People and service focus pays off for RINA
Genoa-based classification society RINA has reported increased turnover and EBIDTA for 2009, backed by strong growth in all its three divisions: marine, certification and industry.
RINA’s ceo Ugo Salerno attributed the strong performance to RINA’s investment in its staff and services. During 2009 turnover rose 9.3 percent to Euro 200 million. EBIDTA grew more than 20 percent to Euro 37 million and RINA achieved strong growth in both the size and quality of its classed fleet. At the end of 2009 RINA’s classed fleet had grown to 3,820 ships totalling 25.5 million gt.
“In 2009 RINA demonstrated the strength that comes from mutual support during a crisis,” explained Salerno. “While global markets were in turmoil, RINA invested in its staff and its competence. The staff responded by driving the company forward in all our markets. And while others were cutting back, RINA invested in improving service to our clients. The clients responded by bringing more business to RINA.
“That is why we are able to report that, despite the slowdown in all our markets, RINA has been able to grow in all areas throughout 2009. We ended the year with improved turnover and margins, a wider and deeper client base and an enhanced, strongly motivated and better skilled staff.”
“We have asked a lot from our people during this year, and they have given willingly,” emphasised Salerno. “We entered 2009 as a lean, fit company with no over-exposure. That gave us a strong platform on which to build. We recognise that there is an increasing shortage of competence in the world, and as a bank of excellence RINA can grow by supporting industry and the wider community. So during 2009 we made the transition from a pure certification company to a wider knowledge and services company, able to help industries and communities improve their activities and quality of life. That transition helped us broaden our client base and deepen our services across key sectors such as energy generation and conservation. We enter 2010 ready to build the company further, despite the continuing uncertain global climate. We are ready and able to take advantage of any opportunities the changing markets may present and we expect steady growth during the coming years.”
