A recent organizational restructuring at Vane Brothers has bolstered the company’s logistical effectiveness, raising the bar for the entire customer and crew delivery experience. The restructuring took shape late last year, resulting in a new 30-member Fleet Logistics department.

“Vane Brothers has succeeded for more than 125 years by adapting to changing circumstances in the industry and constantly exploring strategic improvements,” says Vane Brothers President C. Duff Hughes. “The emergence of the Fleet Logistics group is an exciting development that elevates our bottom-line ability to consistently achieve maritime excellence.”

Fleet Logistics aims to “prioritize innovation; refine our processes, procedures and training; and equip everyone with the resources needed to thrive while delivering high-quality service,” says Ian Booth, who co-directs the new group with Chris DeCamps. “The entire Logistics team is committed to embracing new technologies that enhance our efficiency and allow us to serve our customers and crews better.”

Booth notes that Fleet Logistics’ input has already contributed to numerous improvements within the company’s proprietary Scheduling & Integrated Logistics (SAIL) system. “When combined with our Customer Portal and Reporting Services, we are able to provide an incredible level of transparency to our customers, both historical and real time,” he says.

Vane’s Fleet Logistics department is an offshoot of what was previously Chartering and Scheduling. The restructuring allows Brendan MacGillivray, Vice President, Chartering, and Kirk Schaner, Director, Chartering, to focus more of their energy on building and enhancing customer relationships with regard to contracts and utilization of the fleet.

The Chartering and Fleet Logistics teams maintain a high level of strategic collaboration “to provide the detailed coordination of Vane’s complex marine transportation operation,” says MacGillivray. “We are in constant touch with each other and communicate any issues that would directly affect customers.”

ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT

Ian Booth and Chris DeCamps bring a combined 42 years of experience with Vane Brothers to their new Fleet Logistics leadership roles. DeCamps, who started out sailing on company vessels, came shore-side to fill various Operations positions while earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The Wharton School. He most recently served as Special Projects Manager in the areas of Finance and Risk Management.

Booth, a former member of the Royal Navy’s Electronics Branch, provided strategic management and high-level consulting in the private technology sector before joining Vane as Chief Information Officer. Prior to the formation of Fleet Logistics, he managed Chartering and Scheduling’s Bunker Group.

During the restructuring process, Fleet Logistics team members and other Vane personnel, such as Special Projects Manager Elliot Roberts, worked together for a smooth and impactful transition. “The Fleet Logistics team has embraced the change and enthusiastically supported Ian and me,” says DeCamps. “Joining with, and working alongside, so many experienced and dedicated logistics professionals has been immensely satisfying, both personally and professionally.”

Booth adds, “It has been a great experience, and I would like to thank everyone for all the support they have given, both team members internally and from our customers. It is wonderful to see the level of commitment, participation, and excitement within the group, all working together on enhancements to SAIL processes and procedures, etc., to continually raise the bar on ourselves and deliver higher levels in quality of service.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Part of the Fleet Logistics operations area at Vane Brothers' Baltimore headquarters.