Mathias Ebersson is operations manager of Stockholm, Sweden-based NYKCool, one of the world’s largest operators of specialised reefer vessels, which boasts a fleet of around 45 ships.
Fruitnet.com: How did you first get into the fresh produce business?
ME: I have a background as Master Mariner at sea and decided to move “ashore” when the opportunity at NYKCool came up. The majority of the cargo on our vessels is fresh fruit.
When did you start working for NYKCool?
I started to work for NYKCool just two years ago, but I have a past within the shipping group NYK onboard their cruise ships under the Crystal Cruises brand.
Where did you work before?
Before joining NYKCool, I worked at sea for 10 years onboard various ship types, including car carriers, tankers and casino and cruise ships. These vessels were sailing everywhere from the heavy-traffic waters of Southeast Asia to the stunning views of Alaska.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the fresh produce industry?
As I work in the transport and logistics section of the chain, one challenge for us is competition from other vessel types within the reefer segment. But I believe that specialised reefer vessels are, and will continue to be, the most preferred means of transporting large volumes.
Describe your typical day-to-day schedule?
My day-to-day schedule involves a lot of planning for our vessels – everything from voyage instructions to various technical discussions.
Due to the different time zones, I focus on vessels in, say, New Zealand in the morning, and then more on vessels in North and South America in the afternoon. I also keep daily contact with our customers.
What’s the first thing you do when you sit down at your desk?
I always start the day going through my inbox with a cup of coffee. Coffee is a must. It comes from my time at sea, when I used to do a lot of work at night and coffee was really needed.
Do you prefer doing business over the phone or via email, or both?
I think that in most cases it is best to introduce business over the phone and later to have it in writing. So to answer the question I prefer both phone and email.
How many people are there on your team?
There is a total of just over 40 people in our head office in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Operations team consists of five people. We also have subsidiary offices in South Africa, the US, Chile and New Zealand.
How much travelling is involved in your work?
It’s rather limited, I would say around one trip every three months.
Where have you been lately and where are you planning to go next?
I was in New Zealand in April together with our first kiwifruit vessel of the season. We have several vessels loading kiwifruit in New Zealand for the Mediterranean region between April and September. My next trip will be to the UK to attend a charity function held by an organisation called the Sailors’ Society, which is for seafarers worldwide.
What do you love in particular about your job and what, if anything, would you change?
I find both the shipping and fresh produce industries very interesting. In particular, I like the way that every day involves new challenges and also that I have the fortune to be part of a great team in Stockholm.
What do you do to unwind after a tough day at work?
It can be anything from playing floorball to playing badminton.
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