Creating the Tools to Stay Relevant in the Future
To stay relevant as a ship, you must do at least one thing: avoid sinking. In the past, many ships sank because they were not properly loaded. To address this issue, a universal loading mark was created by the Englishman Samuel Plimsoll. In 1871, he introduced this mark for all sea-going vessels, and it became known as the Plimsoll Mark. The use of this mark has significantly reduced the number of vessels sinking due to improper loading.
For a company like AEGIR-Marine, it is equally important not to "sink" and to remain relevant in the future. This is why we have started the B Corp certification process, a method that will help us become more sustainable throughout our organisation.
To ensure the ESG pillars remain embedded in our actions and behaviours, we have decided to evaluate our key tools against these pillars. As a result of this evaluation, we have slightly adjusted our Mission, Vision, and Code of Conduct and incorporated them into our own Plimsoll Mark. Our DNA remains unchanged—it is strong and has brought us to where we are today. There's no need to update it; we just need to keep it alive.
On the top left side, you see our Mission and Vision, which are closely related to what the company does and what it aspires to be. On the bottom left side, you see our DNA and Code of Conduct—tools that support our employees in demonstrating to our customers, suppliers, and ourselves how we wish to collaborate.
On the top right side, you see Job Descriptions, which outline what AEGIR-Marine expects from its employees. On the bottom right side, you see our Appraisal and Reward systems, which show what employees can expect to receive in return.
During the evaluation process, we discovered that our tools are almost entirely aligned with what AEGIR-Marine strives to be and what B Corp expects from us. Only minor adjustments were needed to further express our commitment to doing our best for people and the environment.
Our (updated) Mission
The AEGIR-Marine companies are brand-independent service and sales organisations for the worldwide maritime industry, with distinctive capabilities, based on product and market knowledge, customer service, flexibility and the will to ‘do things better’. The services and products of the AEGIR-Marine companies are of critical importance to their customers.
We work relentlessly to reduce our environmental impact and do good for society, customers, employees, suppliers, and partners.
Our (updated) Vision
AEGIR-Marine aims to be the best maritime service company in the world in the eyes of its customers in the most sustainable way possible.
Our (updated) Code of Conduct
I, as amployee of AEGIR-Marine:
- shall do everything possible to serve the client optimally
- approach and treat customers, suppliers, competitors, business contacts and colleagues with integrity, respect and professionalism
- protect the (intellectual) ownership of others and of AEGIR-Marine
- am an ambassador of AEGIR-Marine and proactively contribute to a positive image of my company, anywhere in the world
- respect all people and shall not be prejudiced or make judgements based on appearance, orientation, religion, gender and/or ethnic background
- shall adhere to the safety regulations of AEGIR-Marine and in this way create a safe workplace for colleagues, employees of customers and myself, anywhere in the world
- am aware of the policy of AEGIR-Marine in the area of social involvement and environmental impact; in my work I shall act in accordance with any policy on sustainability
- shall give constructive criticism with the purpose of improving the organisation, and shall also consider criticism I receive myself as such
- shall be comitted to a harmonious cooperation and therefore I shall focus on connection instead of disunity
shall adhere to the law, refrain from bribery and corruption - shall speak to my colleagues about their behaviour in a positive manner, when this behaviour is not in line with this Code of Conduct
Our (unchanged) DNA:
Knowledge
The force of knowledge.
Not just technical knowledge, but also about market developments. AEGIR-Marine combines experience with knowledge. We share what we know and experience so that our story is clear and unambiguous. As a company and all those that represent us, we make sure that our knowledge is up to date.
Quality
We aim for gold
Being professionals, we set the highest standard. We aim for the highest quality. We don’t settle for less. We always want to do things better. Improvement is an ongoing process for us. Customers can rely and depend on each and every single one of us.
Service
Service is our middle name.
Providing top-level service is the main reason of our existence, it’s in our DNA. Customers receive a substantial response within 24 hours. We search for an appropriate solution in close cooperation with the customer. We’re accessible, flexible and fast. Always.
Teamwork
We’re only as strong as our weakest link.
Each employee takes responsibility for their actions and is self-reliant. But we respect and help each other too. We trust one another and make realistic agreements. But an agreement is an agreement. Our feedback is constructive. Integrity is important to us.
Transparent
We have no hidden agendas, all our cards are on the table.
Of course we want to create a win-win situation for ourselves and our clients. But we want to execute this in an honest and open way. Every day. For our clients: we have a transparent pricing set-up with no hidden extras. For our suppliers: we want to build long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect. For ourselves: we are reliable, dedicated and trustworthy. We don’t allow damaging office politics.
Enthusiastic
Enthusiasm is what makes a difference.
We like what we do and we’re proud of it. We are aware of our possibilities and want the world to know. We’re confident, but not arrogant. We gladly go the extra mile and we celebrate our success. We’re simply a great company!