Discussion with Martaxelle Erussard, Founder of MasOceans
How did you come to shipping?
I ended up in shipping by chance. I had just finished my tourism studies and needed a summer job. I was offered a receptionist role at Andrew Weir Shipping. They needed someone who spoke English, and I fit the requirement. Two months later, a commercial manager role opened, and I applied and got it. I was lucky to have a great mentor in my boss, Ramon, who took me to ports and vessels and taught me everything about the business. That’s how my journey in shipping began, and I’ve been here ever since.
What was the hardest part of starting MasOceans?
It was tough. There were months with no income when I asked myself how I was going to survive. But giving up was never an option. I kept trying new ideas, asking for help, and staying honest. When I first pitched MasOceans, some customers said, ‘Yes, we’ll support you.’ That gave me strength. My agents also believed in me. Organizing events every year showed me the company had potential. I wanted people to feel involved, playing games, engaging in these events. The response was always amazing, and I thought, yes, this is working. Over time, I saw people go from doubting me, to watching how long I’d last, to finally recognizing MasOceans was here to stay.
What does MasOceans do?
Some call us an agency hub, but it’s not exactly that. At MasOceans, we provide customers with a single point of contact, we represent local agents on an exclusive basis, one agent per country or port. The real strength lies in trust and partnership. These are professionals I’ve known for many years. We don’t just hand off jobs; we work as one team. I stay directly involved, sometimes calling harbor masters myself or stepping in when needed. I also bridge communication between local agents and customers. For example, if a European customer expects a certain reporting style and my colleague in Dakar does it differently, I help align expectations. That’s the added value MasOceans brings.
What makes MasOceans different?
Responsiveness and transparency. Customers often come to us with urgent issues, and I never overpromise. Instead, I’ll say, ‘Can I get back to you in an hour? Tomorrow? Or this might take longer.’ They value that honesty. Once, in Guatemala, a customer asked for daily updates. I explained that it wasn’t possible there due to local conditions. They appreciated the straightforwardness, and that trust is why they continue working with us.
What makes a good ship agent?
I have deep respect for ship agents. Shipowners, charterers, and traders are key, but it’s the agents who make things happen in ports. Good agents are responsive, know their terminals, have the right contacts, and ensure smooth operations. They bring solutions, not delays. They are the unsung heroes of shipping. Recently in Bilbao, I coordinated with stevedores, lashing companies, the master, and the crew. It felt like conducting an orchestra, making sure everything worked in harmony. It’s a demanding job, and often agents’ hard work goes unseen. We handle vessels worth millions and cargo even more valuable, yet people still try to negotiate agents’ fees by a few hundred dollars. Their contribution deserves far greater recognition.
How do you see the future of ship agency?
I often compare it to other industries. In travel, platforms like TripAdvisor highlight exceptional service. We need ways to make the value of agents visible, because much of what we do goes unnoticed. I’d love to give customers weekly or monthly updates showing the vessels handled, the challenges faced, and how we solved them. We also need systems that make our service measurable and visible without losing the human touch.
In some regions, like West Africa, getting an FDA can take months. Agents need smarter, faster tools to simplify this work. We must also review our operations, charge fairly, and adjust to stay sustainable. The future lies in efficiency, transparency, and simplicity. Customers want one window, clear updates, and trusted partners. The traditional model won’t vanish, but expectations will rise. Agencies that adapt, simplify, and stay human will lead.
How was your experience as a woman in shipping?
When I started, it was harder. I remember calling an agent to discuss operations; he hung up on me. When I called again, he asked to speak to my manager. I’ve sat in many meetings as the only woman. Things are changing now. Women bring adaptability, emotional intelligence, and new ways of solving problems. Often, we are less confrontational and more solution driven. That balance is powerful, and the industry needs more women in leadership roles to reflect that.
What do you love most about shipping?
No two days are the same. I work with people from all over the world, across different cultures and time zones. It’s impossible to get bored. And I’ve never met anyone who simply says no. It’s always, “Let me try,” or “I’ll see what I can do.” That problem-solving spirit, that resilience, is what I love most about this industry.
