Name: Joakim ‘Joe’ Lindblom

Position: CEO

Age: 30

Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Civil status and family: girlfriend

Place of birth: the Åland Islands

“SEA LINES IS A DIFFERENT COMPANY THAN SIX YEARS AGO”

You are a rather young CEO – could you briefly describe your career path in ro-ro shipping?

I guess that’s true. Bear in mind that I was only 24 years old when I applied for the position. Looking back at my career path in shipping, I believe I’m an anomaly. Two years before I joined Sea Lines I dropped out of college and took over a company together with a friend. The company was in bad shape, but we managed to turn it around, and one year later we sold it. Even if I only have six years behind me in this industry – I´m a true believer in the 10,000-hour rule, which means to truly master any skill, requires about 10,000 straight hours of practice. I was lucky enough to get those hours in early and be in a position to exploit them. Then the rest was luck. At the same time I can’t say that we have been completely lucky if you look at a few challenges we had faced over the last years; a revolution in Ukraine, Russian economy collapsing, the annexation of Crimea, trade sanctions between Russia and Turkey. But here we are, still alive and having fun within the team every day.

Sea Lines operates a freight ro-ro service between Haydarpasa in Turkey and Chornomorsk in Ukraine. It was founded by a family from Åland, the island on which you were born and bred. How come an Ålander entrepreneur tried his luck in the Black Sea?

After more than 30 years in the oil and gas industry in the region, it was time for a new project. And why make it easy when you can make it complicated? You need to be unhealthy positive and optimistic to even consider this project looking at the geopolitical risk involved. But there was a clear business opportunity to set up a ferry operation in the area, so we were happy to take that chance.

Sea Lines’ head office is located in Mariehamn. How do you divide your time between Åland, Turkey and Ukraine?  

For the last four years I have been in Turkey full-time. I felt that it was needed to achieve all the things necessary to build a solid ground for the company. In this region, it’s all about personal relations. And you don’t get them over the phone or by email. I’m proud about what we have achieved.

What does an average work week look like?

Every week looks different.

In 2012 Stena AB formed a JV partnership with Sea Lines through Stena Sea Line. They were committed to staying in business but eventually pulled out when the market shrunk. How is today’s situation? Does today’s traffic warrant a second ship?

Today’s situation is stable, and I would say that we are a different company than six years ago. There are several ways of increasing capacity for the market, but the focus is not on adding a second vessel.

What is typically exported and imported to/from Turkey and Ukraine?

From Turkey, we see mainly textiles, fruit and vegetables, as well as white goods. From Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus we see primarily raw materials to supply industries in Turkey.

How does the political tension between Russia and Ukraine affect your business?

For the moment it is nothing more than threats and provocations.

Has the drop of the Turkish Lira had a negative impact on your volumes? 

Not as much between Turkey and West Europe as we thought it would. Our clients transport more low-value goods for basic needs in different production industries within Turkey.

The 1978-built, 2,500-lanemetre SEA PARTNER is one of the few remaining vessels in the successful Stena Searunner series still in service. Do you have any plans to replace her?

Correct! I believe many would agree with me that it’s a pity that people didn’t understand the potential in the series and just scrapped efficient tonnage with high capacity. No plans, providing we can’t use modern tonnage more efficiently than we do our old lady. 

Is a further expansion of your network realistic? If so, what could be the potential routes?

Without a doubt. Within the Black Sea, you have six countries. So theoretically you have 30 routes to evaluate and choose between.

Are you active on social media?

Yes. Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

What do you love about your job?

The constant changes that always keep challenging your mind.

Are you into sports?

Mainly sports that make me feel alive. As you can see from the picture at 4,000m.

What are your favourite pastime activities?  

Boating, swimming and diving.

What was your childhood dream job?

Coastguard.

What music do you like?

Can’t get enough of Bruce Springsteen.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

The Åland Islands.

What is your favourite dinner and drink combination?

Smoked fish that I caught myself in combination with white wine.