The shipowning business of Sato Steamship is built upon strong partnerships with operators (shipping companies). Our mission is not to aim for “expansion,” but to continuously provide “high-quality assets” that meet our clients’ strategies. Currently, we are developing a well-balanced fleet with the following two approaches as our driving wheels.
Many of our newbuilding projects are so-called “drop projects,” where we are approached by major shipping companies with whom we have daily relationships.
In Charterer-Led Projects, where the shipping company takes the lead in coordinating with the shipyard and deciding on specifications, being nominated as the owner to hold and manage the vessel is nothing less than the “greatest proof of trust” in our financial foundation and management quality. We will respond to this trust with all our might and safely protect the asset over the long term.
On the other hand, in order to respond to the rapidly changing shipping market, we also conduct Owner-Led Projects where we consider and decide on the specifications ourselves. As specialists in bulk carriers, we anticipate the environmental performance and vessel types that will be required in the future, and place orders by taking on various risks (market, financial, technical and etc.). This allows us to establish a system capable of immediately providing competitive, high-quality vessels to shipping companies when a sudden demand for tonnage arises.
Regardless of the background behind a vessel’s construction, as long as it is under our management, there is no compromise on quality. We will continue to invest in reducing environmental impact and firmly support the decarbonization strategies of our operators.