Photo by Will Reddaway
courtesy of V.Group
Leading global marine support services provider recognises PR as core component in realising global growth ambitions
OXFORD / LONDON: 06 DECEMBER 2018: Marine and energy PR specialist, BLUE Communications, today announced its appointment by V.Group, the leading global marine support services provider, following a competitive pitch. With circa 3,000 shore-based employees in over 60 offices worldwide, and a pool of over 44,000 seafarers, Advent International-owned V.Group has recruited BLUE to support its ambition to drive industry transformation and be recognised not only as a ship manager, but as the leading global provider of marine support services.
Communications will be a vital part of this transformation – clearly communicating V.Group’s vision and values, and demonstrating a commitment to, and progress in each of the organisation’s six strategic pillars. With a particular emphasis on digitalisation and crew transformation, BLUE – current holders of the CIPR Specialist PR Consultancy of the Year Award – will be handling all aspects of corporate communications and PR for V.Group, building and protecting a strong brand and reputation that directly supports the achievement of its business objectives.
A truly global, trillion-dollar industry, shipping underpins all aspects of our everyday lives, with 90% of the world’s goods transported by ship. Ship owners and operators of fleets of all sizes currently face unprecedented challenges; financial, regulatory demands to improve its environmental footprint and sustainability, as well as digital transformation with advancements in technology and connectivity. The role of the ship manager is therefore changing – not only to provide technical management and crewing services, but to guide ship owners through a rapidly evolving industry. V.Group is investing heavily in recruiting the best talent and executing projects, including determining how digital technology can deliver the maximum impact for its customers.
Sharn Samra, marketing director, V.Group, commented: “V.Group recognises the power of communications and PR in telling our unique and powerful story, delivering the essence of our brand, winning buy-in for our business strategy, and supporting the achievement of our ambitious commercial objectives. Working with marine and energy specialists, BLUE, gives us the assurance that they intuitively understand the specific market dynamics, are able to deliver genuine strategic counsel as well as impactful communications tactics, and provide access to influencers within their network. As market leaders in the global marine industry, we need to work with our equivalent in the PR world, and we’ve found that in BLUE.”
Alisdair Pettigrew, managing director, BLUE Communications, said: “BLUE’s client base has always comprised those in the marine and energy sectors who are at the forefront of change in their industries. We are proud to include the leading global marine support services provider, V.Group within that portfolio. And we’re excited to be working with a global organisation that appreciates the value of strategy-led communications, as well as the importance and power of building reputation from the brand up, using this as the foundation for transforming its market, the shipping industry, for the better.”
Currently in the marine market there is a ‘battle for the asset’, where multiple stakeholders including owners, ship managers, and technology suppliers are vying for influence over what happens on board a ship, particularly when it comes to vessel performance. The risk for many smaller and mid-sized owners is that they will be locked out of closed ecosystems, leaving them trapped on the lower level of a two-tiered system. BLUE will work with V.Group in communicating the significant advantages attainable through engaging with a technical manager that has the expertise and scale to help them stay at the optimal place on the technology adoption curve, leveraging global networks of expertise for their benefit.
