Tokyo, Yamaguchi Steamship Headquarters.

Lin Zhichao, with several senior executives of Global Shipping, was negotiating with the senior management of Yamaguchi Steamship in the conference room. In this negotiation, the top management of Yamaguchi Steamship unabashedly hoped to renew the contract at a high price, which was very beneficial to Global Shipping.

Yamashataro opened his mouth and said, "Mr. Lin, we should be satisfied with each other after a cooperation. Presumably, you are also planning to rent the boat to us, so you will come to the Yamaguchi steamer. ”

Lin Zhichao did not deny it at this point.

"I do want to charter the boat to you, and although the price is high, there are benefits to a long contract, as long as the price is reasonable," he said. ”

Yamasho and the others understood that Lin Zhichao was reminding them that there was already a shortage of ships in the Far East, especially those ships involved in smuggling, which were simply one or two trips, and the cost of the ships had already been restored.

"Then I will directly talk about the conditions, after my colleagues and I discussed, we are willing to renew the contract for these three ships for one year for 2.8 million US dollars a year. Of course, the rent needs to be paid monthly. After saying that, Yamashatarou's face showed confidence.

This price is full of sincerity, and although a one-way short-term rental can be more profitable, it is obviously more risky.

Lin Zhichao was not satisfied with this price, but he didn't show any look on his face for the first time, glanced at Gao Qiqiang, and motioned for you to talk about it.

Gao Qiqiang immediately said in broken Japanese: "President Yamashita, our shipowners in Hong Kong now have a saying - if there is a ship, it is to open a money printing machine, and they often run one or two one-way short-term rentals, and in less than half a year, they can earn back a boat."

When Yamashoro heard Gao Qiqiang's words, he showed a smile and said confidently: "Your ship is so big, and Mr. Lin's style of doing things is so steady, I believe that you will not run that kind of risky voyage." Mr. Lin, the $2.8 million one-year charter, after deducting insurance premiums, labor, accidents, etc., I believe that in one year, the price of your purchase of the boat has been almost recovered. The current market is really good, and the price we give is also very good. ”

What a good one!

At present, it is the peak time of Far East shipping, a large number of Japanese goods are waiting to be transported in the port, and many shipowners in Hong Kong have taken risks to smuggle, and the overall market has risen by about 2~3 times. And the price given by Yamashitoro is only 2 times, which is obviously very shrewd by the Japanese.

Moreover, the price of second-hand ships in Europe and the United States has also risen, which Willis told Lin Zhichao by phone across the ocean.

"Japan's economy is now like clockwork, with goods that need to be transported piled up in major ports," Lin said. According to this situation, I consider packing these three ships and increasing the lease period to 3~5 years, but the price cannot be less than 3.2 million US dollars a year. President Yamashita, how about this suggestion of mine? ”

Several high-ranking officials of the Yamaguchi steamer looked at each other, they didn't expect things to develop like this.

Yamashataro and his colleague looked at each other a few times, and then said, "A long contract of 3~5 years is good, but the annual rent is too expensive. ”

Therefore, Lin Zhichao analyzed the future trend of the Japanese economy, as well as the market of Hong Kong shipping and even Asian shipping in the next few years; After some flickering, Yamashataro and his colleagues made eye contact.

In the end, it was Yamashitaro who said, "Mr. Lin, let us discuss, after all, you suddenly proposed a long-term contract." ”

"Please"

Subsequently, Yamashitoro led his subordinates to launch the conference room, leaving the staff to entertain Lin Zhichao and his party.

It wasn't until half an hour after the difference that Yamashataro and his men returned to the conference room to negotiate.

"We can accept a three-year contract for $3 million a year. For a five-year contract, the price would only be $2.6 million a year. ”

After speaking, Yamashataro once again showed his confidence, meaning that this condition is very good, so let's agree!

Lin Zhichao also considered that now the freighter has risen by about 20%, and the price of an 8,600-ton second-hand cargo ship of 20~25 years old has risen to about 550,000 US dollars; Originally, it only cost more than $450,000.

