JAN Dieleman, head of Cargill's ocean transportation unit, has been involved in many a project this year. His enthusiasm and drive is unabated.

The most notable of these projects has been the partnership with Maersk Tankers to run a joint spot pool for medium range tankers.

The new joint pool, to which Cargill will contribute about 20 vessels, has been described as unique because "two reputable names teaming up shows the progressive side of the industry", according to Mr Dieleman.

Cargill is offering insights and know-how from the trading perspective across the whole supply chain, while Maersk is providing operational and digital expertise.

The tie-up was "quite an achievement", said the executive, who is based in Geneva.

"It was put together in such a short space of time. Initial talks were held in April, with the deal announced in September."

The two companies aim to reach 100 tankers within two years, from a total of 60 at launch.

Cargill also teamed up with Maersk Tankers and Mitsui & Co in order to work on fuel-saving technologies to meet the shipping industry's decarbonisation goals.

The trio — who hope their Njord project will deliver a commercial payback, as well as bringing benefits to the whole industry — will draw on each other's expertise, highlighting how owner-charterer collaboration can lead to commercially viable solutions to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

"The environment piece is growing exponentially," Mr Dieleman said. "There is energy around the topic; people are willing to do something about this."

He can take part of the credit, as he has been pushing the agenda for some time now, encouraging charterers to be more transparent "in a homogenous way" in reporting emissions.  

As one of the world's largest charterers of dry bulk vessels, Cargill cut emissions by 350,000 tonnes, or 4.5%, in 2018 versus the year before, while maintaining the same level of transport activity.

Cargill has also been involved with other initiatives, including the Poseidon Principles and the Getting to Zero Coalition.

It is no surprise, then, that his motto is "modern, green, and profitable". 

The company has taken delivery of 15 newbuilding bulkers this year, with a further 15 vessels scheduled for delivery next year.

In tankers, it has taken delivery of eight new MRs this year, with seven more due in 2020.

Further newbuilding orders are out of the question, according to Mr Dieleman, especially since it is unclear what new technologies may emerge.

As if leading a global team were not enough, Mr Dieleman, who is also unequivocal about safety, joined the board of RightShip this year and has spent a lot of time and energy working behind the scenes.

He has spoken at a number of events, most recently at the Global Maritime Forum, held in Singapore.   

Mr Dieleman also appeared in the Top 100 in 2016, 2017 and 2018.