Page 74 - Next Generation 2015 - Digtial Issue

Next Generation Americas and ROW
After leaving Heidmar, the IT enthusiast
emerged from his father’s shadow to form
Q88, which continues to play a dominant role
in tanker shipping
US
Fritz Heidenreich
FRITZ Heidenreich is credited with
establishing the Q88 technology
service used by 75% of the tanker
industry as an electronic document
management system.
The son of Per Heidenreich —
founder of Heidenreich Marine, the
vessel pool operator now known as
Heidmar — quickly forged his own niche
in the global maritime world by focusing evolved to Q88, which continues
on how technology could be harnessed
to improve fleet management.
By developing a product with
practical application based on real
business experience, Fritz survived the
dotcom boom and bust of 15 years ago
that saw the collapse of higher-profile
maritime IT ventures, bruising the egos
of founders, and draining the bank
accounts of backers.
When Fritz began at Heidmar,
he was known only as the son of one
of the many Norwegian-American
shipping identities dominant in US
maritime circles.
72 | Lloyd’s List Next Generation 2015 | www.lloydslist.com
But his IT talents were quickly
recognised, and in 2001, the in-house
vetting and questionnaire system he
established to better manage tankers
operating in the various Heidmar
pools was extended to the greater
tanker sector.
After his father sold that company, that Mr Ognibene was the right person
their Heidmar Innovations spin-off
to play a dominant role in tanker
shipping.
A dry bulk platform, Q88Dry,
established several years ago, had
1,000 vessels on its list by 2014 and
is used by Cargill, one of the biggest
charterers of bulk carriers. Q88 is also
a technology provider for the parcel
tanker industry.
Fritz’s abilities to introduce
shipping to IT meant he long ago
emerged from his father’s shadow
and is a leading example of the fresh
contributions the next generation can
make.
The president and
chief executive of
Heidmar has steered
the company through
some tumultuous
times during the past
18 months
US
Ben Ognibene
IN fewer than 18 years, Ben Ognibene
has gone from trainee shipbroker to
chief executive of one of the world’s
highest-profile tanker pool operators.
Connecticut-based Ognibene
took up the top job at Heidmar in
difficult circumstances. The former
chief executive, Marc La Monte, died
in October 2013 while on a business
trip and Mr Ognibene found himself
as the interim appointment while the
company searched for a replacement.
Then they announced one: Hans
van der Zijde. Yet five days later, the
board did an about-turn and decided
for the job after all.
It turns out this was the best
choice. Mr Ognibene is widely
regarded by his peers and since
being appointed in January 2014, he
has managed the company through
tumultuous times.
While still reeling from the
death of Mr La Monte, Heidmar staff
learned that Russian oil company
Rosneft was planning to take a 49%
share of the company via its purchase
of Morgan Stanley’s global oil
commodities division, which had the
non-controlling stake. (Greek shipping
billionaire George Economou also has
a 49% stake, and employees hold the
remaining 2%.)
Then, a year later, the Rosneft
deal fell through. Still, Mr Ognibene
kept Heidmar afloat as it celebrated its