MN100: HMS Global Maritime

HMS Global Maritime is an internationally respected, full-service marine management company, with the resources and experience to deliver tailored, cutting edge solutions, management, and support to clients of all sizes through four divisions - anywhere in the world. HMSGM was founded in 1995 in San Francisco, California as Hornblower Marine Services. In 1998, it relocated to the Louisville, Kentucky area, basing its headquarters in New Albany, Indiana, to be more centrally located and closer to the riverboat casino market, a fundamental operation service in the early stages of the company. The company is now the leading U.S. provider of a range of contract marine services, both domestically and internationally, and has extensive marine experience operating passenger/car ferries, riverboat casinos, excursion vessels, and High Speed Craft. HMSGM has a record of successful relationships with U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. military, and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) among others. The Ferries and Consulting divisions are rooted in the early skills and aims of the company, and still hold a significant presence in the overall strength of HMSGM. Seaward Services was purchased by the company in 2010, providing a government services focus and significant growth to HMSGM. In 2012, American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) was formed with the purchase and inaugural cruise of the flagship vessel, the American Queen, entering the company into a then diminished overnight river cruising industry. Because of the success of the American Queen, the company purchased and began sailing a second vessel in 2014, the American Empress. AQSC continues to lead the industry’s revitalization and is currently the largest area of growth and opportunity for HMSGM.

In the past year, HMS Global Maritime has recognized several major accomplishments. Seaward Services has gracefully moved to serve as a large company for possibilities to bid on many new and different government services opportunities. Additionally, the company secured a two-year high-speed ferry contract for operations from Portland, ME to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. HMS Ferries successfully navigated the initial operations for two seasonal ferry contracts and has created and implemented a safety management system throughout the division. American Queen Steamboat Company has reached sales and reservations records for the company in the past year. The American Empress sold out 18 back-to-back cruises at the end of 2015, while the American Queen carried its largest volume of passengers in 2015. This year, both vessels have already surpassed their revenue goals, making 2016 the largest and most profitable year yet. Additionally, the company launched The Steamboat Society of America, a customer loyalty program, and special Commodore Services that provide first-class butler service, priority check-in, private dining with the Captain, and other personal services and amenities to owner and luxury suite customers.

The HMS team of maritime professionals has grown the company into one of the premier vessel management firms in the nation, with annual revenues in excess of $116 million, 15 operating locations and over 730 employees. Average annual growth for HMSGM has been 300% per year over the past 14 years.

115 E. Market Street

New Albany, Indiana 47150

Telephone: (812) 941-9990

E-mail: alovan@hmsgm.com

Website: www.hmsgm.com

CEO/President: John Waggoner

(As published in the August 2016 MN100 edition of Marine News)