The cargo ship leased to the Yamaguchi steamer is 35,000 tons, and they are all new, so there is nothing to say about the performance. The old and new ships also determine the price of chartering a ship; At a 30% price increase, the price of the three ships has risen to $2.15 million.

The annual rent is 3 million US dollars, and in the case of smoothing, you can get a net profit of 2.1 million US dollars. Of course, there is no risk of overhaul or accident in this, this is a matter of luck. (As long as it is properly managed, the accident will be reduced to the extreme)

So, with good luck, I earned back an old ship a year, because I thought about buying a boat, and I could only calculate the current price of the ship.

Compared to going on a dangerous road, it is really a profit table, of course, Lin Zhichao's ship is too big, and the risk is higher.

Lin Zhichao then said: "Sign a five-year contract, but the rent for the first three years must be 3 million US dollars a year, and you can be given 2.6 million a year for the next two years." ”

There is a penalty for half a year ~ one year of rent, once the contract is signed, the possibility of default is very small.

This time, after Yamashataro made eye contact with his colleague, he didn't drag it out any longer.

"Happy cooperation, we will talk about the details and sign the contract tomorrow!" Yamashataro held out his hand and said.

He and his colleagues were very optimistic about the performance of these three ships, and if they were to be replaced by other cargo ships, such as European ships in their twenties and thirties, they would not agree to this condition.

Because some cargo ships have a carrying capacity of 10,000 tons, in fact, they may only be able to carry seven or eight thousand tons, or even five or six thousand tons. The cabins of the Liberty Ship and the Victory Ship not only provide good protection for the cargo, but also have a very reasonable design.

As for the construction method of welding rather than rivets, in fact, since World War II, these merchant ships have not had any accidents, and now many people feel that their performance is very good.

Lin Zhichao also stretched out his hand and said with a smile: "Happy cooperation"

Subsequently, Yamasho immediately invited everyone to have a business banquet in the evening, and Lin Zhi naturally agreed.

Back at the hotel, Lin Zhichao, his subordinates and lawyers held a meeting to discuss some contract details, and strive to negotiate and sign the contract tomorrow morning, so that it can go smoothly.

For this lease, Lin Zhichao is still very satisfied.

The contracts of these three ships Liberty and Victory expired at the end of 1955, and after that, they did not run long-term contracts, and waited until the Suez incident broke out in 1956 to seek a three-year long-term contract at a high price.

The more expensive the shipping price, the more willing the charterer is to charter the ship and make a long-term contract; The off-season is, the more the charter fee is more willing to be short-haul. So, in fact, both sides are beneficial, because mutual trust and mutual benefit have been achieved.

In 1959~1961, there was a small low tide in world shipping, and Lin Zhichao also happened to sell some too old ships in advance and began to build a large number of new oil tankers. Through this adjustment, global shipping is more efficient and develops faster than its peers.

Evening.

Lin Zhichao took his subordinates to the appointment happily, and still chose to be in the geisha hall, this time it was more luxurious. Lin Zhichao didn't mind that he and his subordinates would participate in this kind of business banquet, but he would lead by example and refuse to take it away in the end.

In other words, he purely participated in this kind of business banquet with an artistic mentality and a local mentality. But we must ensure that we do not sit still and do not get lost in the sound of dogs and horses.

As a boss, he has this attitude, so his subordinates will naturally be similar, although he has an escort, he can be polite and gentlemanly. Otherwise, just for the sake of temporary pleasure, leaving a bad impression on the boss and impressing the future, it is not very good.

The monthly salary of middle-level cadres of Global Shipping and Cheung Kong is in the range of 300~500, and the salary of high-level cadres is 600~800, and bonuses are given at the end of the year. The important thing is that everyone can see that the company is developing at the speed of the naked eye, and naturally feel that it still has a lot of upward channels.

Cherish the work, but also learn the boss's style - diligence, hard work, struggle.

During the banquet, Yamashitoro said: "Thank you Lin Sheng for your support to us, for your optimism and support for the Japanese economy, I salute you." ”

Everyone raised their glasses and drank the sake in one gulp, and the kimono girls on both sides, one pouring sake and the other serving vegetables, made it easy to get lost. However, the Chinese have always been conservative and abide by Confucianism, and Lin Zhichao and his subordinates can still be 'not chaotic'. ZBISM can corrupt people, and in a few decades, maybe the Chinese atmosphere will also change.

