Sunny’s Journey at Baseblue: Growing, Connecting, and Thriving in Bunker Trading
In the ever-evolving world of bunker trading, few roles are as fast-paced and impactful as that of a senior trader. At Baseblue, Sunny Tang, our Senior Trader takes us through her journey, sharing the challenges, rewards, and drive behind her success. From the initial spark of interest in the industry to navigating the daily complexities of global trading, her story is an inspiring look into what it takes to thrive in this competitive field. Here, Sunny opens up about her passion and experiences and why Baseblue’s unique culture and support make all the difference in achieving success.
The journey to my current role as a senior trader began with a spark of interest in the dynamic world of bunker trading. I had always found this field fascinating due to its fast-paced nature and constant evolution, and I quickly realized that bunker trading is not just about transactions but about creating essential connections across a complex and far-reaching industry. After graduating from Shanghai Maritime University, I joined a private bunker trading house in China, which provided my first taste of the field. This role introduced me to the fundamentals of trading, but it was when I joined BMS (now known as Baseblue) that I truly began to build my expertise. I worked alongside skilled professionals and gradually honed my abilities in this specialized field.
Working as a bunker trader introduced me to people from all walks of life. This job requires not just a sharp understanding of the market but also strong interpersonal skills, as much of our work revolves around building trust with clients and partners. Over time, I discovered that my natural inclination to connect with people and my passion for the industry made me well-suited to this work.
A typical day in our Hong Kong office is full of collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. Each morning, our team gathers to review market updates and discuss trends that impact the industry. We often begin with a few cold calls or informal chats with clients about the latest crude oil analyses, discussing how these trends might influence their needs. These discussions set the stage for my daily tasks, which focus on managing client requests, liaising with suppliers, and ensuring that we can respond to inquiries from clients around the globe 24/7. Given Hong Kong’s role as a key global trading hub, the pace is always fast, and the international nature of our work means I’m often communicating with clients in various time zones.
Our office in Hong Kong is a vibrant, multicultural environment, with colleagues from all over the world. Each team member is responsible for covering specific ports in Southeast Asia, so we are constantly sharing information and insights to support each other. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our team but also enhances the value we provide to our clients, who benefit from our collective knowledge.
One of the most memorable milestones in my career at Baseblue was setting up our office during the height of the Covid pandemic. Building the office and assembling a team in such challenging circumstances was a rewarding experience that brought us closer together. We communicate openly and share ideas in real-time, reinforcing my passion for what we do. Additionally, the experience and connections I’ve cultivated have allowed me to lead significant offshore projects for some of China’s largest state-owned enterprises. This achievement led to my recognition as a Center of Excellence (CoE) trader, a role that has been one of my proudest accomplishments.
Being a team leader, however, comes with its own set of challenges. My team members are spread across different regions, which requires me to coordinate remotely and often adjust my schedule to bridge time zones. Communication is key, and I am always looking for ways to improve our interactions and ensure that everyone feels connected despite the distance.
One of the things I truly value about Baseblue is its supportive and close-knit environment. The company stands out in the industry because of its professional team and family-like culture. We have a powerful platform, with our own independently developed tool, Fuelink, which has become indispensable in our operations. Our leaders, Lars Nielsen and Rong Zhou, have always supported us, whether it’s by helping us negotiate with various departments. Their open-door approach fosters a strong sense of unity and loyalty, making Baseblue a truly cohesive team from top to bottom.
For me, balancing work and personal life is less about dividing time between the two and more about integrating them. I genuinely enjoy what I do, so I don’t feel like I’m “working” when I’m in the office; instead, it feels like an extension of who I am. My passion for trading has spread to my team, creating a unique sense of cohesion and motivation. We don’t follow rigid working hours, allowing us to find our own rhythm between work and life. This flexibility means that sometimes my team members stay in the office after hours, enjoying the chance to chat and exchange ideas about the day’s events.
Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found both a career and a team that I love. Being a trader is not just my job—it’s a part of my life that I embrace wholeheartedly.
