Removing oneself from the theatre of conflict
Following the establishment of his own superyacht management company, Jansen Maritime Services, SuperyachtNews.com spoke exclusively to Franc Jansen about his new venture and his commitment to management and management alone.…
Recognised yacht manager, Franc Jansen has announced the establishment of his own yacht management company, Jansen Maritime Services. The company will offer both project and operational management services.
Jansen, who has held a series of prominent management roles, spoke exclusively to SuperyachtNews.com about the motivation for branching out alone, which he said is fuelled by a need to serve the client. The new company will not offer charter or brokerage services because Jansen is keen to avoid a conflict of interests.
“Most yacht management companies get into brokerage or chartering and to me that is a different kind of sport. Managing a new build you are directly representing the owner and looking after his interests. If you’re brokering or chartering you’re living for the deal”, Jansen explained.
He also feels the industry has yet to bridge the gap in professionalism that exists between yacht management and ship management.Because, while he admits the functions of the two are very different, they should both be “well oiled machines.” Currently, he says, “we are trying to please the owner and nobody is providing a precise product or service.”
Jansen’s assertion certainly has credence, and there are myriad examples of ‘full service’ companies over-promising and under-delivering on their provision. And, with his ample experience, he is also aware of the differences that exist between project and fleet management. He will, therefore, be utilising the expertise of Michael Reardon of Reardon Yachts in Fort Lauderdale, in a mutually agreeable relationship that will boost both companies’ presence on either side of 'the pond'.
Having worked as a navigational officer, marine engineer and class surveyor, Jansen has developed his own mini-ISM and ISM system for yachts under his management, which practises pragmatism rather than rigid conformity. “On a 30m or 35m you can’t conform to everything because you don’t have enough [crew on board]… so what do you do to actually make the boat safe? It also depends on the attitude of the chief officer – some will really run with it and will make sure everything on the checklist is [adhered to], whereas others will do what is necessary and nothing more.”
Interestingly, Jansen is eschewing management software programmes in favour of mainstream operating systems that are publicly available. He feels this actually provides far more reliability than bespoke systems and is easier for the crew and shipyard staff to operate.
Of his new company, he concludes, “it’s about openness and transparency. People can see the good, the bad and the ugly, and there’s nothing to hide.” He already has a 50m new build project underway, with an active superyacht also under his full management. "So far the interest in the new company is overwhelming", Jansen says, "and the aim is to grow the company organically into a serious management company."
Jansen, who has held a series of prominent management roles, spoke exclusively to SuperyachtNews.com about the motivation for branching out alone, which he said is fuelled by a need to serve the client. The new company will not offer charter or brokerage services because Jansen is keen to avoid a conflict of interests.
“Most yacht management companies get into brokerage or chartering and to me that is a different kind of sport. Managing a new build you are directly representing the owner and looking after his interests. If you’re brokering or chartering you’re living for the deal”, Jansen explained.
He also feels the industry has yet to bridge the gap in professionalism that exists between yacht management and ship management.Because, while he admits the functions of the two are very different, they should both be “well oiled machines.” Currently, he says, “we are trying to please the owner and nobody is providing a precise product or service.”
Jansen’s assertion certainly has credence, and there are myriad examples of ‘full service’ companies over-promising and under-delivering on their provision. And, with his ample experience, he is also aware of the differences that exist between project and fleet management. He will, therefore, be utilising the expertise of Michael Reardon of Reardon Yachts in Fort Lauderdale, in a mutually agreeable relationship that will boost both companies’ presence on either side of 'the pond'.
Having worked as a navigational officer, marine engineer and class surveyor, Jansen has developed his own mini-ISM and ISM system for yachts under his management, which practises pragmatism rather than rigid conformity. “On a 30m or 35m you can’t conform to everything because you don’t have enough [crew on board]… so what do you do to actually make the boat safe? It also depends on the attitude of the chief officer – some will really run with it and will make sure everything on the checklist is [adhered to], whereas others will do what is necessary and nothing more.”
Interestingly, Jansen is eschewing management software programmes in favour of mainstream operating systems that are publicly available. He feels this actually provides far more reliability than bespoke systems and is easier for the crew and shipyard staff to operate.
Of his new company, he concludes, “it’s about openness and transparency. People can see the good, the bad and the ugly, and there’s nothing to hide.” He already has a 50m new build project underway, with an active superyacht also under his full management. "So far the interest in the new company is overwhelming", Jansen says, "and the aim is to grow the company organically into a serious management company."
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