Yamashataro's words revealed his gratitude, because Japan is indeed short of ships, and it is difficult for them to find a favorite one to charter a ship in Hong Kong now, either too small or asking for a high price.

The 35,000-ton lease is also more than 10% of the company's total deadweight for Yamaguchi steamers, which can be described as a very important transportation force.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "President Yamashita is serious! I chose to cooperate with you because I am very optimistic about the future trend of Japan's economy and hope for long-term cooperation. And I believe that this way of operating global shipping is conducive to bank loans, so that I can quickly expand the number of ship owners. So, win-win cooperation! ”

As soon as the words fell, the upper and lower Lang asked: "Lin Sheng, could it be that you will have a ship again soon, and I won't tell you that we still need some capacity." ”

It takes a lot of capacity!

But I can only be conservative.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Not necessarily! However, I have already reached a cargo ship loan agreement with HSBC in Hong Kong, and the two sides have a good foundation of mutual trust. ”

He didn't dare to pack the ticket.

As soon as Yamashataro heard that HSBC had already loaned a loan to Global Shipping, he immediately knew that there were actually many ships in Global Shipping, and he immediately felt that its strength was very strong, and it may be the existence of the top few Chinese private shipowners.

"Okay, then I'll wait for good news!"

Lin Zhichao nodded and did not refuse, but at the same time decided that he must add another large Japanese shipping company customer early next year.

Following.

The contract was signed smoothly and both parties were relieved.

The rent of this kind of contract is paid once a month, if you want the customer to pay once a quarter or half a year, it is obviously impossible, others are short of foreign exchange, and the rent is paid every month to avoid excess foreign exchange.

In the mid-to-late fifties, Lin Zhichao would gradually consider accepting yen payments, which would be beneficial to both parties.

For him, the yen retains its value, and it can also be built or repaired in Japan;

For Japanese tenants, avoid using too much foreign currency.

After getting the long-term lease contract in Japan, Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong, went to Sundash's office, and handed him the contract.

After reading the contract carefully, Sandas was a little surprised on his face, this contract was very heavy.

He then said, "So, how much do you want to borrow?" ”

He was surprised by the gold content of this contract, if everything goes well, Lin Zhichao can rely on this contract to buy 3~4 times the deadweight of second-hand ships within five years; Moreover, this is without counting the loan.

It is equivalent to that Lin Zhichao relied on three ships to earn back three ships in a year.

For the first time, Sandas faced it squarely, he didn't expect shipping to be so profitable, and it certainly didn't make him ignore the risks.

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "In the first year, we had $3 million in rent, so I wanted to borrow this amount. ”

Sandas immediately said, "It's almost impossible! If I were in the project department, I would not have been able to give you such a high loan amount. Although your annual rent is $3 million, don't forget that shipping is risky. And we in the bank can't turn a blind eye. ”

Lin Zhichao knew that things needed to be negotiated slowly, so he was not in a hurry; At this time, he saw a British colonial nautical chart hanging in the office of the Import Department.

He pointed to the nautical charts and said, "Mr. Sandas, what does Britain rely on to dominate the world, with colonies all over the world, and is known as 'the country where the sun never sets'?" ”

Sandas was stunned at first, he didn't understand why Lin Zhichao diverted the topic, this young man's eloquence is always very good, what reason is there to convince himself?

He tentatively asked, "Is it because of the sturdy ships and the powerful cannons?" ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "It's a strong ship, this is the most important thing." After World War II, the world entered an upward trend of economic development, and there will be no more global battles. And a sturdy ship can make a decisive contribution to the world economy, because of its cheap freight and large volume of cargo. And Japan's economy is undergoing a miraculous change, they themselves have a strong industrial base, and now they are supported by the United States and become a supply of materials for the war According to the current situation, Japan has obtained war orders, which may be several times more than the Marshall Plan. I chartered merchant ships to them, and I could make tens of millions of dollars in profits in five years. ”

Listening to Lin Zhichao's vigorous praise of Japan's economic prospects, Sandas felt very amazing, and he also knew what kind of medicine Lin Zhichao was selling in the gourd, which was nothing more than to reassure HSBC, and the contract in his hand was the best letter of credit.

