Global Shipping is interested in a total of eight second-hand ships in Europe, including four second-hand oil tankers and four second-hand freighters.
The four oil tankers were all built in the 1930s and are about 20 years old. The tonnage ranges from 15,000 to 16,000 tons. The price is about 1.2 million US dollars each, which is about 1.5 times the price of a cargo ship of the same load capacity.
The four cargo ships were also built in the 1930s, with a tonnage of 12,000 to 15,000 tons and a price of around US$800,000.
Therefore, this time it is necessary to spend US$8.2 million to purchase eight ships with a total carrying capacity of 111,000 tons.
After the matter was settled, Lin Zhichao and Audrey Hepburn inspected the shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and were warmly received by Franz, the president of the shipyard.
Lin Zhichao himself has purchased 6 to 7 million tons of second-hand cargo ships in Europe. He enjoys a high reputation here and is not an unknown ship owner. After all, the load capacity of 700,000 tons is already 3% to 5% of the size of British merchant ships.
"Mr. Lin, Miss Audrey, welcome to the Hamburg Shipyard!" Franz obviously knew Audrey Hepburn. Although he was a little surprised, he still said calmly.
Audrey Hepburn and Lin Zhichao have no scruples, not to mention they are not reporters, so it doesn't matter if they know.
Lin Zhichao stretched out his right hand and said: "Hello, President Franz, I am very interested in large oil tankers, so I came here to check whether the technology in this area is mature. If I am satisfied, maybe I will consider ordering a new oil tanker. "
Franz did not dare to take a peek at Lin Zhichao, the king of second-hand ships. After all, switching from second-hand ships to new ships was a reasonable development trend.
"No problem, I guarantee you'll leave satisfied!"
Later, Franz and others took Lin Zhichao and his party to visit the entire Hamburg Shipyard.
When he came to a 'behemoth' under construction, Franz said proudly: "Mr. Lin must also know that last year we built the oil tanker 'Tina Onassis' for the Greek ship owner - Onassis. .The tanker’s carrying capacity reached 45,270 tons, making it the world’s largest tanker.”
Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "I know, I am very envious of what kind of large oil tanker I have!"
Franz smiled and introduced the oil tanker under construction in front of him and said: "This ship is called the 'Sinclair'. Its load capacity has been increased again, reaching 56,089 tons. It will be launched next year."
Lin Zhichao asked suspiciously: "Not to mention the technology of such a large oil tanker, but as far as I know, the world's port facilities and mooring technology will trouble it."
Of course, channel conditions are also very critical. If Lin Zhichao purchases a large tanker, he must require the captain, senior seamen, etc. to strictly follow the fixed channel and must not deviate from the channel privately.
Because he was worried that the grounding would cause an oil leak, which would be a terrible thing. Once oil leaks into U.S. waters and European waters, the cost will be very high. Especially in U.S. waters, a leak occurred in the 1990s, and the U.S. oil giant paid a total of US$5 billion because the leak occurred in Alaskan waters.
Franz explained: “We have designed an oil pipeline system for large oil tankers. If the port is inaccessible, small tankers can be used to transfer oil.”
Lin Zhichao understood that a 50,000-ton oil tanker can transport 2 to 3 times more than the 10,000- to 20,000-ton oil tankers currently on the market, saving a lot of costs: First, the steel required to build a 50,000-ton oil tanker may only be The steel required for the construction of 2 to 3 10,000-ton oil tankers saves about 40% of the steel alone; secondly, fuel consumption is also reduced a lot.
Of course, these advantages are not 'big' at the moment. Once Suez closes in 1956, the oil transported from the Middle East to Europe will have to travel an additional 5,000 nautical miles, fully doubling the voyage and consuming 16 to 17 more days.
By then, oil tankers around the world will be developing towards larger carrying capacity.
If Lin Zhichao's estimate was not wrong, a new 50,000-ton oil tanker could definitely make back its money within one year of Suez's closure in 1956, or it might not even take one year.
It’s not wrong to say it’s a God-given opportunity!
Lin Zhichao asked again: "How long does it take to build such a 50,000-ton oil tanker?"
Franz said happily: "It usually takes 12 to 18 months!"
Lin Zhichao nodded and asked, "Do I need to queue up?"
Franz said: "At most three months!"
Lin Zhichao believed in German technology, so he asked again: "How much does one ship cost?"
Franz was already convinced that Lin Zhichao would definitely buy it, and quickly said: "Currently, a 56,000-ton oil tanker costs US$7.6 million. 40% of the first payment for construction will be paid, and the remaining 60% will be paid upon delivery."
