Aiming to expand its footprint and better serve its customers in the North of Spain, Onego embarked on a partnership with Berge Logistics, forming a shipping agency and brokers company Euroamericas. Since its inception in 2016, the company has emerged as a major player, focused on providing tailored solutions to clients across various sectors.

In this first financial year, the Bilbao-based company handled 58 vessels in Spanish ports and managed over 275,000 tonnes of cargo. However, according to Peio Bastida, Managing Director of Euroamericas, the first few years were difficult. “The market was different then, but we were able to build a name for ourselves and establish connections with the market players,” Bastida said. The fortunes for the shipping sector in general changed with the onset of the global Covid 19 pandemic, but prior to that it was a market in which the rates were dictated by the client, and the multipurpose sector itself was in recession.

Nevertheless, Euroamericas, with the backing of Dutch Onego has carved its spot in the market. Currently, it facilitates exports of various types of cargoes from North Spanish ports such as Bilbao, Santander, Gijon across the Atlantic on Onego’s fleet of multipurpose workhorses. The relationship goes beyond providing services to Onego as one of its founding partners. The two companies are constantly revising strategies and jointly making decisions on a day-to-day basis.

This close collaboration with Onego, and the quality of its services has earned Euroamericas a partnership with Breadbox, another Dutch carrier. “We saw the opportunity in the market and have been able to form ties with Breadbox Shipping Lines, the West Africa specialist,” Bastida said, stressing that it was again a joint decision to diversify its portfolio, but also enter trade lanes that do not clash with those of Onego.

Additionally, the company is working with a host of other carriers on urgent shipments that due to availability or schedule can’t always be completed with Onego’s fleet. “This diversification is in line with the company strategy. Onego have recognised the need for such a move, and this has allowed us to strengthen our position in the market,” Bastida said.

Interestingly, Bastida found himself in the breakbulk and project cargo sector for a very specific reason, its character. “I have been a captain and sailing on LNG carriers for a long time. The industry changed over time and new technologies made me feel like a part of a system, your input was almost not needed,” he said.

“The chance to jump-ship and switch industries presented an opportunity to work closer with clients, provide a personal touch, and it also provided me with a chance of being closer to my family,” something I dearly missed while sailing onboard LNG carriers.

This was reflected in the quality of services Euroamericas is able to provide to its customers. “We take pride in the fact that when you call us, it is a person answering, and not a machine,” Bastida says. “Yes, we may have a smaller team, we have a hands-on approach when it comes to solving any potential issues. We focus on fostering good cooperation with our partners and make sure that we are able to provide a personal touch to every solution.”

It is also important to have a local presence in different markets. That is what Euroamericas is to Onego. The company provides expertise within the Spanish market, making sure the needs of all clients are equally met. “Whether it is 5,000 tons of cargo or a small box, we approach each client with the same respect,” Bastida said.

The personal touch to project logistics is something the company aims to bring forward into the future, continuing to provide quality service on the Transatlantic trade lane.