But with a loan of 3 million US dollars, this is simply a gamble on his future, if he agrees to help, it is equivalent to the two of them will be completely tied together in the future.

"So, you want to gain the trust of Japan by signing a long-term contract first. Take advantage of the money made in the Japanese market and aggressively expand shipowners. Sandas suddenly sensed Lin Zhichao's intentions at this time and asked curiously.

Although Japan will now come to Hong Kong to charter ships, after all, they are all one-way short-term charters, and Lin Zhichao can indeed gain the favor of Japanese shipping for such a long-term charter.

Lin Zhichao nodded, and said: "There are many favorable factors for shipping in Hong Kong. Countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan will have many enemies in the international community, and if they have too many enemies in shipping, they will be restricted. Hong Kong is a free port and ships of any nationality can come in, and in the same way, we can have ships of any nationality and fly the flag of any country, as long as it is beneficial to us......"

Sandas was impressed by Lin Zhichao's words and added a little admiration, this young man's analysis of the situation, his understanding of the market, and his grasp of the business all have the potential of 'future ship king'.

But thinking of the huge sum of 3 million US dollars, he still has a headache and looks embarrassed.

Originally, he initially thought that Lin Zhichao's loan might be $1 million. But now it's tripled, which he didn't expect.

Lin Zhichao saw that Sang Dashi lowered his head and was silent, but his face showed hesitation, so he asked, "These reasons and conditions are not enough?" ”

Sandas was embarrassed and said, "Mr. Lin, our bank has always been more cautious about the shipping industry, and Mr. Lin is also very clear about the rules of bank loans."

Lin Zhichao thought of something and said, "You don't think the guarantee is enough, right?" ”

Yes, that's it, Sandas immediately said, "Yes." Your ship isn't worth $3 million, but you want to borrow $3 million, it's still a problem. Although the contract value is more, there is still a risk involved. ”

Bankers are all steady, and he did not feel at ease and boldly agreed to help because of the relationship between the two. Because assuming he agrees to help, it's almost nine times out of ten, but he will also take the risk.

Lin Zhichao thought for a while and said, "If there is a Japanese bank that is willing to open an LC for me, will HSBC be willing to lend me money?" ”

LC is the abbreviation of Letter of Credit. If the bank can issue a letter of credit, it proves that there is no problem with the security of the lease.

Sandas's eyes lit up and he said, "Of course there is no problem! As long as you can get this LC, I can guarantee that you will definitely get a loan. ”

For Sundash himself, he just wants HSBC to reduce his risk, and if Lin Zhichao convinces other Chinese-funded super-rich to guarantee or mortgage Cheung Kong, it is a kind of 'letter of credit'. Now that this LC is issued by the Bank of Japan, it is even more guaranteed.

At that time, it is impossible for HSBC to disagree.

"It's a deal!"

"Jun Wu Ju Yan (Hard Translation)"

Sandas feels that Lin Zhichao has little hope of success, and if he fails, he will not give up, and it may be easier to achieve a loan of $1.5 million at that time.

At this time, Lin Zhichao also understood that this LC was difficult to open, but he still chose to try. If it doesn't work out, make a plan.

He understands the bank's prudent approach and his 'fear' of shipping risks, but he has to get more bank loans.

Because at this time, if he gets a bank loan of 3 million US dollars, Lin Zhichao can buy a large number of ships and put them into operation again. The amount of money earned in a year is probably a huge amount.

Shipping is the most profitable industry in the 50~70s, and even real estate is far behind. At the end of the 70s in his previous life, Bao Yugang had a wealth of 6 billion Hong Kong dollars, and the wealth of the four major families would be good if he could have 1 billion. At the peak of Bao Yugang, one oil tanker was a medium-sized building in Hong Kong, and 50 oil tankers were 50 medium-sized buildings.

Just ask this strength, who can match it!

(End of chapter)