For the newest edition of our Apollo member interview, we sat down with Malte Kersten from Durban, South Africa. Among many other things, we discussed how he turned his passion for sailing into a logistics career and started his own company on the other side of the world.
How did you get started in the logistics industry and what has your journey been like so far?
Growing up in Hamburg, Germany, I used to sail with my boat on the river Elbe and always admired the huge vessels. I had the intention to become a Captain on a ship, but the modern shipping requirements didn’t match my more idealistic approach to be on a ship. Hence, I covered this desire by joining the Navy – in those days, we still had compulsory defense force duty – and become a Navy Officer.
As the sea going career didn’t work out, it ticked this off with the Navy career and then it was clear that it has to be shipping on the landside. So I did an apprenticeship with a shipping line and then worked for them in different positions on different continents for many years. At some stage based in South Africa, I was getting bored working for someone else and started my own vessel agency. Today, it is well established in all ports of South Africa. We expanded into chartering and also added freight forwarding to our portfolio.
Our company is focusing on a niche sector service, away from the mainstream container handling by rather looking for the complicated shipping demands, chartering services and forwarding shipments, which other companies are often afraid to handle.
In addition, since ten years I am chairing the local Shipping Association (SAASOA), which keeps me busy fighting the local government authorities.
Furthermore, in 2020 I became the German Consul in Durban, so also taking care of the German Community in and around Durban and engaging even more with the local Authorities. Yes, it has been a journey and I am still fully in it! Once you are in this industry, it doesn’t let you off the hook!
If there is one thing that you could change to the logistics industry, what would it be and why?
We need to get the passion for the industry into young people. I live in a port city and the younger kids in this city don’t even know what the port is for, how cargo is handled and how the products they buy in the shops even end up getting there.
Not even mentioning how machinery gets moved to a factory and inlands, across borders and so on. This requires passion and I would love to see younger participants in this industry developing the same passion and commitment as many of my older colleagues do have.
What do you like most about the industry and your job in particular?
The industry is amazing as it is so international, where you have business partners and friends all over the world. I especially enjoy that it always has been and still is a peoples business. You can see this when meeting at conferences all over the world. So beside all these automated processes, call centers, online applications our industry is mainly based on personal relationships.
How do you set yourself apart from your competitors?
We focus on the niche markets like handling breakbulk, bulk carriers, car carriers and project cargo. We combine international experience with local African knowledge and connections. Logistics in Africa is very different from the organized seamless standards encountered in Europe, America or the Far East. It requires a different approach and thinking. That is why our slogan is: “We Innovate Solutions’! So we add a bit of ‘German precision’ to the African way of thinking. A successful combination in my eyes.
What do you like the most about being a member of our logistics network?
This is the network I was looking for. The main focus is not on containers or volumes alone, but also on projects, breakbulk and finding non-standard solutions for our common customers. Further the engagement with our partners, who think alike and are in similar position and come from similar backgrounds in their areas, is amazing. Having met some of the members on the last year conference in Antwerp for the first time, convinced me that this network works for us. As the company is growing and expanding in different regions we need such specialized fellow partners in a network to assist us moving forward.
How do you relax in your free time?
I am married and have two young kids. Define free time?
— Thank you, Malte !