Independent owners - those without the feather-bedding of state ownership or the schizophrenia of market listing - face a tough 2012. Elements of the challenge were teased out by French banker-turned-shipowner Philippe Louis-Dreyfus at an International Maritime industries Forum gathering at Lloyd's Register last week. Unlike their state or listed colleagues, independents are trying to take a long-term view of business. Analysing results on a quarterly, or even worse a monthly, basis does not suit the maritime business model at all. "You have to take a long-term view in a society that thinks short term," lamented Louis-Dreyfus.
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