Capt Bjorn Hojgaard’s journey to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of the Anglo-Eastern Univan Group began in rural Denmark, where his parents, both dedicated public school teachers, instilled in him a deep appreciation for education. Surrounded by nature’s splendour, Capt Hojgaard developed a profound connection with the outdoors, particularly the water, which ignited a passion for a maritime career that would eventually take him to the helm of a global shipping leader.
After serving in the navy, he joined Maersk, rising through the ranks to become captain of one of their largest container ships. He later transitioned to leadership roles at Thome, Univan, and eventually, Anglo-Eastern Univan Group, where he became Group CEO in 2015. Capt Hojgaard’s guiding principles, “what you don’t have in your head, you can always have in your stamina” and “spare me the hero,” reflect his commitment to hard work, teamwork, and doing a proper job.
As he navigates the complexities of the shipping industry, Capt Hojgaard emphasizes the importance of balance, finding solace in outdoor activities with his wife and dogs. He also draws inspiration from books, podcasts, and insightful conversations, underscoring his dedication to leadership and personal growth.
Speaking candidly with Delphine Estibeiro of Marex Media, Capt Hojgaard shares his vision for a sustainable future, highlighting Anglo-Eastern’s commitment to its seafarers, decarbonisation, and collective efforts towards a more environmentally conscious industry.
Driving Progress…
Shipping is more than just an industry – it is a cornerstone of global prosperity, driving progress and connecting humanity. As the backbone of international trade, shipping accounts for over 90% of all traded goods, and its importance will only continue to grow.
However, the industry faces significant challenges in the years ahead, from navigating complex geopolitical and regulatory environments to meeting ambitious decarbonisation targets. The push for net-zero emissions by 2050 is already driving innovation in technology, ship design, and alternative fuels.
At Anglo-Eastern, we are at the forefront of this transformation. With a pipeline of dual-fuel and green-fuel ships unmatched by any other ship manager or owner, we are driving the energy transition forward. But we know that new technologies and regulations are only as effective as the people who implement them.
That’s why we’re committed not just to our ships, but to the seafarers who run them. We’re investing in advanced training programmes to ensure every officer and crew member is equipped to navigate the future of shipping, from new fuel systems and emissions controls to energy efficiency measures. By empowering our people, we’re building a brighter future for our industry and for the world.
Unwavering Commitment…
At Anglo-Eastern, we take a proactive and uncompromising approach to risk management, fostering a safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of every individual on board. This commitment is anchored in rigorous training, policy development, and enforcement, with zero tolerance for violations in critical areas such as substance abuse, smoking, environmental protection, and hazardous operations.
Our senior management, captains, and dedicated QHSE, Marine HR, and Training teams work in tandem to reinforce these vital messages, recognizing that adherence to these rules is a matter of life and death. Furthermore, our comprehensive WeCare programme encompasses over 60 initiatives designed to promote seafarer well-being, encourage open reporting of concerns, and create a more supportive work environment.
To facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices, we have equipped over 450 vessels in our fleet with Starlink connectivity, enabling more frequent communication and collaboration across our crew pools. In addition, we prioritize technological security, meeting the stringent requirements of IMO2021, including network segregation, firewall protection, vulnerability management, and backup systems, to ensure the integrity of our operations and the safety of our crew.
Embracing Digitalisation…
At Anglo-Eastern, digitalisation is a core pillar that enables us to deliver exceptional service to our clients, while driving performance, transparency, and sustainability. Our Fleet Performance Centre (AEFPC) in Mumbai, established in 2021, plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. By leveraging data from daily vessel performance monitoring, our team of experts translates insights into actionable recommendations, yielding significant results.
In 2024, we monitored over 16,500 voyages, implementing improvements that led to a remarkable reduction of 63,000+ MT in fuel usage and 189,000+ MT in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, our initiative to install Starlink Maritime across our managed fleet has greatly enhanced connectivity and wellbeing for our seafarers, facilitating seamless collaboration between ship and shore. With over 450 installations completed, we’ve seen significant operational efficiency gains and overwhelmingly positive feedback from our crews.
We continue to explore innovative technologies; including drone deliveries, augmented reality, and AI, to further drive efficiency and sustainability. A notable example is our remote maintenance system, which revolutionises equipment troubleshooting and enables swift issue resolution without requiring on-site specialists. By harnessing the power of digitalisation, we’re able to leverage our scale to drive efficiencies through data and knowledge sharing, ultimately delivering exceptional value to our clients.
Path to Decarbonisation…
As a responsible and forward-thinking organisation, we acknowledge the imperative to transition away from traditional fossil-based fuels. To achieve this, we leverage data-driven insights from our Fleet Performance Centre (AEFPC) to optimise vessel and voyage operations, effectively managing emissions in the short to medium term.
