The maritime industry has always evolved with the times. Today, however, the pace and complexity of change are reshaping it in unprecedented ways. Supply chain pressures, regulatory demands, and the drive toward greener operations are pushing companies to rethink how they work and how they lead.

At SRC, one of the steady hands helping chart this course is Chief Commercial Officer Vadim Latkin. With more than 25 years of experience across technical, commercial, and operational roles in global markets, Latkin brings a practical and grounded view to both challenges and opportunities.

Vadim, how would you describe the state of the maritime industry today, and where does SRC fit into the picture?

"Our industry is in a constant state of transition," Latkin says. "Supply chain pressures, evolving regulations, and the shift toward cleaner energy are reshaping expectations across the board."

Rather than chase scale or short-term trends, Latkin says SRC focuses on fundamentals: "For us, it’s about reliability, technical strength, and consistency. We might not be the largest, but our clients come back because they trust the quality of our engineering, project management, and follow-through."

While headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, SRC has expanded its operational reach into key hubs, including the Port of Rotterdam. "Having a presence there allows us to stay physically close to many of our clients and respond faster when support is needed - whether it’s engineering or complex installation projects," he adds.

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You mentioned operational presence in Rotterdam. What advantages has that location brought to SRC?

"Rotterdam is the centrepiece of Europe's maritime industry," Latkin explains. "The broader Benelux region, Germany, and the ARA corridor form a critical network where expertise, infrastructure, and logistics are tightly interconnected."

For SRC, he says, maintaining a presence there brings tangible benefits. "We have direct access to over 580 meters of quay and significant heavy-lifting capacity. This setup enables us to handle a wide range of projects efficiently and provides our clients with the flexibility they increasingly require in today’s operating environment."

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The global economy hasn’t made things easy for maritime businesses. How has SRC responded?

"The sector has faced strong headwinds, from the aftermath of COVID-19 to supply chain disruptions tied to geopolitical tensions," Latkin says. "At SRC, we used that period as a chance to recalibrate."

Rather than retreat, SRC diversified its client base and sharpened operational efficiency, all while maintaining its commitment to quality. Latkin sees the broader shifts in the industry not just as obstacles, but as catalysts. "The push for sustainability is forcing the sector to evolve. It opens space for innovation and for the development of more environmentally responsible solutions," he notes.

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What are some persistent challenges in the industry that you think deserve more attention?

"Skilled labour shortages are a growing concern," Latkin says. "We have a responsibility to invest in training and pass on technical expertise to the next generation."

Beyond workforce challenges, decarbonization remains a critical frontier. Clients increasingly expect greener vessels, but Latkin points out that the supporting infrastructure and technologies are not advancing at the same pace. "At SRC, we are investing in both people and innovation to help bridge that gap."

He also highlights the International Maritime Organization’s new Net-Zero Framework as a milestone for the industry. "It is the first legally binding global framework for emissions reduction, but there are still many open questions about how it will be implemented. The road from agreement to real-world application is long," he adds.

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Looking ahead, where is SRC focusing its efforts?

"Our focus is on strengthening our core capabilities while preparing for a dynamic maritime landscape," Latkin explains. "That means expanding technical expertise, deepening partnerships, and accelerating innovation across the board."

He points to trends like smart maintenance and automation as examples where change is no longer theoretical. "These are not future concepts anymore. Clients expect immediate, intelligent solutions. Our goal is not just to respond to these shifts, but to anticipate them, ensuring SRC remains a trusted partner in an increasingly complex environment."

In a world where change is constant, SRC’s forward-thinking approach offers clients and partners a steady course. With Vadim Latkin and the rest of the SRC team helping to guide the way, the company is building a future shaped by adaptability, innovation, and practical solutions.