company successfully transition from its initial focus to become a world-leading car carrier operator, and what were the key factors driving this evolution?
“From the very beginning, my grandfather was a firm supporter of rule-based shipping and international cooperation. He was involved in most of the organisations coming forward in the 1930s and 40s to create an international network of like-minded individuals and companies to develop modern shipping.“Sustainability and environmental impact are important in the maritime industry. You talk about “sailing for sustainability”- tell us about this.
“I believe at Höegh Autoliners we are a clear leader in sustainability, innovation and so is BIMCO. So yes, we often use the slogan ‘Sailing for Sustainability’. What we mean is our commitment to lead the green transformation in shipping through our strategy, the investments in new ships, technology application and project implementation. We are very proud of our new building programme called Aurora, which will be the the cleanest and largest car carriers ever built when they will be delivered in less than 12 months from now.”What do you see as the industry’s key challenges in the coming years? Maybe not the next 75 years, but maybe up to when the emissions targets come into force?
I believe the industry's key challenges in years to come will be in addition to the regular commercial and operational issues we deal with on a daily basis. How we as an industry take an active part in the green energy transition, which the world economy really needs. We will be dependent on the availability of green scalable fuel, the safe implementation of new technology and companies and organisations willing to take the lead.”How has BIMCO contributed to the development of your business over the years?
“Through the work that they have supported and led in documentation in contracts and in establishing protocols for how companies relate to each other across the world, the institution has been part of the fabric of shipping from the very beginning.Our people use BIMCO's resources on a daily basis when we conduct our business of contracting cargo transport agreements and buying and selling vessels through the up to date documentation and the service minded organisation in BIMCO, it has proved to be a valuable partnership for more than 75 years.”
