Discussion with Simone Trevale, Sales Manager at Fluid Global Solutions
How did you get started in the shipping industry?
“I started working in shipping around 20 years ago. Before that, I worked in the oil and gas industry.I was looking for something close to home and one day, I saw a job ad in a printed newspaper. Back then we didn’t have LinkedIn. I sent my resume,and they called me. I started in the commercial division.
I have been here at Fluid Global Solutions the last five years, and I’m still very happy.
This is a young company, and most of my colleagues are younger than me. That brings a fast, dynamic mentality that I really appreciate. The energy is fresh, and things move quickly. We have a very good relationship. I travel a lot, so it’s important that my colleagues handle inquiries and orders while I’m away. I feel supported all the time.”
How do you balance work and live with travel?
“I travel a lot. It takes time away from my family, and I am lucky because my wife travels a lot too. However, I’ve built many friendships around the world. That’s something I really value. Meeting people from different countries opens your mind. Every interaction teaches you something new. It helps you grow personally, and it helps the company grow too.”
What surprised you most about shipping?
“The speed is different. In oil and gas, if you need one pump, you must go through a mountain of paperwork. Shipping is faster and more direct. Shipping works around the clock; it does not stop. We kept going even during COVID. Shipping is interesting. If you visit La Spezia, you’ll see cruise ships, cargo vessels, container ships, and all kinds of ships in one place. You walk into a vessel, go down to the engine room, and it feels like a small city. Even today, with all the talk about AI and apps, it’s still people doing the work. That’s something I really admire. Real people, real effort!”
How has the industry changed?
“One major trend is consolidation. Big shipowners are buying logistics companies and growing into huge groups. However, while the scale and pricing are important, relationships still matters a lot. We believe in human connection, face-to-face contact, trust, a strong relationship with purchasing and technical departments. AI is helping us work faster, sure, but it can’t replace relationships. We’re also seeing new regulations, but in terms of pumps and electric motors, not much has changed. The equipment is pretty much the same. So, for us, it’s all about service and quality. Our growth comes from taking care of our customers. If we’re doing well, it’s because of them.”
What does good service mean to you?
“To me, honesty and transparency are everything. There are no secrets, if you’re working, mistakes can happen. What matters is how you respond. If there’s a problem with an order, we sometimes ship a replacement for free. If there’s a delay, we inform the customer right away.
We ask our customers, “If we made a mistake, tell us, so we don’t repeat it.” That honesty builds trust. We travel a lot, even just for short visits to check in, ask how things are going, and see what we can improve. Even though we don’t handle engines or huge parts, our work with pumps still requires serious attention. A wrong pump can cause big problems on a vessel. So, we treat it seriously.”
How do you use data and intelligence?
“Your portal helps us a lot. We set alerts when a vessel is arriving in a port. Then we can proactively call the customer and say, “Do you need your order delivered? Do you need any maintenance?” It helps us be faster and more responsive. We also use MagicPort to check vessel locations when we get inquiries, and to plan. Since we only have one warehouse in La Spezia, we need to plan for shipments to places like Singapore. We can calculate the shipping time and plan accordingly. We’ve also created something we call a “maintenance alarm.” If a vessel enters a Mediterranean port, we call the customer and ask if they need support. From La Spezia, we can reach Genoa or Livorno in about an hour. That kind of speed makes a difference.”
What makes you different?
“At Fluid Global Solutions, we believe that excellence in maritime service is not just about technical expertise, it's about listening, adapting, and being there when it counts. Our mission is to combine precision, responsiveness, and human connection to create long-lasting value for our clients.
In the end, shipping is about people. Behind every order, every vessel, and every port, there’s someone relying on you to do your part. That’s what keeps us motivated, knowing that our work helps others move forward, safely and efficiently.”
