Oliver Kerner, Head of Omnimare, criticises buying policy of shipping lines

Players of the shipping industry suffering financial difficulties create a stir in the maritime market in most cases. Such is the case with the current insolvency of eight tankers of a big Hamburg-based shipping company, resulting also in financial losses for several involved companies.
Oliver Kerner, founder of Omnimare, a full-service ship chandler, sees the shipping companies as responsible, and criticized their purchasing policies: “Almost all shipping companies are trying to achieve as many savings as possible today. Much of the saving potential is certainly in purchasing. However, most shipowners proceed imprudent with these cost reductions. Being eager to achieve always the cheapest price, they change suppliers quite often. For just a few euros in savings, they awarded contracts to other suppliers from which they are often disappointed later, when it comes to quality. ”
“Especially the replacement of machinery or driving technology, a high-technology-related damage can easily plunge the entire company into a financial ruin. I see it as absolutely necessary, therefore, to raise consciousness for quality and price among shipping lines and ship managers. They should thoroughly check the offers and finally opt for the offer that is worth its money, and not the cheapest offer“, he adds.
Since it was established in 2012, Omnimare GmbH has been operating as a full service purchasing company for large and medium-sized shipping companies. From their headquarters in Bremen the staff team of 8 is handling all demands for spare parts, ranging from transport to invoicing. Together with about 320 partners worldwide, the ship chandler manages purchase of all products from the segments of technology, safety and navigation.
www.omnimare-bremen.de