Lin Zhichao immediately calculated in his mind that oil tankers are not cargo ships. When the Suez is closed, the freight price of oil tankers will definitely increase higher than that of cargo ships. In addition, the current freighters are generally between 10,000 and 20,000 tons, and oil tankers make money from Europe and the United States. Therefore, the time of oil tankers must be After all, one month cannot be wasted.
He would rather the oil tanker implement one-way short-term chartering before Suez is closed, and earn every opportunity in that wave. Sometimes some shipowners prefer to park their ships in ports for the sake of high rents. This is the reason.
Of course, considering that the first closure of the Suez Canal only lasted for one year, it would be ideal to sign a contract for three years at a high price (75~80% of the short-term rental price); to sign a contract for five years at a high price (70~75% of the short-term rental price) ), which means that customers are already afraid, and even Lin Zhichao has to laugh out loud.
"I probably need to build six 56,000-ton oil tankers!" Lin Zhichao said lightly.
Franz lost his composure and said in shock: "Is what Mr. Lin said true?"
Six 56,000-ton oil tankers, with a total tonnage of 336,000 tons, which is more than 25% of Germany’s annual shipbuilding tonnage. Even Onassis didn't dare to build so many in one go, so he built them in stages.
Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "My current second-hand cargo ships and oil tankers have reached 700,000 tons, and my annual profit is about 20 million US dollars. I believe this strength will not worry President Franz, right?"
He made a calculation and found that in the next two years, Global Shipping can earn a profit of about US$45 to 50 million with its current fleet (700,000 tons). In addition, there is more than 8 million US dollars left in the account, enough to purchase six 56,000-ton oil tankers.
At the same time, he can also take out a loan from HSBC to buy more boats. Therefore, in July 1956, Global Shipping's fleet had a deadweight of at least 1.1 million tons, and it would even impact more fleets.
The money earned during that wave of opportunities cannot be used to build a fleet immediately, because the price is high, and it is necessary to avoid the shipping low tide from 1959 to 1961; but shipbuilding must be built during the shipping low tide, the price is low, and it can avoid the shipping low tide. Low prices.
"No, no, no, of course I trust Mr. Lin! As far as I know, you are not only strong, but also backed by a bank, and your strength is no less than Onassis." Franz said flatteringly.
Although he was shocked by Lin Zhichao's strength, saying that Lin Zhichao's strength was not inferior to Onassis's was indeed a compliment.
Lin Zhichao said: "So, can the price and down payment ratio be reduced?"
Franz said: "Yes! The down payment ratio can be reduced to 35%, and I can decide the price and reduce it by another 200,000 US dollars per ship."
The price is not that of buying groceries, so the price reduction is quite reasonable.
Lin Zhichao then said: "Okay, I will go back and sort it out, and then I will lead the team to discuss it in detail with you!"
Franz said happily: "No problem! Don't worry, Mr. Lin, we will ensure the quality and progress."
This is a big customer!
336,000 tons of oil tankers, Germany cannot build that many oil tankers in a year, it is almost more than a year.
At the same time, Lin Zhichao also slandered the British shipyards in his heart, saying that the prices were too high. The cost of building a 12,000-ton cargo ship is as high as US$2 million. A 56,000-ton oil tanker in Germany only costs US$7.4 million.
British shipbuilding is the most expensive in Europe, followed by France, then Germany, and other European countries are not considered.
Lin Zhichao dared to order six 56,000-ton oil tankers in one go, naturally because of the closure of the Suez Canal, otherwise he would not dare to take such a risk. This behavior will probably be questioned by many people. It is expected that HSBC will not dare to gamble, so the loan will not be too high for him. Ten million US dollars would be good.
On the flight back, Audrey Hepburn finally said the question that had been hidden in her heart for a day: "My dear, why are you always so confident? When you said you wanted to build six ships, the CEO seemed like he had never Something happened in the past. Although I don’t know much about business, it seems that others think you are a little too adventurous!"
She felt that she would never make more than 40 million U.S. dollars in her lifetime. The salary for "Dragon and Phoenix" was only 15,000 U.S. dollars, and the advertising endorsements were tens of thousands of U.S. dollars.
Lin Zhichao smiled and patted Audrey Hepburn on the back of her hand and said, "I'm not confident. You should know it best! Although six ships are very expensive, I actually have no debt, so there is no need to worry."
