Chapter 136 [Significant increase in fleet] (Please vote for me!)
Author: Ren Zhufei
Chapter 136 [Significant increase in fleet] (Please vote for me!)
Lin Zhichao came to Japan again without stopping and found Tatsuro Yamashita for help.
"President Yamashita, I need your cooperative bank to open an LC for me to prove that the contract between us is guaranteed. This LC contract is very important to me, as it relates to the amount of money HSBC is willing to lend."
Yamashita Tatsuro showed a hint of embarrassment, and then said: "Mr. Lin, the guarantee of this contract is not only for our Yamaguchi Steamship, but also for your global shipping. The risks of cargo ships at sea are even far greater than ours.
Yamaguchi Steam Turbine."
The implication is that the most important thing to protect is global shipping.
Lin Zhichao said confidently: "I promise you that I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities and be responsible to the end."
It stands to reason that if a boat is rented to someone else, it will be used by someone else. What responsibilities do you still have to bear?
The responsibility of global shipping is to properly manage the ship. Shipping services are different from doing business on land. Ships travel on the sea, not on the ground.
For example, if you are working in a factory, you can see if you lock the factory door and everything is inside.
You can't lock the boat, how can you lock it?
It moves. If it doesn't move (breaks down), you will lose money.
The ship is moving, and if it is not managed properly, something will go wrong, so the responsibility is really huge.
Yamashita Tatsuro seemed to be persuaded, but he still did not express his position or speak, as if he was thinking and embarrassed.
Lin Zhichao was so sharp that he had noticed Yamashita Tatsuro's intention, but he did not express his opinion;
He immediately guessed that with the shrewdness of the Japanese, they must want certain benefits.
"President Yamashita, our Global Shipping Company is very good at managing its ships. You can rest assured about this. In addition, if my ship crashes while transporting your cargo, the insurance compensation will be all yours. I will directly ask the insurance company to pay the money
Transfer it to your bank account and I won’t take a penny.”
Anyone who is involved in shipping knows that the sea is ruthless and unpredictable, and the journey is full of dangers. In the event of an accident, you will receive a considerable amount of compensation.
Generally speaking, the insurance money is not enough to cover the total loss of the cargo and the ship, but if the shipowner gives up the insurance money, all the insurance money will be given to the cargo owner, so the cargo owner has no risk.
Of course, Yamashita Tatsuro knew what it meant for Lin Zhichao to give up the insurance compensation. He thought in his heart that since Lin Zhichao could make this promise, it showed that this person was indeed sincere, so he would fulfill his wish, and he would be able to fulfill his promise in the future.
More pleasant cooperation.
"Okay, I promise you, I will take you to find our bank manager."
Lin Zhichao was immediately overjoyed. This matter was more than half successful. The bank needed to "break through" again. Fortunately, there were two lobbyists.
"Thank you, President Yamashita, for your trust!"
Later, Yamashita Tatsuro took Lin Zhichao and rushed to the Bank of Kobe, Japan.
Two days later.
When Lin Zhichao placed a very heavy "letter of credit" issued by Kobe Bank in front of Sandus, the British guy touched the paper in disbelief.
He couldn't understand that Lin Zhichao, a young man with no background and little shipping experience, got back a letter of credit from a bank in Japan in just a few days.
While surprised, Sandus already admired Lin Zhichao even more. He was thinking that if such young people do not support him, it will definitely be a loss for HSBC.
In view of the 'gentleman's agreement' between the two, the most important thing for the banker is a 'letter', Sundarshi said: "Okay, I will do my best to facilitate this loan."
Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Thank you!"
Later, Sandus took Lin Zhichao to go through the procedures at HSBC Bank and left in a good mood. It was only a matter of time before the loan was granted, and the HSBC Project Department had already agreed to the loan.
A huge sum of US$3 million is enough for Lin Zhichao to purchase five second-hand cargo ships of 10,000 tons, and his fleet will reach more than 100,000 tons.
Returning to Global Shipping, Lin Zhichao immediately convened a management meeting.
"Manager Feng, let Global Maritime Academy recruit 60 more students. This time, we must insist on people who have worked on ships first."
The management was overjoyed. The boss said this. It was obvious that Global Shipping was going to develop on a large scale. You must know that the number of seafarers already being trained was 120. The total number of seafarers was 180, indicating that Global Shipping was going to expand this time.
Double.
Could it be that HSBC lends a lot of money to companies?
"Okay, I'll do it right away." Feng Yongfa said quickly.
There is no shortage of seafarers in Hong Kong. There are many seafarers in important positions such as captain, first mate and second mate, and chief engineer.
