The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

In the days that followed, Lin Zhichao kept having various social events, meeting friends, politicians, and clients. This has become his schedule every time he comes to the United States.

On this day, Lin Zhichao attended a cocktail party. The organizer was Exxon Oil Company. Other American oil companies were also present. Most of the invited guests were shipping company bosses and executives.

The closure of the Suez Canal has doubled the routes of many commercial ships around the world. The number of ships passing through the Suez Canal in the world every year is about 250 million tons (tons), which is equivalent to an increase in total tonnage of 250 million tons per year. It is roughly estimated that the shortfall of merchant ships is 40 million tons.

The shipbuilding cycle now takes 18 months, and more importantly, the total tonnage of global shipbuilding last year was less than 20 million tons. At this level, if the increase in transportation volume of the world economy is not taken into account, three years after the closure of Suez, the global merchant ship Just barely enough.

Of course, global shipping demand is also increasing, and second-hand ships around the world are being scrapped every day. So in fact, Suez has been closed for half a year, and the market has been very good.

The United States has not developed its own large oil fields at this time, and almost all of them need to be transported from overseas, especially the Middle East; therefore, the intention of the American oil company to hold this reception is obvious, that is, to ensure the power of oil transportation.

Last year, Japanese shipbuilding launched 11 million tons, and this year it may increase slightly; importantly, Lin Zhichao occupies this 15 to 20% share.

At the cocktail party, everyone did not discuss business directly, but more about connecting emotionally. But the organizer may not have the idea of ​​​​inviting ship owners together and then 'lowering the price'.

Of course, current shipowners are not easy to mess with. After all, the market is tight and everyone is very strong and will not follow Exxon's tricks. Even for Lin Zhichao, although the long-term rental price is a little lower, it must be based on the long-term rental market, and it is impossible to keep the price too low.

"Mr. Lin, I heard that you have built several VLCC ships in Japan?" At the reception, two Greek shipping kings, Onassis and Nicholas, came to Lin Zhichao and others.

Niu Deng, who had been promoted to vice president, was happy to see this scene and watched with interest beside Lin Zhichao.

He didn't know how many VLCCs Lin Zhichao had in his hands, but he couldn't help but sigh that every time Lin Zhichao was able to build a lot of big ships when something like this happened, he could make a lot of money.

He truly admired Lin Zhichao's vision and means of seizing the best opportunity, but he also felt a little difficult to deal with.

Lin Zhichao held the wine glass and said with a smile: "We have indeed built a few ships and they are almost ready to be launched."

Onassis suddenly showed a burst of envy in his heart, and then he said: "Japan always builds the largest ships every time, but I have always been a little skeptical about their technology. France can also build VLCC now, so I choose France .”

Lin Zhichao bluntly revealed: "Mr. Onassis, as far as I know, among Japan's annual shipbuilding customers, there are already quite a few European and American customers."

The implication is that European and American customers have already gone to Japan for shipbuilding. If you still hold this view, it is really hopeless. In fact, Japan’s total annual shipbuilding and launch tonnage already accounts for about 45% of the world’s total, and it will soon account for half of the world’s shipbuilding share.

This achievement is difficult to be broken by subsequent countries.

Onassis was speechless for a moment. He never expected that Lin Zhichao could kill him with one blow. Of course, his point of view was correct, but it was only a European and American shipowner's view in the past few years. This view has gradually disappeared in the past two or three years. .

Lin Zhichao saw this and asked: "Mr. Onassis, how much does a VLCC in France cost?"

Britain, France, and Germany in Europe are all traditional shipbuilding powers, but they are now in decline.

Onassis said: "It costs about 30 million US dollars, and the total tonnage is 222,000 tons!"

This is a full 25% more expensive. Even after two price increases in Japan, it only costs about US$24 million.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "It's too expensive!"

Isn’t this being taken advantage of?

Lin Zhichao built ships in Britain, France and Germany, and they all built cargo ships of 10,000 to 20,000 tons, with some special requirements. In this regard, Britain, France and Germany were slightly better; of course, if it were not for political factors, they would not build them.

