We want to be our customers’ first choice for LPG shipping
![Operational Excellence at Effective Management at BW LPG](https://www.bwlpg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RM-1024x681.jpg)
As the world’s largest owner and operator of Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), we take pride in offering industry-leading customer service and operational excellence.
Quality Management System
Our Quality Management System (QMS), which takes reference from ISO 9001, is our repository of processes and management systems which guide our delivery of consistent and quality operations. The QMS is regularly reviewed and updated. Regular internal audits are also conducted to ensure that we are adhering to these processes. Any suggestions for improvements are taken into consideration for continuous improvement to our management systems and processes.
![Quality Assurance as a daily habit](https://www.bwlpg.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BW-LPG-QMS-1024x610.png)
Supply Chain
As the world’s largest owner and operator of VLGCs, we take pride in offering industry-leading customer service and operational excellence. We are committed to the safe and sustainable operations of our business, and one way we do so is by upholding strict practices in procurement, as outlined in our BW LPG Procurement Policy.
We work with our suppliers to raise their awareness of sustainable practices and engage them in conversations to help improve their own operations. By enhancing our value chain, we mitigate risks and uphold ethical sourcing standards. As a condition of business, suppliers must commit to our Supplier Code of Conduct, and Terms and Conditions.
Internal checks and balances
Internal checks and balances include an International Marine Purchasing Association (IMPA) standard selection questionnaire to assess the quality and compliance of suppliers. We also distribute a post-work performance review among crew and employees, to gather feedback on the performance and interactions with suppliers.
The Procurement team ensures that corrective actions are taken to rectify supplier non-conformance, and that they receive adequate training. The team also encourages suppliers to extend sustainable practices down their supply chain.
IT Security
BW LPG is committed to protect the confidentiality of personal information of our employees, crew, customers, and business partners. We have measures in place to detect compromised information, such as misuse of data, unauthorised access to networks and computer systems, and malwares. As we digitalise a greater number of processes, we increase our risks of cyber attacks. As such, data and system security is an integral part of business operations. We actively prevent cyber attacks which can cause operational disruption or breach of data that may lead to financial loss, loss of customer confidence, damage to reputation, and legal sanctions.
Our IT guidelines are regularly reinforced with users in order to protect our IT systems and computers from cybersecurity breaches onshore and at sea. Ongoing reviews are conducted to improve our IT Security Management in compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
![IT Security Management at BW LPG](https://www.bwlpg.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IT-security-management-1-1024x677.png)
Economic performance and benefits
Adapting to our changing world requires an understanding that success as a company must be defined by more than the bottom line. It is also about creating value for society – making people’s lives better, enabling economies to grow, and protecting the environment for future generations. By embedding sustainability into our business strategy and operations, we will not only create a better company but a better world.
For BW LPG to play this role in society, we also need to be financially sustainable. Our economic strategies therefore have a dual objective: to achieve good financial results while incorporating environmental and social considerations, and to ensure long-term sustainability of our business and operations.
Monitoring our financial performance
Our Return on Equity (ROE) performance is measured on a quarterly basis and reported in a transparent manner to our investors during our earnings release. Time Charter Equivalent (TCE), a standard industry performance measure for earnings, is monitored daily and guides our commercial strategy. We regularly benchmark against the Baltic Index and our peers to determine how we are performing.
Cost control is also part of our strategy as we monitor our Vessel Operational Expenditure (OPEX) monthly and benchmark against industry peers to ensure we remain competitive.
Sharing knowledge and best practices
![Ship to Ship Transfer or STS of LPG bunker and coolant at sea](https://www.bwlpg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/STS-at-sea-1024x682.jpg)
BW LPG regularly collaborates with other affiliates within the BW Group to share knowledge and best practices on procurement, with the aim to streamline processes and policies, leverage on each other’s understanding of the market and make full use of available resources.
One positive outcome has been the creation of a new Resource Planning system, a one-stop solution for ship management purchasing which further automates the purchasing function for our fleet. A Procurement Manifest has also been set up to ensure mutually beneficial contracts for both BW LPG and our vendors. We leverage on volume and shared resources across affiliates to optimize the conditions of the contract and manage risks.
Sustainability and Economic Benefits
Sustainability Priorities | Results in | Economic Benefits |
---|---|---|
Emissions to Air | • Reduced GHG emissions across our fleet • Full compliance with IMO regulations | • Investment in LPG propulsion technology opens new markets and demand for LPG • New LPG dual-fuel technology reduces maintenance costs and buffers against bunker price volatility • Continued license to operate in compliance with all international regulations • Eligible for sustainability-linked financing which helps lower borrowing cost |
Energy Management | • Optimise vessel efficiency and voyage operations | • Reduced fuel costs • Increased commercial availability means more charters |
Ship Recycling | • More responsible and transparent ship recycling • Uplifting some of the poorest communities in the developing world | • Eligible for green financing and better rates from capital lenders |
Spills to Sea | • Protect ocean health | Continued license to operate |
Community Engagement | • Uplifting communities with a cleaner source of energy | • Increase demand for LPG as fuel |
Health and Safety | • Crew and employees who are well emotionally, mentally and physically • Good work-life balance benefitting family as building blocks of society | • Increased efficiency • Reduced medical costs • Higher retention, lower turnover • Recruitment of top talent |
Employee Relations | • A skilled, committed and engaged workforce benefitting from fair employment practices | • Recruitment of top talent • Committed and engaged workforce • Higher retention, lower turnover |
Diversity and Inclusion | • A diverse workforce reflecting our customers, thriving in an inclusive work environment | • Better customer service • Recruitment of top talent • Committed and engaged workforce • Higher retention, lower turnover |
Governance and Compliance | • Reputation for ethical and responsible business conduct | • Continued license to operate • Preferred LPG shipping partner for traders and oil and gas majors |
Operational Excellence and Effective Management | • Optimise business processes through innovation and quality management | • Reduced fuel costs • Increased commercial availability means more charters |
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption | • Uphold business integrity in a global stand against bribery and corruption in the maritime industry | • Continued license to operate • Preferred LPG shipping partner for traders and oil and gas majors |
Economic Performance and Benefits | • Generate sustainable economic value for our stakeholders | • Dividends to our shareholders • Increasing net asset value of the company |