With offices in Limassol and locations including Poland, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, and a fleet of over 60 vessels operating worldwide, SMT Shipping is a global maritime group of companies involved in shipping and transshipment of dry bulk cargo.
SMT Shipping is considered to be one of the most significant investors in Cyprus’ maritime sector, with cargo clients include mines, raw material end-users, traders, importers and exporters, and still a family-controlled business,
On the occasion of SMT Shipping’s landmark 35th anniversary this year, Founder Anthonius Voorham who is now sitting as advisor to the board, and his son CEO Mark Voorham, who are Dutch nationals, spoke to CBN about the company’s origins, their experience of doing business in Cyprus, and what comes next.
They also talk about what first attracted the company to invest in Cyprus and discuss the challenges currently facing the industry.
Congratulations on SMT Shipping celebrating its 35th anniversary. Can you share what you consider to have been some of the most significant milestones over the past decades?
Mark Voorham: The most significant milestones were diversification of the business into transshipment and cement from traditional bulk shipping operations. This allowed the company to grow and expand into new markets.
What were some of the main company aims at the time of its formation, and are you satisfied with how they have been achieved since?
Anthonius Voorham: The aim was to build a business that would grow from strength to strength, we have achieved this, and we are satisfied with what we have achieved.
Can you tell us more about SMT’s decision to invest in Cyprus? And, how would you describe your experience of doing business here?
MV: Cyprus has been a long established shipping hub providing a skilled work force in the industry, a regulator and shipping ministry that understands and supports the maritime sector. This made the choice to invest in Cyprus not only an easy one but a pragmatic one! Over the last 35 years being here has led to numerous friendships both on a personal and professional level - this has enhanced our working lives and is the backbone of our business where our colleagues have become our family and friends
Can you tell us some of the reasons why operational project development and the company’s transshipment activities in West Africa have continued to hold your professional interest?
MV: Transshipment operations are not straightforward and require innovative and creative solutions. Formulating these solutions requires technical and logistical knowledge - working on these projects provides us with the opportunity to utilise our experience and expertise to develop and enhance these activities.
More widely, what are some of the most significant ways the maritime sector has changed since 1990, and what do you consider to be some of the main challenges to the industry today?
MV: The main challenge for us, and indeed any shipping business, is keeping abreast of the ever changing and increasingly complex regulatory landscape. We at SMT, along with our stakeholders, take our compliance obligations very seriously but in doing so we must continue to devote resources to this and adapt the way we work together in the future.
Further to the above, how are the current geopolitical issues, in this region but also further away, impacting the maritime sector?
MV: We have been fortunate in that most of those cargoes we have transported traditionally along with our customers trading routes have not been impacted by sanctions. However, we remain vigilant to ensure strict compliance with sanctions.
On a more personal note, a question for Anthonius Voorham, what are some of the ways your time at the Maritime Academy in Rotterdam helped prepare you for a career in this sector?
AV: I began my career as Supervisor of Stevedoring Operations in the Port of Rotterdam where I gained most of my experience. It was a professional and excellent starting point to my career.
Mark Voorham, as CEO of the company, you are continuing your family legacy and, in another question for you Anthonius Voorham, what would you ultimately like this legacy to be?
AV: As I have handed over the control of the company to my children, with whom I am very satisfied, I would like to give them the opportunity to reply. I believe in my children and have every confidence they will do the utmost for SMT to keep growing.
MV: My sister Francis and I are both honoured that my father has faith in us and is satisfied with what we have achieved in taking on the reins of the company. We hope to work with and learn from my father for many more years to come while continuing to grow the business for the next generation.
What’s next for SMT Shipping?
MV: More of the same - sustainable and steady growth, providing a first class service our clients and partners while at the same time maintaining our family values and the friendships we have built along the way.
AV: I am now enjoying the benefits of my hard work and look forward to seeing the next generation grow and become everything they are meant to be. I have every confidence in them that they will take SMT to even greater heights.
