| Threat | Solutions provided by Watertruck+ |
|---|---|
| Current fleet is old and phasing out → | New concept that attracts new cargo flows through an improved design |
| Current fleet is very diverse which implies high design costs and unpredictable residual value → | Standard design yet anticipating generic modifications: simple and cheap |
| Aging workforce with limited influx → | With Watertruck+ shippers are able to adopt an eight-hour work schedule. At the end of their shift, they can go home instead of living on board for several weeks. This makes the profession more attractive for younger skippers. |
| Limited economic attractiveness of IWT for shippers/receivers not located next to large fairways → | A design and logistics concept that allows smaller units to penetrate the hinterland with an increased payload |
| No new builds due to the fragmented nature of the supply side and the current negative investment climate → | Offering an investment opportunity in a standard product with a broad scope of application and predictable resale value |
| In the past, investors and banks did not have a predictable residual value of vessels after a certain years of service. This residual value was heavily influenced by the specifications of the ship, its age, the steel market and availability (as there are only a limited number of ships on the market, excess supply or shortage is a relatively frequent occurrence). This meant that investors were reluctant to finance new vessels. Loan conditions were quite firm, requiring a substantial equity deposit by the operator and having a relatively short term. In contrast, operators frequently have little equity and are looking at an operational return in the medium or long term. → |
The emergence of a fleet of 500 interchangeable, comparable vessels is a game changer. Residual value becomes predictable so that the buying, selling and leasing of vessels becomes easier. This enables operators to adapt their commercial offers to the time frame of the shippers’ RFQs. Futhermore, this increased security also attracts an additional type of investor: those who see inland shipping as a financial opportunity, without actually getting involved in the shipping operations. |