Later, Lin Zhichao also frankly informed everyone that HSBC was preparing to lend a huge sum of US$3 million to Global Shipping.
For a moment, everyone was very shocked.
You know, the five ships of Global Shipping are not worth US$3 million. But the boss can loan US$3 million. This is HSBC's intention to support its boss.
What an honor!
"So, you must work hard and make sure that there is no mistake in the management of the cargo ship. I am the same. I will supervise and inspect the work of the entire company. I hope you will not let me catch my fault."
"Yes, boss!"
Everyone responded with high spirits, as if they had been given a shot of chicken blood.
They know that the boss has a very strong understanding and learning ability about shipping.
Such a boss can't help but feel sorry for himself.
When Lin Zhichao came to Yangtze River Industrial, he received positive information from Singdao that neither the purchase nor export of Xingdao Yangtze Zipper Factory was affected.
This made him relieved. After all, his household registration was in Hong Kong, so Lin Zhichao was worried that relevant US departments would seize this point; now it seems that the strategy of building factories around the world in order to avoid trade barriers is indeed effective.
In this way, Changjiang Industrial can spend the past three years safely and even achieve breakthroughs.
As for the zipper market in Japan, Cheung Kong is stronger than expected, so much so that YKK zippers cannot surpass Cheung Kong in market share for a while, let alone drive out of the Japanese market.
The market prices are similar for everyone, but the agents of Yangtze River Industry have chosen to continue to cooperate. They have made a lot of money in the past few years, so although it is only a small profit now, they still choose Yangtze River Industrial. What's more, the conditions provided by YKK zippers are not
generous.
As a result, YKK zippers can only rely on direct sales from manufacturers and a small number of agents to compete for large and medium-sized customers in Japan. However, Yangtze Zipper can supply small and medium-sized customers in Japan through agents.
Such performance of YKK zippers convinced Lin Zhichao that if the Japanese market was like this, the overseas market would be completely defeated.
After a while, Sun Tao from the R&D Department came to Lin Zhichao's office.
The R&D department of Cheung Kong Holdings has a group of serious engineers with university education, most of whom immigrated to Hong Kong from the mainland. Their minimum salary is at the level of middle management, and they can only afford to hire a 60-year-old engineer.
Meta nanny for high earners.
These engineers can ensure that the engineering machines can run at any time, and can continue to improve the machines, and develop some small machines, which can be produced by Bern Machinery. At the same time, the R&D department must ensure the optimization of the entire production system.
"Boss" Sun Tao greeted respectfully.
Being able to develop an industry to the level of a boss is already the pride and leader of the Chinese people. Sun Tao admires his boss very much.
Lin Zhichao motioned him to sit down, and then said: "I want to use nylon to produce zippers and become a pioneer in non-metal zippers. Therefore, I plan to join forces with Bern Machinery to conduct research in this area."
If he remembered correctly, the first country in the world to develop non-metallic zippers was the Federal Republic of Germany.
Now, he plans to join forces with Bourne Machinery to conduct research in this area.
If Yangtze River Industrial can take the lead in producing nylon zippers, the increase in reputation will be very beneficial.
After thinking for a while, Sun Tao said: "If nylon zippers can be developed, the cost will be greatly reduced."
Their R&D department is dealing with zippers and zipper machines every day, and the level of the products is naturally not what it used to be.
Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Non-metal zippers are a trend in the future. Not to mention the elimination of metal zippers, at least they will become more popular. My idea is that you take people to Bon Machinery to discuss cooperative research and development matters. What's the matter?
Regarding the specific plan, whether it is necessary to establish an R&D department in Germany, I will support you; in terms of funding, even if 10% of the profits are used as R&D expenses, I can agree."
10% of R&D expenses is about 500,000 Hong Kong dollars, which is already a very high ratio for companies in this era.
Sun Tao immediately felt that the task was very heavy. The boss was very determined in research and development, so he said seriously: "Okay, I will organize and come up with a plan as soon as possible."
He knew that his boss also knew mechanics, and his credit for improving the zipper rice rowing machine was due to his boss. Because of this, everyone in the R&D department knew that it was not easy to satisfy the boss.
"Well, go and do your work!"
After laying out this initial task, Lin Zhichao also decided that he would pay attention to the R&D strength of Yangtze River Industry and would need some technologically advanced products in the future. For example, the internal structure of a Rubik's Cube requires architecture and physics. The interior of a high-end Rubik's Cube is even more complicated.
Fortunately, although this thing is a bit technological, it is not something that cannot be made in Hong Kong.
