AOM: Navigating Legacy with Global Vision
Born from a deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between esteemed shipping families of Italy and Greece, AOM was founded on a spirit of collaboration and integrity. What began as a bond over maritime heritage has blossomed into a dynamic enterprise that delivers trusted tonnage solutions across continents.
Over the years, AOM has earned a reputation among the world's leading commodity traders—not just for reliability, but for its enduring relationships and cross-cultural agility. A defining chapter in our journey has been our long-standing partnership with Japan. Through shared values and mutual respect, we’ve cultivated meaningful connections with some of Japan’s most influential shipping companies, anchoring our growth in excellence and trust.
With a commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation, AOM continues to chart new waters—honoring the past while steering toward a sustainable and progressive future.
History
AOM: Forging Partnerships
AOM, part of the Augustea Group, brings over 70 years of expertise in the maritime industry. Built on a foundation of strategic partnerships, Augustea has fostered long-standing relationships with Japanese shipyards, shipowners, and trading houses, playing a crucial role in the company's growth. Since the early 2000s, Augustea has been instrumental in opening up the Japanese long-lease market, traditionally dominated by domestic charterers.
In 2001, Augustea, alongside Italian shipowner Coeclerici, entered into a landmark long-term charter agreement for the MV Red Orchid, a 75,000 DWT Panamax built at Imabari Shipyard and delivered in 2003. This initiative marked the beginning of a series of successful joint ventures with leading shipping companies, culminating in a fleet of over 20 vessels, half of which were Panamaxes backed by Augustea. These efforts led to the establishment of CBC, managed by CTM.
In 2007, Augustea partnered with Oceanbulk, a fellow CBC partner, to create AOM, aiming to further expand its presence in the Japanese long-term charter market by leveraging Augustea’s strong credit standing and industry reputation.
The Growth and Expansion of AOM
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, AOM was initially structured as a 50-50 joint venture before Augustea became the majority shareholder. Shortly after its establishment, AOM secured its first long-term charter contract with Mitsui & Co., leading to the delivery of AOM MILENA, a 76,600 DWT Panamax built at Shin Kasado Dockyard and owned by the Nissen Kaiun Group with whom Augustea had already worked in the past. This milestone laid the foundation for AOM’s fleet expansion.
Over the years, AOM has further strengthened its relationship with Nissen Kaiun Group, successfully contracting a total of 21 vessels, with 9 currently under its management. This enduring collaboration underscores AOM’s commitment to maintaining long-term, trusted partnerships with industry-leading Japanese shipowners.
Building on Augustea’s legacy and global reputation, AOM remains dedicated to delivering high-quality maritime cargo transportation services across global trade routes, operating a fleet primarily composed of leased vessels from esteemed Japanese owners.
With a track record of reliability, strategic growth, and operational excellence, AOM continues to reinforce its presence in the maritime sector, offering tailored shipping solutions that adapt to the evolving demands of the global market
AOM’s Key Achievements and Expansion
In 2010, AOM took over from other Augustea's affiliates the performance of long term Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Drummond Coal. In the following year AOM became the lead carrier of imported coal into the USA from Puerto Drummond (Colombia) to primarily Mobile, Alabama. The following year AOM transported a record 11 million metric tons of coal into the US. At the end of the contract in 2023, and after 78 million tons moved, not a single shipment had been missed or even just delayed. This enduring partnership underscores AOM’s reliability and operational excellence in bulk commodity transportation.
In 2018, AOM transitioned to become a Maltese-incorporated company. Today the company is headquartered in the old port of Valletta, with a dedicated team of professionals managing a fleet ranging from Kamsarmax to Capesize, primarily chartered from Japanese owners and employed in both the spot and long-term charter markets.
With a legacy built on strong partnerships, strategic growth, and a commitment to excellence, AOM continues to play a pivotal role in the global shipping industry, delivering efficient and reliable maritime transportation solutions
Our Vision & Mission
Mission
Augustea subsidiaries have the mission to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable shipping services, encompassing both vessel ownership and comprehensive management solutions. We are committed to providing services of the highest standard with minimal environmental impact. We strive to build lasting value for our stakeholders through high ethical practices and a continuous focus on innovation in the maritime industry.
Vision
Augustea's operating philosophy is "Respect to the Seas". It is strongly embedded in everything Augustea strives to accomplish and has a strong adherence to a clear set of principles and values that support its philosophy.
Core Values
AOM embraces the parent company’s values
Safety - protecting our best asset: the people that run our ships. A safe working environment is the basic building block upon which Augustea is built.
Efficiency - never leaving stones unturned. Being part of a logistical chain requires a proactive response. We always strive to explore old and new challenges from different perspectives to still every ounce of effectiveness, by renewing and strengthening our fleet and by diversifying into related markets.
Trust - being part of the inner circle of our client. In today’s highly competitive world, Augustea is committed to integrity and considers fair relationships as a pillar of the daily business. Our clients must feel we are fully on board with their everyday needs without ever compromising their information edge.
Drive to performance - always raising the bar of excellence. By constantly challenging ourselves, we stay relevant and competitive. Teamwork is one of our key strengths.
Quality - Protecting our crews. Respecting the seas. Serving our clients. Augustea subsidiaries operate in compliance with the main industry regulations and certifications, as a testament to our commitment to the total quality philosophy as a pre-requisite of long-term profitability.
Diversity & Inclusion
Committed to foster a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We provide equal opportunities to everyone.
Moreover, we ensure to provide our clients with the highest level of quality service through our highest level of customer service, customer satisfaction, efficient operation, and sustainable reputation in the shipping industry.
Our clients
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