Natalie Sallaum Featured on Lloyd’s Podcast

Featured on Lloyd’s Podcast: Balancing Profitability and Social Responsibility 

Many shipping companies today emphasize corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. However, striking the right balance between corporate goals and societal contributions can be a challenge. 

In a recent podcast with Lloyd’s, Natalie Sallaum, CRO of Sallaum Lines, discusses how the company navigates this balance. When asked whether Sallaum Lines prioritizes profit or making a positive impact, she explains that the company’s goal is to achieve both. “We recognise the importance of profitability… but we also understand that long-term success comes from being a responsible corporate citizen,” she says. 

Additionally, she argues that “creating value goes beyond the traditional metrics of just financial performance. It also encompasses our responsibility to contribute positively to the world around us”. 

However, she proceeds to admit that Sallaum Lines is in a stronger position than some operators to set the priorities that it does due to its ownership structure. According to her, it “gives us a bit more flexibility to make decisions that reflect our values,” but efforts by publicly traded corporations to engage in large-scale community-based projects may be hampered by temporary constraints. 

Nevertheless, there are financial gains from doing so, particularly if stakeholders and investors consider these kinds of initiatives when selecting their own business partners. Therefore, according to Natalie, “I do think it’s still possible to make meaningful actions by including CSR and ESG in their company’s core values,” she says. 

The podcast highlights some of the key initiatives supported by Sallaum Lines, such as the Wave Makers Initiative, which partners with marine academies to provide scholarships and career opportunities on its vessels for the highest achievers. To date, five top-performing students have joined the company through this program, which is “all about nurturing the next generation by helping them succeed”, Natalie says. 

Sallaum Lines is also involved in environmental projects, including a collaboration with Mozambique’s National Marine Conservation Institute. Through the “Blue Spark” project, the company helps protect marine habitats in Inhambane Bay by providing resources like a patrol boat. 

Moreover, Sallaum Lines encourages its employees to participate in environmental activities such as beach cleanups and tree planting. While these initiatives might seem small, Natalie believes that if every company pitched in, the collective impact would be significant. 

On the investment front, Sallaum Lines is making moves to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has placed orders for six LNG dual-fuel car and truck carriers, which are expected to be delivered starting in late 2025. These vessels are designed to emit 25% less CO2 and 63% fewer other greenhouse gases, with potential future upgrades to use green methanol or ammonia. 

Natalie links these efforts to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, justifying why companies like Sallaum Lines should take an active role in supporting environmental sustainability. As she puts it, “The ocean is the backbone of our operations. Without healthy marine ecosystems, our business and the communities that depend on the ocean will suffer.”