in the business profile of this issue, we meet Jakob Friis Sorensen, Danish president of Maersk Line Indonesia. Jakob is also the President of the European Business Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham).
Jakob, what you first entered the world of logistics and transport organization? What about this industry excites you?
When I was young and out of the army after high school, I'm a paint job harvesting machines. It was the job the better paid than I had so far, but not very healthy. I'm young and I wanted to see the world, not standing in a garage somewhere in rural Denmark. Fortunately, the Danish tradition goes far back as regards the expedition, so I asked trainee A. P. Moller shipping school and got the job.
You have been with the Maersk Group since 1989, making you quite the expert in your field. Please tell us how your trip with Maersk began and developed in what it is today.
The school courses delivery was early morning and the desk and over again in the evening. He was 2-for-1, but promised, after two years, a foreign assignment. I had to go to Cairo, but suddenly was changed to Jakarta. I had no clue Indonesia but soon found myself starting our logistics business here, then called Mercantile Cargo Consolidators. I clearly remember how we recapped the first containers with shoes in Marunda and responsible Tanjung Priok, to the United States.
I spent three years in Indonesia, and then moved to another job in Japan. Returned to Denmark in 1995, but then quickly returned to Malaysia, where I was involved in establishing the first large Ikea distribution center in Asia. Four years in India really showed me what it takes to get an emerging economy goes when it comes to logistics. From 2003-06 I was in charge of regional Maersk Logistics based in Singapore before coming "home" to Indonesia -. I've been here eight years now and enjoy every moment
The Steamship Company Svendborg was established in 1904 in Denmark by AP Møller and his father Peter Møller Mærsk, who scored the trip begins Maersk. Could you tell us a little more about the rich heritage of your business?
The Moller family has been seafarers for generations and Mr. AP Moller Maersk and son McKinney Moller were truly visionary who saw the steamers opportunities and containerization later of cargo. Their values and business acumen have built our business from the ground. As mentioned, shipping is in the blood of Danes, like Indonesia, an archipelago of over 300 islands and a peninsula, Jutland, which is at the top of Europe. Trade and commerce have led our nation, which is also not rich in natural resources, apart from the sea.
Under the Maersk Group there are several subsidiaries, including Maersk Oil, Maersk Line and Damco. Please tell us a little of your subsidiary groups and that their activities consist of.
At first, the different companies organic growth worldwide as opportunities arose and entrepreneurship, young Danes have been charged with great responsibilities in places difficult. As the company diversified, so did the people and a good example is people development system in the house, where Maersk International Shipping Education has produced over 400 graduates of all nationalities every year. The group has changed, especially after the phased retirement of Mr. Maersk Mc Kinney Møllers. Today, the units are ,, transparent vertical companies separated in a conglomerate structure.
Does Maersk research or the development of projects in renewable energy?
Maersk Oil is in oil and gas but has a strong emphasis on the environment and to get the optimum from existing fossil resources. We looked into bio fuel and other energy sources for our ships. Maersk Line in the efforts put into designing our new ships (the triple-E series) is incomparable and lowers fuel consumption and CO 2 over 50% pollution.
Maersk Group operates in approximately 130 countries, with a workforce of over 89,000. A.P Møller-Maersk was recently ranked by Forbes as 142 e the largest public company in the world. What do you think is the secret of growth and your company's success?
Hard work is not a secret. I firmly believe that it is the values of Mr Møller, especially Constant Care, which keeps each employee on his / her toes and this great and wise leadership has ensured that we were able to build the company each year .
Let's talk about Maersk Line, which you head here in Indonesia. What is the main focus area of the company now?
The container industry has suffered in recent years following the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers. World demand has fallen considerably, especially in developed countries, thus tracking rates low. This left us only with costs and now Maersk Line focuses on simplifying the business and taking non-value added costs on the system. This includes leaner processes and also fuel savings and better utilization of the vessels.
Do you have expansion plans in Indonesia in the future?
Yes, we follow the port developments, both in Jakarta and Surabaya, but also elsewhere, allowing us to migrate our ships. Furthermore, both in Sumatra and around Kuala Tanjung in eastern Indonesia in Bitung, we look for ways to support the Indonesian maritime development and improve connectivity.
