Spinnaker loves people – we’re maritime people experts, after all. One of our long-standing colleagues in the industry throughout his career is Oldendorff’s Director of Business Development & Strategy Scott Bergeron, and we caught up with him to hear his thoughts on decarbonisation, the surprises of shipping, and forks in the road…
Q: Why shipping?
Ever since…once you get a taste for the sea, it becomes hard to resist. I guess it started when I learned to row a boat before I turned 5.
Q: What makes you want to go to work in the morning?
In shipping, anything can happen from one day to the next. Rarely does a day unfold as you expected it to. What could be more exciting?
Q: What is your career highlight?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have many career highlights. But one of the more remarkable ones is the arc of my career thus far: starting at the US Merchant Marine Academy where I was indoctrinated into the US flag and Jones Act paradigm, then I became a US Coast Guard inspector involved in reflagging foreign built ships to US flag, then on to working for a successful foreign flag tanker company, before leading the most successful offshore flag and then joining a shipowner where I was able to bring the most modern bulk carrier that the US flag has ever registered. Full circle!
Q: What do you see for the next 5 years?
A very interesting race towards decarbonisation and some unique commercial opportunities for owners and operators that can think strategically.
Q: If you had to buy a ship tomorrow, what would you buy?
One that doesn’t emit GHGs.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry today?
Addressing the challenge to decarbonize – this is a global energy issue, but the shipping industry is expected to solve the challenge on our own.
Q: Would you recommend a shipping career?
Absolutely yes.
A bit about you…
- Ketchup or mustard? Ketchup
- Half empty or half full? Half full
- Spender or saver? A little of both.
- Walk or run? Walking, unfortunately since that ski injury…
- What book should everyone read? Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis
- Best ever investment? Education
- What advice would you give to your 21 year old self? Reach for your goals but realize that forks in the road will come and present opportunities for better goals.