In fact, it is a debt. For example, if the market suddenly plummets in the next two years, ordinary people may not be able to pay the final payment. However, in addition to the execution of many five-year contracts, Global Shipping also has 8 million US dollars left.
Of course, the market cannot plummet.
Audrey Hepburn recalled the moments after the two met. This mysterious man was like a prophet, predicting that she would succeed in the entertainment industry, which was indeed a great charm.
"I have asked Frings to refuse all jobs for me. Nothing can affect my mood of being a mother!" Audrey Hepburn said, holding Lin Zhichao's arm and leaning on his shoulder.
It can be seen from this sentence that Audrey Hepburn values motherhood very seriously, maybe more than her relationship with Lin Zhichao, of course maybe; maybe if the child is not saved, she will have an emotional gap with Lin Zhichao.
Fortunately, Audrey Hepburn is already in good health and it is almost impossible to have an accident. Lin Zhichao has arranged for people to go to Lake Zurich in Switzerland to find a villa, intending for Audrey Hepburn to go there to rest and have a baby.
"Don't worry, your body has been taken care of by me a long time ago, and we won't have just one child!" Lin Zhichao comforted the somewhat nervous Audrey Hepburn.
Because she lacks fatherly love, she also wants to be a mother.
Audrey Hepburn looked at Lin Zhichao magically, but didn't say much. Some things were not scientific at all.
"Then how many times can we meet again this year?" Audrey Hepburn asked again with concern.
Lin Zhichao thought for a while and said: "If I have a chance to meet in the United States next month, I will go there to sell oil tankers. I will definitely come to Zurich to accompany you before the child is born. If there is time in the meantime, I will come too."
Audrey Hepburn said with satisfaction: "Well, as long as you come to accompany me before the child is born, I will be very satisfied. The rest of the time, you are busy with work. I believe that some of your words will lengthen your life. Even if you are here every year because of various If they get together for a short period of time for various reasons, as long as it lasts, it will not be much better than those couples who have conflicts within a few years."
She was PUAed by Lin Zhichao, so she firmly believed that Lin Zhichao could modify her genes and prevent her from aging and getting sick easily. This was very important. Although she had to eat some protein occasionally, she enjoyed it very much.
Lin Zhichao hugged Audrey Hepburn and coaxed: "Moreover, with the maturity of commercial jet aircraft, it will only take one day to reach the world, and I will have more time. I will also buy a private jet for you to enjoy the world." There’s no feeling of distance.”
Audrey Hepburn was full of yearning, but then she whispered in Lin Zhichao's ear: "Dear, how did you know there was a problem with the Comet model aircraft?"
It turned out that in the first half of this year, two Comet aircraft crashed due to technical reasons, and the UK quickly stopped the project.
"It's based on technical analysis! But don't be afraid of flying, because it is the safest means of transportation in the world. I'm talking about the probability of accidents."
Audrey Hepburn nodded, she had blind trust in Lin Zhichao. Then she said: "If one day you really have extra money and buy me a private jet, I think it would be better to do charity!"
Very sincere words!
Lin Zhichao said: "Charity and enjoyment have nothing to do with each other. Enjoyment can stimulate people's desire to create wealth and promote social progress and civilization. We Chinese have a saying - if you are poor, you can only benefit yourself; if you are rich, you can benefit the world." It means So, in the future, if you have the strength to do your own charity, you will also experience the rapid changes brought about by technology. In short, you must listen to me!"
Audrey Hepburn was obviously convinced, but she still said coquettishly: "I'm not your puppet, I have to be more obedient!"
Lin Zhichao smiled and said nothing, he was confident!
Sure enough, Audrey Hepburn added: "I can listen to you on many things!" After saying that, she didn't forget to kiss Lin Zhichao on the cheek.
Sunday, August 8th.
Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong for the weekend, so he would not be in a hurry to go to work. For Lin Zhichao, he no longer cares about the gains and losses of a city or a place, because it will not touch his roots.
Shipping business: As long as he grasps the cycle, he can make money with his eyes closed; not to mention, he has already established a management system for global shipping; so he can control remotely and there will be no major mistakes.
Real estate business: It's not a good time yet, and Tang Caiyun is already familiar with the essentials of the real estate industry, so there will be no mistakes.
Industrial undertakings: They are all in the process of gradual development, showing a diversified and group-oriented development scale, and are fully capable of resisting risks.
Generally speaking, the three businesses are progressing hand in hand. The Lin family's ability to resist risks is very strong, and there is no need for Lin Zhichao to do everything himself.
As long as Lin Zhichao lives, there will be no chaos.
