hkskyline
June 3rd, 2005, 07:16 PM
Historical links are helping to boost trade
Lloyd Triestino has been sailing to China with a rich cargo of business for more than a century and is keeping up with changing market demand
2 June 2005
South China Morning Post
THE HISTORY OF trade links between Italy and China is long and distinguished, and includes tales of sea-faring explorers, such as Marco Polo in the 13th century. Such adventurers ensured the two countries, although thousands of miles apart, maintained close ties over the centuries. Italian shipping company Lloyd Triestino continues this tradition.
The company began life as Lloyd Austriaco. Founded in Trieste in 1833 by the Austrian government, it was used for many years by the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a political tool. In 1919, control passed from Austria to Italy, and the name was changed to Lloyd Triestino.
Starting as an insurance firm, the company provided information to merchants, insurance brokers and shippers on markets and maritime trade in Europe and Asia. It became involved in the shipping industry in 1836, making it one of the oldest sea trade lines in the world. The company initially focused on goods shipping, and added passenger services in the early 20th century.
In the mid-19th century, Europe was looking eastwards for trade opportunities. Lloyd Triestino played a significant role in establishing a route from the Mediterranean to the East. In 1869, the company's ships were among the first to cross the Suez Canal, a watershed event that opened up trade to the Asian markets.
"Since its original incorporation, it was clear that the line would represent an important link with the Far East," said Lloyd Triestino chairman Pier Luigi Maneschi. "The company was a pioneer in the shipping route between Europe and Africa and Australia,"
Although Lloyd Triestino had a network of links to markets worldwide, it was not always smooth-sailing. The second world war damaged the company to such an extent that the fleet was reduced from 75 ships to just five. Later, the growing popularity of airlines in the 1970s resulted in a severe decline in the use of passenger ships.
Lloyd Triestino overcame these challenges by building up its container shipping business right through the 20th century. In 1998, the company was privatised by the Italian government, and some private partners - including multinational Taiwanese company Evergreen - were brought on board to bolster finances.
Today, the firm offers 24 services, operated directly or in partnership with other companies. In the six years since privatisation, the number of services offered has tripled, enabling the organisation to cover new routes and world markets.
Lloyd Triestino's partnership with carefully chosen companies has expanded its range of services and its flexibility. Joining forces also stimulates creative ideas and solutions. Meanwhile, the number of vessels run by the fleet has grown threefold, and more ships and marine terminals are expected.
"People do not always appreciate the challenges and complexity of operating a shipping line," Mr Maneschi said. "We want our customers to let us help them."
His company is committed to a vision of constant improvement in logistics quality, services and technology.
During all these times of change, one relationship has remained constant. Lloyd Triestino has always operated in China, and today has offices and agents throughout the mainland.
The firm inaugurated its first route to Hong Kong and Shanghai in 1881, and opened its first office in Shanghai in 1908.
"Since before 1900, Lloyd Triestino ships have been connecting Europe and China with direct, weekly services," Mr Maneschi said. "Today Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Xiamen and Qingdao still represent our traditional Chinese ports."
In 1972, the firm incorporated a new company, LT Pacific, which has offices in the main ports of south China. The company's long history in China has earned it a high level of recognition.
"We are very well known in China, because we were present there when many other lines didn't even exist."
Another advantage is the company's strategy of extensive investment in the country.
"China needs investment in terms of ports, intermodal and sales offices.
"You cannot simply establish a representative office and expect to be successful," he said.
Lloyd Triestino is enthusiastic about sustaining its level of investment.
"China represents a substantial portion of our capacity, which is why we are determined to build our presence there," Mr Maneschi said.
"We make every effort to follow and, whenever possible, anticipate the Chinese market's expansion.
"We are responsive to market demands, while we cater to the many opportunities for traffic growth."
Lloyd Triestino plans to open more branch offices in the country, and is negotiating terminals in Ningbo and Shanghai.
"Forwards" is the Lloyd Triestino motto - the same motto used when the firm was founded more than 150 years ago.
With a century of investment in China already behind it, Lloyd Triestino is looking ahead to a future of further success in China - and around the world.
