Chapter 178: News of the Second-Hand Cargo Ship
"Alright, arrange it sometime in the next few days," Yang Wendong said. He was eager to meet the man who might become the first captain of his future shipping line.
Even before his wedding, he had instructed Wei Zetao to begin the search for a qualified captain.
Now, in order to ensure that Changxing Industrial's large-volume products could enter the distant U.S. and European markets with the lowest possible cost and maximum efficiency, owning a vessel was quickly becoming a necessity.
"No problem," Wei said. "I'll make the call and set up the meeting."
"Mhm," Yang nodded, then looked around at the others. "That's all for today."
This visit was simply to get an overview of the company's factories. Changxing Industrial had grown so large that Yang couldn't, like in the early days, personally inspect every production line.
Especially considering that many of the facilities weren't even in the same area—just visiting them all could take half a day.
Now that production was running smoothly and sales were steady, Yang could begin to let go of daily operations and focus on financial and personnel decisions.
...
Three days later, Yang met with the candidate Wei had brought in.
"Mr. Yang, this is Captain Sun Zhiwei from Orient Overseas," Wei introduced.
"Captain Sun, it's a pleasure," Yang said politely.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Yang," Sun replied, clearly cautious and respectful. He knew the man before him was one of Hong Kong's rising tycoons.
In this era, offending a gangster was dangerous—but offending a rich man could be even worse.
"Please, have a seat," Yang said with a smile, gesturing to the chair.
"Thank you," Sun responded, only sitting down after Wei did and gave him a nod.
The secretary brought in three bottles of cold soda. Yang grinned, "In summer, iced soda works pretty well. If you prefer tea, feel free to ask."
"No need," Sun said quickly. "I'll drink anything. Compared to how limited things are on board, everything on land is a luxury."
"Really? I thought ships restocked before sailing?" Yang asked, curious.
"They do," Sun explained, "but what and how much we buy is strictly regulated. We can't just get whatever we want.
In developed countries like those in Europe and America, prices are even higher. So we have to be selective."
"Makes sense," Yang nodded. As a businessman, he understood how companies would try every trick to cut costs.
After a sip of soda, Yang asked, "So, Captain Sun, why are you leaving Orient Overseas?"
"To be honest? Because your offer is higher," Sun said frankly.
"A fair reason," Yang chuckled. He appreciated the honesty. Most candidates would sugarcoat their motivations, but this kind of straightforwardness was refreshing.
Wei then took a file from his bag. "Here's Captain Sun's employment history. We've already verified it."
"Alright." Yang took the papers and read carefully.
Sun Zhiwei had been in the maritime industry for 26 years. He started as a deckhand and climbed the ranks, switching companies as needed. Eight years ago, he became a captain at Orient Overseas—and had maintained a spotless safety record since.
After reading, Yang asked, "You know I'm looking to buy a used ship. Where do you think I should start?"
"Europe or the United States," Sun replied. "In Asia, especially in Hong Kong, many companies use ships until they're completely scrapped. There aren't strict regulations here.
But in Europe and the U.S., there are more safety laws. Companies are required to decommission ships earlier, so it's common to find decent vessels for sale. Most Hong Kong operators buy their used ships from there."
"Makes sense," Yang nodded. He remembered that Bao Yugang had bought his first ship from the UK.
"Do you know of any ships currently for sale that meet our criteria?" he asked.
"Yes," Sun replied. "There's a Norwegian company called Oslo Shipping. One of their vessels—about 20 years old and 10,500 tons—is up for sale.
I even have a photo, if you'd like to see it."
"A photo? From Norway?" Yang raised an eyebrow. In this era, it wasn't easy to get a photo from halfway across the world.
Sun smiled. "I've been sailing for over 20 years—I know a lot of seamen in Europe. After hearing what Mr. Wei was looking for, I asked around. My friends sent over some photos and info by air mail."
Wei added, "Captain Sun was very efficient. He found this ship, the Wilson, from Oslo Shipping in just a week."
"Do we have any detailed specs?" Yang asked. The photo only showed the exterior.
Buying a ship was like buying a used car. You needed to know its mileage, accident history, and maintenance records.
"Unfortunately, no," Sun replied. "My contacts could only get basic info. The detailed records are typically only held by the shipping company itself."
"Then how do we know the info isn't fake?" Yang asked.
"It's possible they'll try to hide something," Sun said. "But with the basics in hand, we can do a background check.
Or hire professionals to verify the ship's history through maritime information brokers."
"Got it," Yang said. "That's all I need for now. Captain Sun, if you're willing, I'd like to make you the first captain of Changxing Shipping."
Yang intended to name all his heavy-asset companies under the "Changxing" brand. These B2B operations didn't need flashy names. Uniform branding would enhance the group's overall prestige.
For consumer-facing products, he preferred more memorable names like "DeLi," especially for overseas marketing.
"I'd be honored," Sun said, visibly excited. Wei had given him verbal confirmation earlier, but nothing was official until the big boss said so.
"Excellent," Yang smiled. "When can you start?"
"Three to five days," Sun replied.
"That fast?" Yang was surprised. Captains usually had long notice periods.
"We're different," Sun explained. "I was scheduled to depart in six days for the U.S.—a round trip would take two to three months.
If I quit now, they can't wait. Once a captain resigns, companies won't let them board again. At most, they'll try to persuade us to stay."
"Alright then," Yang said. "We'll issue your formal offer letter. Once you have it, you can resign."
"No problem." Sun then asked, "Mr. Yang, I have a few friends in Orient Overseas. Some are still out at sea. When they return, I'd like to invite them to join Changxing Shipping too."
"That's fine," Yang nodded. "As captain, you'll have the authority to recruit crew. But for senior positions, we'll still need to approve."
On long-haul ships, the captain was like a general. But checks and balances were built in—the chief mate existed to keep power in check.
Still, minor staffing decisions wouldn't need corporate oversight.
"Of course," Sun said. "By the way, once I start, do I need to visit Europe to inspect the ship?"
"Yes. But just to gather information for now," Yang replied. "Whether or not we buy still needs discussion."
Shipping was capital-intensive. Even with Yang's current wealth, he wouldn't rush in.
If not for his existing industrial needs, he would've waited a few more years to enter the sector.
"Understood," Sun said. "Once I've finalized my departure, I'll head to Europe. I'll contact Oslo Shipping and possibly others.
But to even begin negotiations, I'll need a bank-issued proof of funds. Otherwise, they won't take me seriously."
"Makes sense," Yang said. "Hong Kong banks probably won't cut it?"
"No. Local Chinese banks won't do. The best option is Standard Chartered—its reputation in Europe is even stronger than HSBC's."
"Alright. I'll handle it." Yang turned to Wei. "Old Wei, this one's on you. Go to Standard Chartered and get a $500,000 letter of credit."
"Will do," Wei replied with a nod.
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