“THE NAUTICA FLAG RARELY PASSES THE ‘UFERSTRASSE’ UNSEEN”

When Michael Schwitalla starts at Nautica in 1998, he is 21 years old. He has just finished his ‘’Ausbildung’’ at ADM Soya in Mainz. He learned his trade ‘on the job’.

Chartering in inland barging keeps him busy during the day.

He likes ‘’doing business’’ with customers as well as with barge owners.

He loves it when the water level in the river Rhine changes constantly.

Changes in the market, acquiring knowledge of the waterways, destinations, and ports, it fascinates him all!

Customers, charterers and barge owners, they all have their specific wishes. You gain this knowledge automatically, while doing your job.  Besides you also learn that your own private planning can fall apart through the influence of nature and technology.

It is crystal clear that not any barge or any working day in barging is the same either! You need to find a solution for any problem that might show up.

In the meantime, Michael gathers experience and becomes ‘senior’ in chartering.  April 2023, he celebrates his 25^th Work Anniversary. Sure, this won’t go by unnoticed.

After so many years, do you find your work still interesting?

“Certainly, otherwise I would not be here. Our work is very broad and complex.

It is always fascinating. We are a team and very important: SOCIAL is written with capital letters at our company!”

What does Nautica mean in Mainz?

“We are aiming for a high value in providing the best service (both to the shipper as well as to the barge owner)”

Nautica has profiled itself as a reliable transport partner where business is handled properly. The turnover and the many barges with the Nautica flag show this clearly.

If I may ask, what could be improved, Michael?

“Working together and trusting each other more. Being human should be number one, business comes second.  Now and then the discussions seem to become harder and harder, it’s getting a little too close. This should be avoided.

What is your next goal at Nautica, Michael?

“To expand our business on a yearly basis!”

Do you still have some wishes left over?

“Of course! We try to keep doing our work with the same joy and pleasure as always and wish that all our family, colleagues and friends continue to be in good health.”