Navigating the Fuel Markets: A Day in the Life of Martiens at Baseblue
At Baseblue, we navigate the complexities of the marine fuel industry by staying ahead of market trends, understanding evolving regulations, and delivering tailored solutions to our clients. Martiens Potgieter, Project Manager, shares a glimpse into his daily role, offering insight into how Baseblue’s expertise and commitment shape the future of fuel supply.
I start my day with a cup of coffee and a strategic scan of various news sources available through Baseblue. This ensures that I have the most relevant and up-to-date information, which I then tailor and share with specific clients based on their needs and interests, helping them cut through the noise.
My daily tasks revolve around evaluating local fuel markets for specific grades, sourcing conventional fuels, tracking vessel activities around key ports, and engaging with Baseblue’s in-house experts to address client inquiries on new fuels and regulations. Building strong relationships is central to my role, I make strategic calls to establish new client connections while maintaining and strengthening existing ones with both clients and suppliers. Additionally, I handle standard trading inquiries for colleagues and clients, focusing primarily on the UK and Ireland, where my expertise is strongest.
Working at Baseblue has broadened my understanding of the fuel supply chain—how fuel is sourced, handled, stored, transported, and supplied—and how each stage influences the fuel’s profile. This knowledge enables me to support our clients better by offering solutions that genuinely meet their needs. At Baseblue, we don’t just see our clients as customers; we view them as partners, ensuring that our solutions help them stay competitive in an evolving maritime landscape with ever-changing targets and requirements.
Baseblue stands at the forefront of the industry’s Net Zero transition, focusing on delivering meaningful, practical solutions rather than simply following trends. We receive extensive training on emerging regulations, new fuel options, and industry challenges, supported by access to in-house experts who keep us informed on the latest developments. Our approach fosters long-term relationships built on trust, ensuring that clients work with us as partners, not just suppliers.
Honesty, respect, and integrity are the foundation of Baseblue’s values, driving our commitment to long-term success. We prioritise staying ahead of the knowledge curve, equipping our clients with the information they need to navigate an increasingly complex industry.
Beyond business, Baseblue is deeply engaged in global communities, supporting initiatives that make a real difference. The establishment of the Fuelink system in collaboration with long-term clients highlights our commitment to creating a meaningful impact beyond our industry.
Flexibility is another key aspect of working at Baseblue. The ability to work from home when needed, coupled with seamless administrative systems, ensures efficiency without encroaching on personal time. Given the travel-intensive nature of my role—attending industry events and client meetings—this flexibility is invaluable. Being based in Sunderland also allows me to efficiently engage with projects across the UK, Ireland, and North West Europe while balancing work and personal commitments.
At Baseblue, every day presents new challenges and opportunities, but the commitment to knowledge, integrity, and partnership remains constant.
