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Aug 10 – Gibraltar Shipping Feature: Former Real Madrid FC President Vicente Boluda

Interview by Paul Gonzalez-Morgan of www.gibraltar-shipping.com 

Vicente Boluda, third generation Shipowner and President of Boluda Corporación Marítima (Boluda CM), heads one of the world’s leading and fastest growing shipping lines. They are present across the Spanish coast, Portugal, France, Italy, North and West Africa, the Indian Ocean and Latin America.

Vicente’s story does not only relate to shipping. His passion for football has taken him to the top of this fascinating sport. Read on… 

As former president of Real Madrid Football Club, how has this experience influenced you in your professional and personal life?

The opportunity to head up such a prestigious national and international organisation is a unique experience, and an honour for those like me, who are passionate about this sport.  Although my time at Real Madrid was short, it gave me the chance to introduce important changes for the Club’s history, as part of an exciting General Assembly where we would pass key proposals, such as the ability to vote by post.

Define the key to your success:

I believe the loyalty clients have to Boluda CM is our best presentation. Success is not mine, however of all those that have made possible over the years to position Boluda CM where it is today, at the forefront of global maritime services. I always say that constancy, perseverance and hard work will facilitate the journey in achieving your goals…but also humbleness.  In business one has to be humble, talk to people on equal terms, and always be willing to learn.  I believe that the decision to diversify the activities of our corporation at a precise moment in time was crucial, as it was also to bet for our group’s internationalisation. In summary, humbleness and hard work.

What makes Boluda CM different from the competition?

We provide an all-round maritime transport service; freight the goods from the manufacturer’s door to the retailer’s shelf. Our clients enjoy peace of mind. In addition to our current geographical diversification, we have also introduced sector diversification, therefore covering the full spectrum of the supply chain.

Boluda CM offers a full range of services, tell us about those with more demand and their locations…

We offer services across five continents. At this side of the Atlantic, our focus is on North and West Africa. Trade to Africa has increased over recent years, which has prompted us to invest heavily in this region. On the other hand, our towage services are indispensable at our ports, where Boluda CM is the industry’s benchmark.

Boluda CM has a significant present in the bay and Strait of Gibraltar, what would you highlight about this service?

Last year was a milestone in the evolution of the operations performed by our tugs at the bay. Algeciras and its surroundings is for us one of the enclaves with more units, sixteen harbour tugs with great power. Furthermore, we also provide port fuel supply with four barges that make the presence of Boluda in bunkering sea the most important at a national level.

In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges you face in the maritime sector?

At this moment in time, one of the main challenges for ports is the transformation they need to undertake to adapt to new megaships, and manage the number of containers they carry. This transformation will affect both docks and canals, but also loading / unloading and the capacity for logistics and storage. We cannot forget the introduction of new eco-fuels, the so-called ‘maritime fuel of the future’, gas. This will lead to changes in the treatment and waste management.

Do you foresee exploring new markets over the next five years?

At Boluda CM our spirit has always been to grow in order to provide better services to our customers so yes, we pose to expand our presence in other locations in which we do not operate yet.

Your favourite ship:

I don’t have a favourite ship, they are like my children.

More features and news can be found on: http://www.gibraltar-shipping.com


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