My business: Silvian Baltac, Partner at ERM and Steven Lofaro, Regional Senior Vice President Energy, Ports & Projects Americas at Blue Water Shipping

Steven Lofaro
Regional Senior Vice President Energy, Ports & Projects Americas at Blue Water Shipping

Can you tell us a little about Blue Water Shipping?

Since 1972, Blue Water Shipping has delivered efficient, reliable logistics solutions across diverse industries. Our strength lies in the knowledge and experience of our people, and our culture remains one of our greatest assets. Our founder, Kurt Skov, still walks through the halls of our headquarters and our Foundation Chair, Anna Skov, continues to champion our spirit globally through initiatives such as the Blue Water Games.

How is a day in your role?

A typical day for me starts with a workout, breakfast and coffee before heading into one of our offices across the region. I’m very hands-on and stay visible in all locations because meeting our teams, customers and vendors is the best way to understand the heartbeat of the business. Being present allows me to see challenges early, help solve them and identify niche solutions that we can scale to other markets.

What has been your greatest achievement as a company employee?

We are not a ‘big box’ forwarder, and that’s intentional. We are a niche, customer-centric organisation that thrives on doing what others could only dream of. One of my proudest achievements is helping to build the operational foundation in Australia and Papua New Guinea. I’m equally proud of the role we played in shaping how Blue Water Shipping is structured globally today compared to five years ago.

What has changed since your first day  at the company?

Now, I am based in Houston, Texas, and I love it. The breadth of the business spans  six countries and two continents, and the size of the team is larger than anything I’ve led before. I’m excited to diversify our business across all markets we serve and expand our footprint into new countries by 2027.

Can you tell us a little about ERM?

ERM is a global sustainability consultancy that helps organisations to accelerate the energy transition. With more than 8,000 consultants worldwide, we combine technical, commercial and regulatory expertise to turn sustainable ambitions into investable plans and credible actions. 

How is a day in your role?

I lead the Low Carbon Industries & Molecules practice in London – approximately 45 consultants acting as a global centre of excellence. The practice began in the UK, advising industrial clusters such as Humber and Teesside on carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as e-fuels, biofuels and hydrogen project developers. The approaches we developed there underpin our ability to support clients internationally. Daily work reflects this global reach: early discussions with Middle Eastern clients on industrial decarbonisation pathways, alignment with government and industry stakeholders on CCS projects in Europe, reviewing contributions from Asia-Pacific colleagues as our day ends and theirs begins.

What’s your favourite part working at ERM?

Building long-term client relationships. Working with industrials, investors, governments and technology providers, I support clients across a wide range of issues – always evolving as the global policy landscape shifts and creates new uncertainties. Our techno-economic assessments and policy analysis shape investment decisions and long-term net-zero implementation. Being there for clients of all types is a part of the job I particularly enjoy.

What has been your greatest achievement as an employee?

Equally important is shaping the strategy of the practice and developing our people – mentoring consultants, building capabilities, defining our service offerings and ensuring we stay ahead of emerging market needs. Seeing the team grow and succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.