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Cargo - Casper Chartering vessel Arlecchino .
Running a tight ship – Casper managing director Michael Shakesheff with directors Alan Appleyard ( left ) and Nikki Sayer .
Born in Teesside , delivering worldwide 150 years on
Ever since Danish brothers Hans and Harald Casper arrived in Teesside in 1872 , Casper Shipping has been providing end-to-end shipping solutions across the UK , Europe and beyond .
150 years later , that same independent spirit , born on the banks of the Tees , is still alive . Of course , much has changed . But , as technology and society has shifted , Casper has kept pace every step of the way . From the lows of the Great Depression to the boom of the offshore industry , through to the rip-roaring Twenties and the uncertainty of a global pandemic , the firm has weathered every storm imaginable . Today , Casper is the UK ’ s leading independent maritime services company . And despite being steeped in history , a combination of restless innovation and constant improvement helps the firm chart a course to the future — one that ’ s fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow .
Overseeing its 11 sites nationwide is group managing director Michael Shakesheff .
“ The systems behind our service are cutting edge ,” explains Michael . “ As well as reporting and decision-making , we are trailblazers in automating our customs processes and declarations for customers .
“ Behind that is our practical experience and proactive people , who work tirelessly every day to build long-term partnerships and provide an ‘ always-on ’ service and an always hands-on approach . When you put those together , it gives our customers peace of mind and allows us to solve problems instinctively .”
Under the leadership of the Shakesheff family since Michael ’ s father , Kevin , was appointed managing director in 1991 , Casper has gone from strength to strength . More than 30 years and two management buy-outs later , Michael is now spearheading a group that includes Casper Shipping , Casper Logistics and Casper Chartering , with further divisions beneath each company .
Michael continues : “ We ’ ve grown far beyond our family roots , yet we ’ ve never lost the foundations that made our business so successful . Despite being a group with a global reach , our clients are always close to our heart .
“ It ’ s our experience and expertise that keeps ships sailing and goods moving . But it ’ s our dedication and dependability that keeps clients safe and supported . They place immense trust in us , and we reward that trust with an agile and unparalleled personal service .”
Business acquisitions and new openings have further complemented the family of companies , which transitioned into a group offering in 2016 . The rebrand brought their fleet of services under one roof , with a unifying proposition that built on consistent progress and set the foundations for the next phase of growth .
“ As much as we ’ re proud of our past , our eyes are firmly on the future ,” adds Michael . “ We ’ ve proven that we ’ re not afraid to take bold steps and constantly search for new ways to evolve . And with the help of digital tools , we ’ re making more informed decisions than ever before . “ But it doesn ’ t just stop there . We ’ re committed to our communities , passing on knowledge , delivering insight and shaping the future for the next wave of maritime leaders .”
While few shipping companies can count on more than a century of heritage , even fewer can boast a vision that guarantees confidence for clients and retains an independent spirit with international scale .
From the humble beginnings of Danish migrants to the nationwide group of today , Casper looks set to remain at the forefront of the maritime industry for the next 150 years .
42 | Tees Business