Everyone was chatting about the shipbuilding industry, but did not talk about business directly. During this period, Onassis wanted to test how many ships Lin Zhichao would launch, but Lin Zhichao was prevaricating.

This time in his negotiations with Exxon, it was still Global Group who took the initiative.

The next day.

Lin Zhichao took Bobby Blair and other management to the headquarters of Exxon Oil.

"Mr. Lin, how many ships do you have launched and what is their total tonnage?" Niu Den asked first.

When he asked this question, he naturally wanted to take the initiative in the negotiation.

Lin Zhichao said: "Ten 226,000-ton oil tankers were launched from August to November this year, but two Japanese shipping companies have already chartered four, so there are still six ships left, which will be launched in..."

There is no need to keep this secret, now we need to open the window and speak openly.

There was a hint of joy on Niuden's face that this could alleviate the current shortage of oil shipments. Large oil companies have local oil depots, but they must ensure that transportation is restored as soon as possible, otherwise it will be really troublesome if another emergency occurs.

For example, in the oil crisis of 1973-1974, the United States could only use war-prepared oil. Even the president's planes had to take off less often. Various plans to save oil were released one after another. The important thing is to call on the entire people to save energy. No matter how many plans there are, the entire West The country's economy has been greatly affected.

"We can rent four boats, what do you think?"

"No problem. According to the long-term rental practice, I will rent it to you for three or four years."

Niu Deng said quickly: "NONONO, Mr. Lin, your move ten years ago almost made me pack up and leave."

This means that ten years ago, the Suez Canal was closed for a year and then opened, but Exxon Oil Company continued to pay high transportation fees.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "This has become a common practice for our cooperation! You know, after that, no matter what the market situation is, I will sign a lease for 3 to 4 years. Isn't it?"

Niu Deng and others from Exxon then tested the rent for three years. Lin Zhichao quoted an annual return rate of 40%.

Universal Group's 40% return rate seems to be just over 5% cheaper than the Greek shipowner's "one-way short-term charter", and it is also a long-term charter.

In reality?

Rent is much cheaper!

First of all, Japanese shipbuilding prices are 25% cheaper, which is equivalent to much cheaper rents to Exxon;

Secondly, Hong Kong shipowners’ operating expenses (seafarer wages, taxes, etc.) are much lower, which is equivalent to a reduction in rent to Exxon Oil.

Finally, Hong Kong seafarers are more at a disadvantage, which makes customers very willing to rent Hong Kong ships. For example, Greek seamen will not help you with certain things, but Hong Kong seamen will help you and provide considerate service.

"Mr. Lin, I won't say anything about the annual rent, but if the Suez Canal is closed for a few months or opened for a year, we will continue to pay high rents."

"This itself is a gamble! If it is closed for three to five years, you will save a lot of money. And judging from this situation, the confrontation between Israel and Egypt is long-term. You should also analyze this."

This is the key!

For example, if they rent for one year, the rent will definitely increase; but what if Suez is not open after one year? They can only continue to renew the lease at a high price.

This time is no better than last time. This time Egypt lost the Sinai Peninsula. How could it open the Suez Canal a year later?

Exxon and others immediately looked at each other. They did not expect Lin Zhichao's negotiation skills to be so superb. Of course, they had already experienced it. Analyzing the shipping situation from the outside and analyzing the funds saved from the inside left Exxon speechless.

Of course, sometimes even if you know that you can't talk, Exxon Oil is a customer, and they seem to be supporting Hong Kong shipping, so they still have a lead.

Therefore, Exxon's proposal to reduce shipping costs is another attempt to undercut the price.

This time, Lin Zhichao was not willing to lower the price!

Although the return rate in Europe and the United States is 5 to 6% higher than that in Japan, Japanese shipyards and banks support Hong Kong shipowners, which is incomparable to Europe and the United States.

Japan is really helpful to Hong Kong shipping, and of course Hong Kong shipping is also helping Japanese shipyards. They are mutually beneficial. But overall, Hong Kong is a weak side. After all, it is just one city. Many major shipowners in Hong Kong relied on Japanese business, and this cannot be erased.

