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Leading ship managers V. Ships and
Anglo-Eastern have announced that they are consolidating their purchasing
activities through MARCAS, the Marine Contracting Association, creating a $1
billion buying group aimed at generating further savings for owners in
challenging markets.
Established in 1999, MARCAS today has a membership of owners and managers
responsible for operating some 1,200 ships. With the V.Ships, Anglo- Eastern
consolidation, which is scheduled to go live from the beginning of June, MARCAS
will be contracting for close to 1,700 vessels, representing the major buying
group for the maritime industry.
MARCAS negotiates and signs contracts with suppliers worldwide as agent on
behalf of members all of whom retain management and control of their purchasing,
logistics and invoicing. As members of MARCAS deal direct with their suppliers,
benefiting from the global frame contracts arranged by MARCAS, there will be no
employee changes within the Anglo-Eastern or V.Ships organizations.
Peter Cremers, managing director of Anglo-Eastern, commented: “We have a duty to
our clients to explore any partnerships which can deliver savings; these are
paramount for our owners in these very tough markets.”
Bob Bishop, executive director of V. Group, said: “V.Ships has been active in
MARCAS since the beginning and it has proved its worth over the past 15 years,
aggregating purchase volumes to obtain maximum value goods and services.
Partnering with another of the world’s leading managers is a major step for
owners and for suppliers who can trust in continuity of supply and production.”
Elliot Gow, group director of V. Ships Ship Supply Chain and responsible for
MARCAS, stated: “The aggregated volume and economies of scale will give both
members and suppliers of MARCAS a great opportunity to achieve more cost
effective solutions.”
Ivan Blazina, group purchasing director of Anglo Eastern commented that there
are only winners here. “Having now talked with a large number of existing and
new suppliers we can confirm the additional advantages of higher volumes leading
to lower prices for owners and a more secure environment for suppliers.”
All owners and managers who are members of MARCAS continue to operate their
separate organizations, pursuing their own strategic development and promoting
their competitive advantage. |
