Hernán’s Journey at Baseblue: A Journey of Growth, Global Experience, and Strategic Impact
From starting as a bunker trader to now leading strategic partnerships as a Senior Trader, Hernán Franchina has spent 15 years growing and thriving at Baseblue. Read his amazing story.
I began my journey at Baseblue 15 years ago, after spending two years working in the business department of Evergreen Line. From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by ships, ports, and cargoes—there’s something captivating about the logistics and movement of goods across oceans. This passion naturally drew me toward a career in the maritime industry, and when the opportunity at Baseblue came up, it felt like the perfect fit.
The dynamic nature of the industry, combined with my desire to be part of global trade, made Baseblue a great place to grow both professionally and personally. Starting out as a bunker trader, I could see the immediate impact of our work in ensuring the smooth movement of vessels and goods across the globe. Every day presented new learning opportunities and challenges, which fueled my passion even further.
Over the past 15 years, my role has transformed significantly. When I first joined, I was focused on smaller accounts, learning the ropes of bunkering and gaining a solid foundation in the industry. As I gained experience and built relationships, I took on larger, more complex clients. My responsibilities shifted from primarily transactional work to more strategic endeavors. I now focus on developing long-term relationships, understanding our clients’ broader business needs, and crafting solutions that optimise their fuel procurement strategies.
One of the highlights of my journey has been the opportunity to work in our offices in Singapore, Greece, and the Netherlands. Each location brought its own set of challenges and cultural nuances, giving me a deeper understanding of the global bunkering market. It also allowed me to fine-tune my skills in various business environments. Today, I spend much of my time developing strategic partnerships and ensuring we deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.
One of the most memorable aspects of my time at Baseblue has been the opportunity to travel and meet with colleagues and clients from all over the world. Visiting our offices in the Netherlands, Greece, and Hong Kong stands out as particularly meaningful. Each trip deepened my understanding of the local markets, allowing me to connect more closely with our international teams. It’s during these moments that I realised the true global reach of our company and the importance of working across borders to achieve shared goals.
Another standout moment for me was being entrusted with some of our largest accounts. This was a major milestone in my career, and seeing the results of long-term strategic planning come to fruition—whether through successful partnerships or optimised fuel solutions—has been incredibly rewarding.
The thing I enjoy most about working at Baseblue is the diversity of people I get to interact with. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or industry peers, I’ve had the chance to engage with people from all over the world. Each person brings a unique perspective, and I find it fulfilling to understand their needs, goals, and strategies for fuel procurement. Crafting solutions that not only meet their immediate requirements but also build a foundation for a long-term, win-win partnership is what excites me the most.
Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to deepen these relationships and drive value for both sides. The dynamic nature of our industry means that no two days are the same, and that’s something I truly enjoy.
Baseblue’s culture is one of collaboration and continuous improvement. From day one, I’ve felt a strong sense of support within the team. The company encourages open communication and values every employee’s input, regardless of their role or level of experience. This has fostered a positive working environment and empowered me to take ownership of my role and contribute meaningfully to the company’s growth.
The culture of trust and innovation at Baseblue has been instrumental in my personal development. I’ve always been encouraged to take initiative, explore new ideas, and grow within the company. Whether it’s proposing new strategies for client engagement or refining existing processes, there’s always room to learn and improve. This focus on growth and empowerment has shaped the way I approach both challenges and opportunities, making my time at Baseblue deeply fulfilling.
My journey at Baseblue has been an incredible experience of professional and personal growth. From starting as a bunker trader to managing high-profile clients and building long-term strategic partnerships, every step has been a learning opportunity. I’m grateful for the company’s supportive culture and the chance to engage with people from all over the world.