Although he is unwilling to lower the price, Lin Zhichao said: "We at Global Shipping are willing to sign a subsidiary contract. If the Suez Canal is redeveloped within two years, you can cancel the contract and re-sign a contract with us based on market conditions, but only this time. cooperate.

The initiative lies with Lin Zhichao whether to sign this subsidiary contract or not.

This subsidiary contract is also necessary to sign because of the current high shipping charges. After the 1970s, even if the Suez Canal was closed, freight rates had returned to the basic market of "20 to 25% return rate for new ships", so naturally there was no need for anyone to sign ancillary contracts.

At that time, Lin Zhichao wanted to sign a long-term contract, the longer the better. The purpose was just to avoid the oil crisis of 1973-1974, when Western countries were unable to buy oil.

Niu Deng and others were overjoyed. They did not expect Lin Zhichao to be willing to make this concession and immediately stopped increasing the freight and lowering the price!

This is what Lin Zhichao wants, no matter what, he will take advantage.

Soon, both parties reached a verbal contract, and there was no need to worry about the other party breaking the contract. Because there is a global shortage of ships, not a lack of business.

Since Lin Zhichao has built many ships, when Japan receives orders, it has occupied a lot of resources.

If you want to increase production, it is almost impossible to complete it in three years because the shipyard has a load standard for shipbuilding.

Things achieved the expected results, but what comes next is the highlight.

Lin Zhichao said at the end: "Vice President Niu Deng, our Global Shipping Company also built several VLCCs at the beginning of April this year, which will be launched from April to August next year. If you have needs, we hope to continue our cooperation."

Niu Deng and others were surprised, and finally he said with admiration: "Mr. Lin, you are the best shipping king in the world. Don't worry, we will give priority to you, the Hong Kong ship owner."

The price is cheap, why not give it priority!

The agreement between Lin Zhichao and Dong Haoyun was that both parties would lease the batch of VLCCs in their hands at the same model and price, and it was not Lin Zhichao who promoted them on his behalf.

The advantage of this is that the two of them have had the say in VLCC in the world for nearly a year and have weakened Greek shipowners.

The more Greek shipowners' businesses were attacked, the less they dared to build ships. Gradually, Greek shipping fell far behind.

This negotiation achieved the expected results.

There is no need to worry about renting the remaining two VLCCs. People will come to you soon.

as expected.

Onassis also came to Exxon Oil Company in the following days. He currently has a ship and is cooperating with Exxon Oil; but this time, he came purely to inquire.

Onassis was shocked when he heard that Lin Zhichao had built a large number of VLCCs.

When he heard that Exec Oil Company was preparing to sign a long-term lease for four VLCCs, Onassis finally revealed his purpose: "So, Mr. Newton, aren't you worried about repeating the mistakes of ten years ago?"

The two of them were familiar with each other, but even so, Niu Deng was not happy to expose his shortcomings in person.

Ten years ago, the company actually did not blame him. Who knew how the situation would develop at that time; on the contrary, the oil tankers signed by Niu Deng helped the company stabilize its transportation capacity.

Niuden said: "We are ready to sign an ancillary treaty to avoid this possible problem."

"What subsidiary treaty?"

"If freight rates fluctuate significantly, we have the right to default."

Onassis was stunned that there was such an operation.

"You mean, if we encounter the situation ten years ago and the Suez Canal is reopened, you can terminate the contract?" He did not believe that Lin Zhichao was willing to give in to such a thing.

"Not bad! Mr. Onassis, you should also consider reducing prices. Hong Kong shipowners have many ships, and their strength has surpassed that of Greece." Niuden took the opportunity to say.

At this time, Onassis and other Greek shipowners were not useless, that is, they could make up for the lack of transportation volume at any time. In fact, they were acting as firefighters. When there was a shortage of transportation capacity, a short-term charter was given to a Greek shipowner. The main charter has been transferred to shipping companies in Hong Kong and Japan.

After Onassis said a few words, he stood up and left.

The news he got today made him start to expand cautiously. The reason couldn't be simpler. Hong Kong shipowners have obvious advantages. If they expand too fast, once their business is gone, the ships in their hands will depreciate crazily.