Even if there was an accident, Lin Zhichao made good arrangements and the family lived better than the descendants of the Ho Tung family.
Lin Zhichao often gives the lawyer a sealed envelope, which is his newly created survivor, and the first one will be destroyed. He doesn't think there is any bad luck, and he values preparing for a rainy day.
During the time he went to Europe, something happened in Hong Kong. For example, a Cathay Pacific flight from Thailand to Hong Kong was shot down by the opposite direction, causing ten deaths and eight injuries. This was of course a friendly fire. The Taiwan Air Force often harassed them, so the air force personnel Caused by tension; for example, another fire in Tai Hang Tung in Hong Kong burned down 2,000 wooden houses, killed nine people, and affected 24,000 people.
In short, this society is not absolutely peaceful, and it is a good thing to be more prepared.
"Dad, look at what I wrote!" In the study, Lin Ruihuan handed the calligraphy he had just written to Lin Zhichao and said with a hopeful expression.
Lin Zhichao put down the brush in his hand, and he was also practicing calligraphy. He came from a scholarly family, and his father taught him and his sister since they were young. They did not finish their studies until 1944. Therefore, he has a foundation in traditional culture.
At the same time, he also requires his children to take into account both Chinese and Western cultures, so he spends at least one hour every weekend practicing calligraphy with his children.
"There is progress, keep working hard!" A simple comment.
Although Lin Ruihuan is only five years old, his IQ is very high. In addition, Lin Zhichao and Tang Caiyun are strict, so he has developed some good habits, such as being studious.
"Okay, dad!" Lin Ruihuan said happily.
If he can be praised by his father, he will be more motivated.
Lin Zhichao touched Lin Ruihuan's little head. As the eldest son, he must be under pressure. No matter how busy Lin Zhichao was, when he came home from get off work or at home on weekends, he would check his studies and instill some principles of life.
"I'll teach you another old saying: If you don't accumulate small steps, you can't reach a thousand miles; if you don't accumulate small streams, you can't reach a river. Do you understand?"
"I understand somewhat!"
"Then memorize this sentence first, and you will slowly understand it completely."
The father and son taught and learned together, and Lin Zhichao enjoyed this process very much. Therefore, the number of children should still be controlled to about ten, which is more conducive to training.
After walking out of the study, Xu Caiying came up to her happily and said, "I'm pregnant again!"
Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Be normal! Our health is so good, pregnancy is normal."
These are all planned things. For example, if you sow seeds in August, they will definitely succeed that month.
"That makes sense!" Xu Caiying said with a meaningful smile.
As they spent more time together, they also understood that Lin Zhichao was a real man; from some information obtained from her mother, their men were obviously very different.
The two of them went to the living room on the first floor together, waiting for lunch time and playing with the children. In the afternoon, he goes shopping. Lin Zhichao is also a person who can't sit still. He likes to go shopping with his family. The first is to shop, and the second is to understand the market.
"Husband, the land growth this year is very fierce. The land in Tsim Sha Tsui business district has risen to 100 to 110 Hong Kong dollars per square foot!" Tang Caiyun said in a casual chat.
Although Lin Zhichao never works or talks about work on weekends, it is still okay to talk about land.
Lin Zhichao said casually: "It's normal. This year it will rise to 130, next year it will rise to 190~200, and the year after that it will rise to 250. This is the way to increase it."
Tang Caiyun suddenly said excitedly: "Then why don't we get more land?"
Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "The return rate is 40% to 50%, which is similar to shipping, so don't worry. What's more, without a suitable goal, there is no need to look bad if you make a small fuss."
To be honest, Cheung Kong currently has no reserve land after the 1960s, but Lin Zhichao is not in a hurry at all.
There are so many opportunities ahead!
Tang Caiyun blushed and then said: "I am a newbie in real estate!"
Lin Zhichao said: "It's very good. It would be great if you can learn it! But our family must adhere to the investment rule of not putting eggs in one basket."
The two women nodded and absorbed the experience!
Lin Zhichao feels that it is inevitable for women to get involved in his career.
In their previous lives, both Li Jiacheng and Li Shauji had their wives involved in their careers. When the time comes, their wives can launch their careers. And like Guo Desheng, if his wife had not taken care of him after his death, it would not have been a matter of three sons fighting, but the entire Sun Hung Kai may have fallen apart. With Guo Desheng's wife taking care of him, at least the family business was saved and developed. No matter how much my son fights, he still has his grandson, so what should he be afraid of?
(End of chapter)
