Trade Minister Praises Shipping Firm
A Bermuda Government Minister joined European executives at the official opening of the new Concordia Maritime (Bermuda) Ltd. office in Hamilton this week.
Hans Noren, president of Concordia Maritime AB, and Kim Wilson [pictured], Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry, spoke of the importance of the international shipping firm’s presence in Bermuda prior to cutting the red ribbon.
Ms Wilson said: “The presence of Concordia Maritime is an endorsement of Bermuda’s sound reputation and legal infrastructure, and that Bermuda is open for business.
“It is also important to note this company has demonstrated good corporate citizenship as they have provided scholarship opportunities for young Bermudians wanting to pursue maritime careers.”
The renovations to Concordia Maritime’s were carried out from April, with the finishing touches completed this summer.
The enlarged 750 sq ft office now has light wooden paneled floors, giving it a Scandinavian feel in keeping with the companys Swedish heritage.
Images of P-MAX vessels are mounted on white painted walls, providing dramatic splashes of colour.
The furnishings are also in red or white, with the desk of general manager Angelique Burgess shaped like the bow of a ship, adding to the nautical feel.
Since Mrs. Burgess joined Concordia Maritime in April, 2010, the company initiated plans for a new office, renovating its existing space in the Belvedere Building, Hamilton.
Botelho Wood Architects were hired in October, 2010 to complete the interior design and contract administration, from concept through to completion.
The architectural firm chose Bermuda Interiors as the general contractor following “a competitive bid process”.
Jason Mackertich, an architectural technologist with of Botelho Wood Architects, said: “Construction started in April 2011 and finished on schedule and on budget in July.
“The original space was divided into three small separate offices.
“It had to be stripped back to the base building in order to start with a blank canvas.
“The design concept was influenced by Concordia and their request to have an open plan concept for the new space, with an emphasis on maximizing light.”
The bright red main desk reflects the base coat finish of the Concordia fleet.
The bow shaped Corian table was created locally by Albert Wilson of Innovative Surfaces.
Mr. Mackertich said: “Further maritime influences were added by Douglas Davies of Graphix Signs, by use of large printed extracts of Concordia’s operational fleet.
“The office space also benefits from a new kitchen and full bathroom with shower.
“What has made this such a successful project was the close collaboration between client and designers, and having a client who clearly knew what they wanted and who kept changes to a minimum.”
Mr. Mackertich also praised “a good construction team”.
“This all resulted in a fresh new office space that Concordia can be proud to call its Bermuda home,” he said.
Subcontractors involved in the renovations included Universal Electric, Temperature Control and Plumbing, and Abbot Decorating.
Mrs. Burgess said: “I’m pleased with the results. They did an excellent job and were very flexible, sticking to the timeline which was good.”
Mr. Noren, who travelled from Gothenburg, Sweden, for the official opening on Tuesday, said: “They have done a tremendous job.
“The old office was quite old fashioned and had a lot of character but they’ve been able to create a new character with this.
“We’ve had a presence in Bermuda for many years. Bermuda has a very good reputation and is high on the White List, so for us it’s of huge benefit that we now have this new office.
“We can perform more duties here and it will be cost efficient, both from an administrative and an operations point of view.”
He added: “We were very pleased we were able to get Mrs Burgess on board. She has an excellent background and does a very good job.”
Barbara Oeuvray, general manager of Concordia Maritime AG, travelled from Bahnhofplatz, Switzerland, for the celebrations. She said: “I had seen the old office on previous visits and this is very fresh, it really gives it a maritime flavour.
“We are very happy to be here at the Belvedere Building, it’s an excellent location.”
Carl Mikael Von Mentzer, deputy chairman of Concordia Maritime, added: “I like the renovations. It is open and full of light.”
The 2011 scholarship recipients — sharing $10,000 worth of funding — were Vernon Harrison, Kristen Greene and Alton O’Connor.
Mr. Harrison and Mr. Greene are studying at Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton, UK, and Mr. O’Connor is attending The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Maine.
If Minister Wilson is holding/attending a press briefing regarding a minor renovation (only 750 sq. ft.) of an existing office space (this company isn’t new to Bermuda) things must really be bad.
This photo op exercise is an ominous indicator that Bermudians should be bracing themselves for one helluva budget shortfall as a result of the PLP’s consistent mismanagement of taxpayer dollars as its clear they are setting the spin cycle on high for the inevitable fiscal crap storm headed our way.
What’s next? A gaggle of PLP ministers congratulating a motorist for filling up their car at the gas station?