Clarksons Port Services made a significant step this year by transitioning from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (‘HVO’) across our heavy vehicle operations at Sentinel in Ipswich.

HVO is a 90% cleaner, more eco-friendly alternative to diesel, offering substantial reductions in carbon emissions and contributing to a greener future.

We proudly received our first batch of HVO in November 2024. With Sentinel consuming over 75,000 litres of fuel annually, this transition is a significant step in reducing emissions and driving us closer to our environmental goals.

The steel industry alone accounts for more than 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions. That’s why our client, Stegra, the Sweden-based hydrogen and steel producer, needed an exclusive shipping partner who could help them achieve cleaner, more carbon-efficient freight for their new steel plant in Sweden.

We brought together a multi-disciplined team to help meet their goals. 

The result: a stronger, longer-term relationship with a shared vision and goal across disciplines that will help Stegra to operate and grow sustainably. Clarksons is committed to playing its role in ensuring the shipping industry can meaningfully contribute towards the global climate change agenda in ever-more effective ways. 

Jae Sung Choi, from Clarksons Korea, completed the Leadership Development Programme this year.

“The Leadership Development Programme’s objective self-assessment framework was transformative, offering valuable insights into my leadership approach. Through structured feedback and reflection exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas for growth, which has been instrumental in shaping my leadership journey.

The programme highlighted the importance of empathetic team management, inspiring me to initiate company social activities like hiking. These initiatives have strengthened team bonds and improved workplace dynamics. This has already had a positive impact on team engagement and collaboration."

Hear from Eashwar Umaidurai, a trainee based at our Singapore office:

“The various desks I’ve been on at Clarksons have been exceptionally supportive, providing comprehensive training, and invaluable industry insights. From structured sessions to real-time guidance on deals, they create an environment where questions are encouraged, and growth is a priority. The open and collaborative culture fosters both professional development and personal confidence which are fundamental for a trainee."

This year, Sandra Rosignoli, our Group General Counsel and Head of Compliance, was appointed to the Board of Directors for Maritime London. As an industry-led body representing the UK’s maritime professional services, Maritime London works to ensure that the UK remains a world-leading location for maritime-related business and trade.

Vicki Oosthuizen from our Cape Town office is one of Clarksons’ champion volunteers and fundraisers. “2024 was perhaps the busiest and most rewarding year for me personally. I was able to take on even more charitable projects in South Africa and this was due to the amazing support of my colleagues and The Clarkson Foundation.

“For one of our projects, my team and I renovated a creche in a local township that supports 70 children from low-income families. The creche receives very little financial support and was in need of repair. We repainted the classrooms, built a play area and provided furniture, toys and equipment. The creche didn’t have running water so we installed a rainwater tank and a pump to provide working toilets. Clarksons also kindly sponsored the installation of a jungle gym – this was a real winner with the kids!

This was my big labour of love project, and I still continue to visit the creche every second week to see how I can support their needs.”

Our Employee Voice Forum encourages two-way communication between employees from various divisions across the business and our Non-Executive Directors. It is chaired by Heike Truol, our Employee Engagement Director. Participating employees are given the opportunity to raise any issues that they deem relevant or appropriate. In 2024, topics discussed included remuneration, ESG, technology and compliance in shipping markets, being part of the global group, experience of the early careers cohort and communication methods and channels.

During the year, the Employee Voice Forum aimed to ensure a wide divisional input into Board engagement and Heike held meetings in Aberdeen, London and Houston. Following each meeting, Heike provides an overview to the Board of the topics discussed, which allows the views of employees to be factored in to future decision-making.

Our annual Global MDs Week brings together senior management from across our global group. The event provides employees with the opportunity to hear directly from the CEO and CFO & COO regarding the Group’s strategy and the market context, as well as to interact with their colleagues and voice their own views in focused but informal sessions. Our Non-Executive Directors are invited to join various sessions and events. This enables them to hear firsthand the views of our senior employees, understand how strategic initiatives are progressing and gain an insight into the Group’s day-to-day culture.