Lloyd Triestino has been sailing to China with a rich cargo of business for more than a century and is keeping up with changing market demand
2 June 2005
South China Morning Post
THE HISTORY OF trade links between Italy and China is long and distinguished, and includes tales of sea-faring explorers, such as Marco Polo in the 13th century. Such adventurers ensured the two countries, although thousands of miles apart, maintained close ties over the centuries. Italian shipping company Lloyd Triestino continues this tradition.
The company began life as Lloyd Austriaco. Founded in Trieste in 1833 by the Austrian government, it was used for many years by the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a political tool. In 1919, control passed from Austria to Italy, and the name was changed to Lloyd Triestino.
Starting as an insurance firm, the company provided information to merchants, insurance brokers and shippers on markets and maritime trade in Europe and Asia. It became involved in the shipping industry in 1836, making it one of the oldest sea trade lines in the world. The company initially focused on goods shipping, and added passenger services in the early 20th century.
In the mid-19th century, Europe was looking eastwards for trade opportunities. Lloyd Triestino played a significant role in establishing a route from the Mediterranean to the East. In 1869, the company's ships were among the first to cross the Suez Canal, a watershed event that opened up trade to the Asian markets.
"Since its original incorporation, it was clear that the line would represent an important link with the Far East," said Lloyd Triestino chairman Pier Luigi Maneschi. "The company was a pioneer in the shipping route between Europe and Africa and Australia,"
Although Lloyd Triestino had a network of links to markets worldwide, it was not always smooth-sailing. The second world war damaged the company to such an extent that the fleet was reduced from 75 ships to just five. Later, the growing popularity of airlines in the 1970s resulted in a severe decline in the use of passenger ships.
Lloyd Triestino overcame these challenges by building up its container shipping business right through the 20th century. In 1998, the company was privatised by the Italian government, and some private partners - including multinational Taiwanese company Evergreen - were brought on board to bolster finances.
Today, the firm offers 24 services, operated directly or in partnership with other companies. In the six years since privatisation, the number of services offered has tripled, enabling the organisation to cover new routes and world markets.
Lloyd Triestino's partnership with carefully chosen companies has expanded its range of services and its flexibility. Joining forces also stimulates creative ideas and solutions. Meanwhile, the number of vessels run by the fleet has grown threefold, and more ships and marine terminals are expected.
"People do not always appreciate the challenges and complexity of operating a shipping line," Mr Maneschi said. "We want our customers to let us help them."
His company is committed to a vision of constant improvement in logistics quality, services and technology.
During all these times of change, one relationship has remained constant. Lloyd Triestino has always operated in China, and today has offices and agents throughout the mainland.
The firm inaugurated its first route to Hong Kong and Shanghai in 1881, and opened its first office in Shanghai in 1908.
"Since before 1900, Lloyd Triestino ships have been connecting Europe and China with direct, weekly services," Mr Maneschi said. "Today Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Xiamen and Qingdao still represent our traditional Chinese ports."
In 1972, the firm incorporated a new company, LT Pacific, which has offices in the main ports of south China. The company's long history in China has earned it a high level of recognition.
"We are very well known in China, because we were present there when many other lines didn't even exist."
Another advantage is the company's strategy of extensive investment in the country.
"China needs investment in terms of ports, intermodal and sales offices.
"You cannot simply establish a representative office and expect to be successful," he said.
Lloyd Triestino is enthusiastic about sustaining its level of investment.
"China represents a substantial portion of our capacity, which is why we are determined to build our presence there," Mr Maneschi said.
"We make every effort to follow and, whenever possible, anticipate the Chinese market's expansion.
"We are responsive to market demands, while we cater to the many opportunities for traffic growth."
Lloyd Triestino plans to open more branch offices in the country, and is negotiating terminals in Ningbo and Shanghai.
"Forwards" is the Lloyd Triestino motto - the same motto used when the firm was founded more than 150 years ago.
With a century of investment in China already behind it, Lloyd Triestino is looking ahead to a future of further success in China - and around the world.