The ‘end’ of Greek shipping?

In fact, Greek shipping was very resilient. With the decline of Hong Kong shipping, Greece became the world's largest shipping fleet in the 21st century, controlling 31.78% of the world's oil tanker fleet and about 21% of the world's fleet tonnage. .

Later, due to various reasons, Hong Kong's shipping was far inferior to that of Greece. For example: Hong Kong's economy has developed, and seafarers' salaries have increased; the rise of mainland shipping has seized Hong Kong's shipping business; old shipping kings have withered away or misunderstood the situation, and the younger generation has no ambitions.

In this life, Universal Group will continue to be a shipping company and will continue to be the world's largest private ship owner.

Cycle is Lin Zhichao’s magic weapon. For example, from 1978 to 1986, he only needed to retain a fleet of 6 million tons, and container ships were heavier; in 1986, he bucked the trend and expanded the fleet to 10 million. By 1997, although it was not a prosperous period for shipping, it was It can also be considered as 'doing nothing', and the market is average. It was sold again before 1997, and was bought at the bottom again from 1999 to 2001. The cycle repeats itself. At the peak, Universal Group can always maintain a large number of tonnage and ships, and these ships can be purchased and built cheaply at the trough, and the cost will not be high.

In this life, Universal Group will always be the leader in the shipping industry.

Lin Zhichao did not return to Hong Kong until late August. It was not that he was worried about his personal safety, but that there were too many things. He went to the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and finally returned to Hong Kong.

Lin Zhichao was dumbfounded when he returned to Hong Kong. The matter was more serious than he thought. He was even a little scared. Zuo Lengchan was too scary!

He lamented that it was a good thing that he did not stand up and say anything, otherwise he would be on the "traitor list" and "must-kill list"; as for whether the British Hong Kong government would look at Lin Zhichao differently, there is no need to worry, after all, he has never heard of the businessman standing up to take the lead. .

80 Deep Water Bay.

Lin Zhichao and Tang Caiyun were enjoying dinner. There were a large number of security guards in both villas. This was a power that other wealthy people in Hong Kong did not have. The security of the Lin family has been very professional and loyal after years of comprehensive training system.

Of course, Zuo Lengchan would not deliberately target Lin Zhichao, not to mention that they might not be able to find him here. In short, it is important to take precautions before they happen.

"What would have happened to us if my father had gone back to serve us?"

".Hang yourself, jump off a building, and take sleeping pills. This is the best relief."

Tang Caiyun was stunned for a moment, and then said quickly: "How about we go abroad to escape? Anyway, you can also direct everything through the phone."

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "You go to New York to see them in the next two days. I won't leave Hong Kong for the time being. Don't worry too much. I have sea and air 'troops' and can leave at any time."

Tang Caiyun said worriedly: "I'm worried that you will be injured by firecrackers!"

Lin Zhichao said: "I won't go to Central these days. I'll ask them to come to the villa to report to me. Don't worry, you can go abroad to join us. I'll take a look at the situation in two or three months and then call you back!"

It should have calmed down in November and calmed down in December, Lin Zhichao guessed.

Tang Caiyun said: "My father has asked Xianqian's family to go to Nigeria to take care of the business. Now he is trembling when buying low prices and is a little suspicious."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "It's okay. After the matter calms down, it will be the same as buying lows as soon as possible. I will communicate with him later."

In fact, Lin Zhichao does not necessarily have to stay in Hong Kong. As Tang Caiyun said, there is no problem with remote control command. Even if it is buying property, Yangtze River Holdings itself is already involved in the sale and purchase by senior executives. Generally, Lin Zhichao will not sign the deal for hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

However, Lin Zhichao also wanted to witness history in person. He was a very talented person and bold.

The next day, Lin Zhichao personally escorted Tang Caiyun to Kai Tak Airport, taking the waterway.

It’s not that Hong Kong is that dangerous at this time. After all, ordinary citizens still have to live, and many factories have not stopped working. In fact, only 20,000 to 30,000 people are struggling, and some want to fish in troubled waters.

Kai Tak Airport is still very safe, so Lin Zhichao sent his wife to the United States again.