In late December, Lin Zhichao came to London again to purchase second-hand ships.
This time, he brought along deputy general manager Feng Yongfa and several middle managers.
Of course, this does not mean that he will leave the purchase of ships to others in the future. This is unrealistic after all. A second-hand ship costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, and Lin Zhichao will not be assured if he does not personally participate. Moreover, he may purchase several ships at one time.
Lin Zhichao is even less likely to trust others.
When he arrived in London, Lin Zhichao asked his men to stay in a hotel while he took Audrey Hepburn to his apartment.
As soon as they arrived at the apartment, Lin Zhichao just put his arms around her slim waist. Audrey Hepburn immediately changed her face and changed from the closeness on the road.
"You don't miss me at all! Every time you buy a boat and go on a date with me, but this time, it took you three months to come, which shows that you don't love me at all." After saying this, Audrey Hepburn hugged her arms. Hua, and turned around, looking angry.
When Lin Zhichao saw this, he knew it was time to coax the woman.
First, he hugged Audrey Hepburn from behind;
Later, when Audrey Hepburn was trying to get away, Lin Zhichao's head was already on her shoulders, and he immediately restrained her.
Finally, Lin Zhichao whispered in her ear: "It's my fault for neglecting my beautiful princess, so I am willing to stay for you for a week this time and accompany you every day."
As soon as she finished speaking, Audrey Hepburn immediately changed her face again and turned around.
"Humph, why don't you excuse yourself and say that you came to London specifically to see me in September, and you don't always come to buy boats."
Audrey Hepburn's tone also softened a lot.
"How could I quibble in front of you!"
Lin Zhichao felt a little guilty towards Audrey Hepburn and concealed the fact that he was married. Probably he would only lie to this one woman in his life.
Later.
"Audrey, your health is much better than before and you are no longer weak!"
"Ah! My health is indeed much better. I haven't felt dizzy for a long time. It's amazing!"
More than magical!
After Audrey dated him, not only did her body recover a lot, but her skin also became more delicate. If it was because Lin Zhichao gave her money and her living conditions improved, this was obviously only a small part of the reason.
After all, congenital deficiencies are not so easy to make up for. The most likely reason is Lin Zhichao.
Of course, this kind of thing can only be imagined but not expressed.
"Honey, I want a baby!"
Suddenly, Lin Zhichao almost threw Audrey Hepburn underground.
What a surprise!
"Did you lie to me about something?"
"I'm just surprised!"
Audrey probably misunderstood and said with a smile: "Don't worry! You are the world's shipping king in the future. You will soon be a super rich man who owns 10 giant ships of 10,000 tons. My mother will definitely like you!"
She is just a young actor, and she only appears in dramas, so she feels that the skin color of the two will not be an issue because Lin Zhichao is very rich; at the same time, there is not much of a generation gap in their communication, thoughts, etc.
Therefore, after losing her father when she was young, she suddenly wanted to get married and have children.
Lin Zhichao then said: "Audrey, we are still young. I hope to see you become a real actor one day. This is your dream, and it will also be my dream in the future."
In this way, Audrey was finally fooled, not mentioning that incident.
The next day, Lin Zhichao still chose to work. Buying a ship is a big deal and cannot be taken lightly.
Fortunately, Audrey is very supportive in this regard.
At Willis's ship brokerage company, Lin Zhichao and his colleagues were checking ship information.
Willis said in a flattering tone: "Lin, since you called me, I have not only been looking for suitable targets in the London market, but also in other European countries, so that you can buy a satisfactory ship. The ship information here, in total, There are seven 10,000-ton cargo ships, three 8,000-ton cargo ships, and two 7,000-ton cargo ships, totaling twelve ocean-going vessels.”
When Lin Zhichao was eager to sign the contract with Yamaguchi Steamship, he asked Willis to first search for suitable ship information. Although the loan may not be successful, even so, Willis would not complain because he had already made money in Lin Zhichao's hands.
Quite a few.
And he can still use this information.
For ship brokers, they not only look for the source of goods, but also inquire about the authenticity and risk of the goods. For example, if there are any problems with the ship and its reputation in the port or among the crew, these brokers can find out.
information.
Therefore, shipping companies generally do not deceive ship brokers. Only some ship brokers will deliberately deceive some customers. Of course, the premise is that the customer has no background and weak financial situation.
If a shipbroker of a large shipping company like Global Shipping Co. deceives people, he will definitely be sued.
Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "I hope I can return with a full load this time!"
Friends are friends, and business is business. This time Lin Zhichao will not just read information at Willis; he has brought several management members with him, intending to cast a wide net in London.
