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Business Leader of the Week: Meet Eyal Ofer, Founder & Chairman of Zodiac Group

IFM_Eyal Ofer
In his teenage years, Eyal Ofer spent summers working on one of his family's ships, loading cargo, scraping the boats' sides and repainting them, as well as travelling to international ports

Zodiac Maritime is a globally recognised ship management company, which is part of Zodiac Group within the wider Ofer Global conglomerate founded and chaired by Eyal Ofer. The company, which was founded more than 70 years ago, has developed into one of the major forces in the international shipping sector. Container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers are among the many types of vessels that Zodiac Maritime operates. The company is headquartered in London. In order to guarantee the safe and dependable transportation of goods across the world’s oceans, the company’s fleet consists of contemporary, effective ships that are outfitted with cutting-edge technology.

Adhering to strict safety and environmental standards, Zodiac Maritime is renowned for its dedication to excellence in maritime operations. Sustainability is a top priority for the company, and it has taken steps to lessen its environmental impact and encourage environmentally responsible shipping practices. It also entails implementing best practices for waste management and pollution control as well as investments in fuel-efficient technologies.

Zodiac Maritime has established a reputation for offering its clients top-notch services in addition to its emphasis on operational excellence. In addition to vessel management services, the company provides a wide range of shipping solutions that are customised to meet the specific needs of each of its clients.

Zodiac Maritime guarantees effective coordination of its operations across the globe and smooth communication thanks to its extensive global network of offices and agents.

Zodiac Maritime has proven to be resilient and adaptive over time, when faced with shifting market conditions and financial difficulties. Using its knowledge and experience to maintain its competitive advantage, the company has successfully navigated through times of instability in the shipping sector. Zodiac Maritime maintains its position as a major participant in the global maritime industry by making wise management decisions and strategic investments.

Zodiac Maritime is a symbol of creativity, dependability, and sustainability in the maritime sector. The company is well-positioned for sustained success in the ever-evolving maritime transportation industry, thanks to its strong emphasis on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship.

The brain behind this successful venture is a Monaco-based shipping magnate Eyal Ofer.

Who is Eyal Ofer?

  • Eyal Ofer was born on June 2, 1950 in Haifa, Israel and his father, Sammy Ofer, was a Romanian-born Israeli shipping magnate and once Israel’s richest man
  • He did his graduation from Atlantic College, an international boarding school affiliated with the United World Colleges, based in St Donat’s Castle, Wales
  • In his teenage years, Eyal Ofer spent summers working on one of his family’s ships, loading cargo, scraping the boats’ sides and repainting them, as well as travelling to international ports
  • After graduation, he joined his family’s shipping company and went on to found Ofer Global Group, a Monaco-based private company focused on shipping, real estate, oil and gas, banking and investments in Europe, North America, the Near East and Asia
  • From 1967 to 1973, Eyal Ofer served as an intelligence officer in the Israeli Air Force
  • He received an honorary lifetime membership of the Baltic Exchange in London in recognition of his contribution to shipping in the United Kingdom and global maritime trade in 2014
  • According to Lloyd’s List, Eyal Ofer is “one of the most influential shipowners in the industry,” ranking among its 100 most influential people, since 2013
  • He has spoken at industry events, including at the Milken Institute Global Conference in 2012, 2013 and 2015
  • Eyal Ofer joined the Advisory Board of the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in 2018
  • Eyal Ofer supports artistic, educational, and cultural institutions, such as the Tate Modern, the National Maritime Museum in the UK, and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art
  • According to Forbes, his net worth is around USD 24.5 billion, as of 2024

Zodiac Maritime Cash Into Green Fuel Project

Tree Energy Solutions, a start-up to develop projects for the production of green fuel, has received investments totalling 140 million euros (USD 150 million) from investors, including Zodiac Maritime and Fortescue.

A portion of the additional funds will be used by the Belgian company TES to support the development of its intended projects for producing electric natural gas.

Renewable electricity is used to produce green hydrogen, which is used to produce e-NG or e-methane. Liquidated e-methane, which can be added to LNG-fuelled ships without requiring technological advancements, provides a more environmentally friendly option for transportation.

In addition to financing a proposed import terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, the funds represent the company’s third fundraising effort.

“The fundraising is an important step on our journey to deliver affordable e-NG and hydrogen. This newly raised capital will be used to advance the development of our upstream and downstream e-NG projects internationally. Our sustainable business model has attracted world-class strategic and financial partners to continue executing our projects,” TES chief executive Marco Alvera said, tradewindsnews.com reported.

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