Sustainable Growth

Sustainable Growth

To achieve long-term success and controlled growth, we rely on a healthy mix of risk between the operating units, without neglecting ecological and social aspects.

The operating units act independently while being strategically connected. We publish our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report of the Marquard & Bahls Group. By additionally publishing economic indicators in accordance with GRI requirements in Marquard & Bahls’ annually Sustainability Report, we present a comprehensive picture of our contribution to the sustainability of a larger economic system. We pay taxes, create jobs, and invest in the local infrastructure in Hamburg and many other places around the world.

Risk Management

One of the greatest challenges as we pursue our strategy of controlled, long-term growth is to limit the manifold financial, operational and HSSE risks. That is why we work based on a permanent and thorough risk management scheme that individually rates all risks and defines tailor-made mandates, tasks, and responsibilities. To further ensure a healthy mix of risk, all risks – including social and environmental ones – are evaluated in the context of the entire group of companies. We take a decentralized approach whereby risks are broken out to the individual companies and responsibility is assigned at operating unit level. The principal risks that may affect future business performance include:

  • Currency fluctuation
  • Another international financial crisis flare-up and/or sustained economic downturn
  • Political conflict in oil-producing countries and the resultant tensions on the oil markets
  • Rising prices for natural resources and purchased energy
  • Environmental and natural disasters as well as effects of the climate change
  • Higher risks in countries we are active in
  • Global pandemic, such as the global outbreak of COVID-19

Supplier & Customer Relations

The diversity of our company is reflected in the broad spectrum of our suppliers, ranging from vendors of technical equipment for our operational sites to office equipment suppliers. We treat our suppliers with respect, maintain an honest relationship with everyone involved in the business processes, and strive to establish a long-term cooperative partnership. For us, this means not only acting responsibly on our own premises, but along the entire supply chain.

Internal supplier lists increase transparency in the quality and performance of our business partners, with the ultimate goal of giving our customers excellent services and products. At our sites we also place great importance on safe working procedures for employees from sub-contractors. At Oiltanking, an integrated contractor management program has been in place since 2014.