INDUSTRY FOCUS: LOGISTICS

eco-speed, the being on time to avoid waiting at ports, keeping the ship’s underwater hull free of marine growths so as to reduce friction and reduce bunker fuel consumption – there is an extensive programme in place to reduce our carbon footprint. We have also had a Ballast Water Treatment System installed on ships and we keep up to the highest standards in this respect.”

Constantly Adapting

Working to the highest standards in an industry that moves so quickly is like a battle against the tide. Fresh challenges and hurdles come each day, and for Mauritius – where coastal waters are prone to tropical cyclones – ships coming into Port Louis need reliable support.

This is where IBL Shipping’s vast network of partners, suppliers, and collaborators comes into play and helps the business to go above and beyond to deliver, while remaining within the strict code of ethics established across the group.

disruption in our service. Since mid2022, all restrictions were eased and business is picking up again strongly.

“In shipping, we are going regional and growing to offer port agency services in Reunion, the Seychelles, and Madagascar. We are also reorganising our staff complement to look into other avenues so that we are not only concentrated on ship owning and management and agency services. We are developing a survey business and we are looking at many other facets of the shipping industry.”

Expansion across new territories will help the company to build a presence in the region that few others could match. Already known for provision of logistics support in containers and maritime products, the company could further strengthen its position on a route that is popular for oil, iron, coal, rubber, and tea. The Indian Ocean Trade Route still brings life and prosperity to island nations, and IBL Shipping is keen to further that success while protecting the environment. The IBL Group cites its purpose as ‘creating a brighter, more sustainable world’ and this ambition flows into IBL Shipping, especially though the group’s seafood operations where 110,000 tonnes of tuna is processed annually.

“We are governed by our group and head office and they are focused heavily on reductions in carbon footprint and sustainability initiatives,” says Rault. “At group level, there is some certification imminent around ESG in this regard, and it is essential. In the tuna business, plans are being rolled out to capture methane and use for energy production – nothing goes to waste.”

Perrier adds that IBL Shipping has implemented a ship energy efficiency management plan which is now mandatory across all conventionsize commercial vessels trading internationally. “That means steaming at

“We have to interface a lot with different service providers because we work in the space between ship and owner and local authorities. We have to maintain strong contact with our partners and suppliers, and we undertake a lot of screening to ensure we partner with reputable companies with high ethical standards. There is a long list of things required to keep a vessel safe at sea,” says Rault.

Membership of several global industry bodies is important for IBL Shipping, helping to provide certainty for customers, and ensuring the company stays at the front of the pack.

Memberships of the APAMM (Association Professionnelle des Agents Maritimes Mauriciens), PUC (Port Users Council), MULTIPORT, and BIMCO, as well as its TRACE certification allow IBL Shipping to embrace the industry with confidence, innovation and forward-thinking.

“Ship owning and management means you have to constantly adapt important. This part of the world, and this route, is set to become more popular for shipping and leisure, and the industry requires fresh skills. A dynamic environment where loyalty is rewarded, IBL Shipping provides everything required for employees and clients to thrive.

“IBL has given a lot to me and I have always tried to give as much as possible back. There have been many changes in the business environment that we have had to adapt and change around. We have managed through transitions well and that has been something I am proud of,” concludes Perrier.

The company will continue to search for new opportunities to grow alongside the group, always navigating with its ethical and moral compass. For all entering Port Louis, IBL Shipping is the perfect partner. .