Not only should we consider the cost-effectiveness of the boat, but we should also consider a special situation - which shipping company can provide installment payment.
In other words, Lin Zhichao hopes to buy not only a ship worth 3 million U.S. dollars, but maybe 4 million U.S. dollars, maybe 5 million U.S. dollars.
Of course, the finances of the three ships leased to Yamaguchi Steamship have been frozen by HSBC. For the next year and a half, the profits of these three ships can only be repaid to HSBC (net profit after expenses).
Willis also understood that Lin Zhichao had brought many company colleagues with him this time, and they might not just inspect it in his hands, but he still had great confidence; at least, this person had already contacted him in advance before buying the boat.
Hello, this gives him more and better resources.
This is his proper God of Wealth.
‘The Victory Wheel made in 1944, worth 820,000 US dollars.’ Soon, Lin Zhichao was surprised to find that the Victory Wheel appeared.
Lin Zhichao is very enthusiastic about the Liberty Ship and the Victory Ship. Moreover, Lin Zhichao once carefully observed the Victory Ship and found that it can be transformed into a container cargo ship. Although the center of gravity will be unstable, if heavy objects are placed in the bilge, it can
Have to balance.
In this way, it can become Lin Zhichao's test ship in the future!
At the same time, he found that the price of the Victory Ship had only increased by less than 20%, which was obviously a very good price.
"Which shipping company is this Victory Ship from? Why do they want to sell this newer ship?" Lin Zhichao asked directly.
Willis did not hide his secrets and said: "It's still the same Cunard company last time. They need to adjust their business, not to mention that they can sell it at high prices now, so it's not surprising. What's more important is that they can provide installment payment, with only half of the down payment.
The shipping fee can be paid off in one year."
Big companies are different. They don't have to worry about who will default on their debts. You can get interest on installment payments.
"Well, this ship is really good. Let's book it temporarily! We will consider the other ships carefully and get back to you as soon as possible."
"OK!"
In the following days, Lin Zhichao sent Feng Yongfa and others to major ship brokers in London to inquire about information. While he was handling the victory ship, he was dating Audrey Hepburn.
He stayed in London for just over ten days and finally settled all the ship purchase matters and completely brought Audrey Hepburn into submission.
In terms of cargo ships: one 15,000-ton Victory Ship (US$820,000), four 10,000-ton cargo ships aged 18 to 25 years (US$620,000, US$630,000, US$660,000, US$680,000), two 8,000-ton cargo ships
Tonnage class 16-year-old cargo ship (USD 540,000, USD 550,000).
The total boat payment of 4.5 million U.S. dollars requires a small amount of taxes and fees, which should add up to about 4.65 to 4.7 million U.S. dollars. Of course, there is an installment payment of 1.8 million U.S. dollars, plus interest of less than 200,000 U.S. dollars.
Equivalently, Lin Zhichao will spend 4.8 to 4.9 million U.S. dollars this time. But he only has 3 million U.S. dollars and has to borrow 1.9 million U.S. dollars (including interest).
But Lin Zhichao is not in a hurry at all. This batch of cargo ships has a carrying capacity of 75,000 tons. He has increased the carrying capacity of global shipping by 1.5 times at one time.
Once all are put into use, the total load capacity of global shipping will reach about 127,000 tons, which is simply a leap to the sky.
Although compared to the legend of Bao Yugang's previous life - one ship became seven after one year, it is a bit worse.
However, global shipping is growing on a large scale after all, with a large base.
After this expansion, Global Shipping will have to wait at least half a year before formulating a new ship purchase plan.
Moreover, it is impossible for HSBC to lend again this year, or it should be possible by the end of the year.
Fortunately, he has a total of 90,000 tons of ships, which can generate a steady stream of profits, that is, he does not need to repay the HSBC loan.
In mid-January 1951, Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong, leaving Feng Yongfa in London to continue to lead people to focus on the purchased ship.
Lin Zhichao likes to buy a second-hand freighter and then carry out maintenance and painting to give people the impression that it is a newer ship. After these are completed, the ship usually returns to the port empty and goes through the formalities, and does not come back from Europe to collect goods.
The reason is very simple. It takes time to collect goods, and it also takes time to load/unload at the port. The speed of a fully loaded cargo ship is also slow. If it is an empty ship, it may take 18 days to sail from Europe to Hong Kong. The time before and after is a waste of 30 days.
sky.
Japanese charter customers, they allow your ship to be in Hong Kong when the charter is effective, because this is also very convenient. Whether you are going to Australia, Southeast Asia, Europe, America, or Africa, it is the only way to go.