German Renewables Shipbrokers Starting Off

An increasing number of offshore installations utilizing wind, wave and tidal energy will characterize Europe’s coastal waters of the future. German Renewables Shipbrokers is the very first ship broker specializing in tonnage for offshore wind energy projects. With their newly founded company, both founders want to apply their longtime experience to a market expected to increase sharply.

Philippe Schönefeld is convinced of an increasing market: „Each offshore project needs just the right ships for both installation and operation.“ He holds a diploma in engineering and industrial engineering and is familiar with the shipping industry for many years. His last position he held at one of the biggest German shipping companies, the Rickmers Group in Hamburg, where he was responsible for the development of the offshore wind business unit and gained deep insight into this special market section.

Since July 4, 2011, Phillippe Schönefeld and his partner Matthias Mroß operate their own enterprise. It is called German Renewables Shipbrokers and is one of the first ship brokers in Europe especially targeting the market of tonnage for offshore installations utilizing renewable energy. Matthias Mroß holds an engineering degree in shipbuilding and a diploma in ship management from Lloyds Maritime Academy in London. He can rely on many years of experience gained at engineering offices, shipyards and shipping companies. His last stop was the Thomas Schulte shipping company, where he was responsible for newbuildings at shipyards in Korea and China.

German Renewables Shipbrokers is a service provider combining comprehensive knowledge from two different worlds. On one hand, the company operates as a ship broker with excellent contacts to the international offshore shipping industry. On the other hand, it has comprehensive know-how when it comes to the technical aspects of building and operating special-purpose vessels.

“Until now, this combination of expertise is truly unique,” says Matthias Mroß, underscoring the strength of the company. He adds: “We are not only positioned excellently to bring ship owners and those interested in buying or chartering together. We are also familiar with the special requirements of offshore energy projects, which enables us to support any venture in this field with our comprehensive shipping know-how.”

German Renewables Shipbrokers do not only consider themselves as classic brokers, engaged in providing the right contacts and bringing business partners together. The company is also set out to offer a complete range of value added services. These include expert consulting, drafting of charter parties and purchase agreements, as well as comprehensive support services prior, during and after a contract is concluded successfully. In addition, the company provides numerous consulting services in the field of building and converting ships, as well as the complete ship management of special offshore tonnage.

German Renewables Shipbrokers see excellent chances to develop into a leading position in the booming market of offshore projects utilizating renewable energy.

[mappress]

Source: German-Shipbrokers, July 14, 2011;