MacGregor in expansive mode

New office and new technologies are helping MacGregor win new market share

In Singapore, MacGregor has opened a small head office in the Cargotec building, where its parent company has had a presence for more than 10 years. MacGregor had been operating from many different offices and from the Cargotec HQ in Finland. MacGregor president Michel van Roozendaal said the company will continue to add people to its team in Singapore and increasingly have global management meetings in the city-state. MacGregor chooses to be in Singapore so that it is closer to its customers and its supplier base in Asia.

As a global market leader in cargo- and load-handling, a head office in Singapore is a natural fit for MacGregor given that the majority of shipbuilding takes place in Asia. Furthermore, close to 70% of MacGregor’s sourcing volume is purchased from Asian vendors. MacGregor continues to have a strong leadership presence in Europe, where most of the company’s competence centres are located. The overall business climate in Singapore is attractive to MacGregor. Mr Van Roozendaal explained that “it is easy to do business in Singapore, which continues to promote technology and the development of people. We hope we can attract top talent to come and work for MacGregor in this leading global maritime hub.”

 “MacGregor has a strong track record in developing and delivering systems and solutions that maximise the safety, efficiency and eco-efficiency of our customers’ operations at sea. We are committed to preserving our innovative roots,” he added.

MacGregor is leveraging emerging technologies to shape the future of shipping. “Currently, these innovations include our progress and participation in the development of autonomous shipping. Furthermore, we are using virtual reality to train ship operators to be more efficient and safer, and are optimising onboard cargo systems to ensure that container ships can carry maximum payload,” Mr Van Roozendaal explained.

One exciting new technology MacGregor is working on is autonomous cranes, a building block of the autonomous vessels of the future. It makes no sense to have unmanned vessels that would still require people to operate the cargo-handling systems.

Another important element for MacGregor is sustainability. Mr Van Roozendaal explained that the company is “striving for increased energy efficiency, and to use biodegradable lubricants. Also, we are contributing to key developments for offshore windfarms. Our mooring systems have enabled floating windmills, applying the technology we developed for mooring oil rigs to the wind industry. With this we deliver our promise: ‘designed to perform with the sea.’”

In December, MacGregor announced the acquisition of Rapp Marine, which will expand the company’s presence in the fishery research segment. Apart from developing software-supported and remotely controlled operations, MacGregor is also developing and offering technology that enables operators to switch from traditional, heavy steel rope to fibre-rope systems that maximise a ship crane’s capabilities. “We develop and innovate in close co-operation with our customers and other key industry stakeholders. We are constantly looking at applying current and future technologies for the benefit of our customers’ operations,” noted Mr Van Roozendaal. “We are also strengthening our position in new segments like the renewable energy sector,” he added.

Mr Van Roozendaal is “very much aware of the cyclical nature of this business. Predecessor companies of MacGregor can be traced back as far back as the 18th century. The current downcycle is hard, as it simultaneously affects the offshore and the merchant marine business. But in 2017 we were able to win key projects, for example a roro-linkspan order in Calais (France) and two projects in Bangladesh. We have managed our cost base, and have been able to remain profitable in this market, which has allowed us to continue to invest in new technologies. The years to come will not be easy for our industry, but we will come out stronger when the downcycle ends in 2018/2019.”