Our commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by our growing dual-fuel capabilities. Over the past two years, we have expanded our expertise in alternative fuels, including LPG, LNG, ammonia, methanol, ethane, and hydrogen. As of March, we are actively engaged with 131 ocean-going dual-fuel vessels and newbuilding projects, spanning various ship types. To ensure seamless operations, we provide bespoke training for our crew on dual-fuel engines and systems, utilising state-of-the-art simulators at our fully owned training centres.
In February, we inaugurated the world’s first LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid at our award-winning Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) in Karjat, India. Furthermore, we are expanding our involvement in future fuel ship designs through Anglo-Eastern Technical Services (AETS) and SeaQuest, our newbuilding and project management arms.
As a leader in the industry, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise, holding key positions on committees such as the Chair of the ammonia fuel work group of the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF).
Collective Action for a Sustainable Future…
The shipping industry, accounting for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, has a crucial role to play in addressing environmental concerns. However, meaningful progress demands greater alignment and collaboration among industries, regulatory bodies, and governments. This collective effort requires a holistic approach, considering the entire energy and fuel supply chain.
As a responsible shipping company, Anglo-Eastern is committed to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our managed vessels, prioritising environmental protection and preventing potential catastrophes. We strive for exceptional operational standards, aiming to eliminate PSC deficiencies and acknowledging the higher risks associated with certain cargo.
Our responsibility extends beyond ship operations; as custodians of the sea, we must protect the marine ecosystem. Echoing this year’s IMO World Maritime Day theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” we’re proud to partner with the Great Whale Conservancy and Whale Guardians programme. By adapting our operational practices, avoiding sensitive areas, and collaborating with scientists, we’re contributing to whale conservation efforts. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to making a positive impact and serves as a model for future environmental endeavours.
Art of Leadership at Sea…
Effective leadership in the shipping industry demands a unique blend of process-oriented expertise and people-centric skills. Aspiring leaders must cultivate empathy, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to foster trust within their teams. True leadership involves learning from others, owning responsibilities, and making critical decisions under pressure.
My own experience as a naval officer taught me the value of trust-based leadership. During a perilous rescue operation in the Baltic Sea, our team faced extreme conditions and gruelling challenges. Our Commander’s decision to trust us with the choice to proceed or abandon the mission was a turning point. We chose to push on, and our collective efforts led to the successful rescue of every crew member. This experience reinforced the importance of trusting one’s team, showing vulnerability, and empowering individuals to take ownership of their roles.
At Anglo-Eastern, we believe that exceptional leadership is not about micromanaging or checking boxes. Rather, it’s about cultivating a culture of commitment, where every individual feels empowered to take ownership, strive for excellence, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. By fostering this culture, we enable our people to excel, both individually and collectively, and drive our organisation towards greater heights.
Anglo-Eastern’s Future…
Our vision for Anglo-Eastern’s future remains steadfast, built on a foundation of organic growth, meaningful partnerships, and a commitment to our core values. We seek to collaborate with like-minded shipowners who share our passion for integrity, quality, and sustainable excellence. Growth, for us, is not about expansion for its own sake, but about strengthening our foundation, maintaining our privately owned structure, and staying true to our long-term approach to shipping.
As we look to the future, we will continue to leverage our scale to drive efficiencies, harness data for optimisation, and refine our operations. We are committed to active engagement with key industry bodies, contributing to knowledge sharing and ensuring we maintain our competitive edge. Our role is not just to participate in the industry, but to help shape its future. Our DNA is rooted in sustainable excellence, not growth at all costs. We strive to work with shipowners and partners who share our commitment to investing time, resources, and effort into doing things the right way.
At Anglo-Eastern, we lead by setting a higher standard, rejecting mediocrity, and insisting on integrity and quality in everything we do. This is only possible when we work together as One Team, united in our pursuit of sustainable excellence.
Navigating the Future of Shipping…
The next decade will be transformative for the shipping industry, with emerging technologies, alternative fuels, and innovative ship designs set to reshape the landscape. As the industry navigates these changes, Anglo-Eastern will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of maritime. We will invest in training and education, upskilling our existing talent and preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead.
The past decade has already witnessed significant shifts, with decarbonisation, digitalisation, and geopolitical changes redefining the industry. Shipping has had to adapt, becoming more transparent, accountable, and technologically agile. Yet, its core purpose remains unchanged: enabling global trade, driving economic growth, and improving lives, particularly in vulnerable regions.
As we look to the future, I am confident that shipping will remain a vital component of global prosperity and progress. At Anglo-Eastern, our vision for growth is rooted in sustainability, responsibility, and excellence. We will continue to set the benchmark for exceptional ship management, driven by our commitment to the highest standards. With the right talent in place, I am confident that our journey will endure, navigating the challenges and opportunities of the decade ahead.
Marex Media