Let's talk about your CSR work. I understand, Maersk provide emergency assistance to help those affected by natural disasters, such as the Philippines. Could you tell us why this is important to you and what your business is doing to help the world?
As a company we transport the ability to be mobile and agile, so we found that somewhere there is always a disaster happens. We helped with relief and reconstruction in Aceh, we have brought goods to people affected by Mt. Merapi and Mt. Sinabung eruptions. We are part of several international organizations for response logistics quickly to disasters. Maybe so we had less emphasis on CSR programs "softer", but as an example, we participated in Clean Up Day Jakarta in October.
And as the social and environmental responsibilities of Maersk Line Indonesia within your business processes? Could you share some of your current and future plans?
We certainly aware of our ecological footprint. Our global footprint is around the ships, but also on land, we are concerned about the pollution caused by trucks, so we use rail whenever possible. In Jakarta, we are part of efforts in the IPC to make road transport in and out of the port more efficient, reducing congestion and waste. But also in our offices, we are active. So we installed LED lighting, we recycle paper, etc. You have to have a mindset focused on sustainability.
Maersk has a very good presence of the brand, and many people think "Maersk" when they think of shipping and logistics. Tell us your company's brand strategy.
As a society, we have changed quite visible when Nils Andersen became CEO. He opened much to the press and we have very visible examples of the brand appearing in the film as Captain Phillips or shipbuilding Triple E on National Geographic. We are, however, business-to-business so that we do not stigmatize us as sportswear and fashion items. But it's all about communication and which is nice when you have a good and positive story to tell.
The movie "Captain Phillips" was based on the true story of the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama in the Indian Ocean. Do you often hijacking incidents on your cargo ships and where it occurs most? How Maersk agree with that?
Fortunately, we have seen a dramatic improvement in the number of pirate attacks in Indonesian waters. I would say that today it is not a problem, but we theft and pilferage of experience, so safety and security remain high priority area and we work a lot with preventive action.
What traits do Indonesia's so interesting for entrepreneurs and business owners, do you think?
With 17,000 islands and being an archipelago, 250 million people, natural resources, the friendly climate, Indonesia has unlimited possibilities. We can all see what the gaps are, so for me the challenge is always to respond; How can we make changes? There are many solutions available and what motivates foreign and Indonesian entrepreneurs is to see the progress and improvements that affect so many people here.
EuroCham aims to facilitate trade and investment between Europe and Indonesia. As President, how you encourage linkages and growth in this relationship?
We always try to have a dialogue with all holders issues; as I mentioned above, for each challenge we face Indonesia also have solutions in Europe, so I feel there is a match and a perfect complementarity. Obstacles are often political or simply bureaucracy, and once again, the only way we get them cleared through dialogue.
Do you also make the process easier business for European companies in Indonesia, for example with rules and regulations when starting a business
Exactly. We think there is much to gain for Indonesia if it is made easier for European companies, SMEs also do business here. It is about solving problems and expanding the pie - not fly. And it is also a flow in both directions; Indonesian companies and products are welcome in Europe, but that is a very competitive market where players must have a high quality of goods and services. So, those that require a lot of effort into a business plan that includes market research, distribution and marketing in Europe. Indonesian companies also need good partners in Europe.
Jakob, what about your own personal success - What are the key traits still striving towards what you believe are critical to business success
I thrive when working with people, connect people and see positive history of change. It is difficult to change if you can not see the future better, I would like to communicate with people and convince them to embrace it and to make a better tomorrow. I do not dream of money, but the reward for me is to see results and have fun; and as I get older, it becomes more and more exciting to help young people develop. I spend a lot of time spots and support talent in our organization and outside. The best success is when you take a chance on a young person and let them learn and come out on top. As an old friend of mine told me one day, long ago, someone took a chance on us. Giving back is to support young talent develop.
About Maersk Line
Maersk Line is a division of Maersk Group and is the main shipping company line in the world serving customers worldwide. Their operations include more than 500 vessels, 17,000 employees, and 2 million containers in 135 countries.
For more information please visit www.maerskline.com