Q: What are the contributions of Ibañez Parkman and OH Maritime to the business environments in Mexico and the Netherlands?
PH: OH Maritime has been in business for 12 years. It started as a logistics service provider for the offshore sector, offering port logistics services, acting as agents, and operating vessels for various exploration and production projects in the oil and gas industry. We also launched a consulting branch called Stuttgart Consultants, which led us to partner with Ibáñez Parkman to jointly serve clients in business development. We focus on the Netherlands through Holland House, whose members are highly active in providing services for PEMEX, CFE, and recent water infrastructure projects developed by Dutch companies. 

JI: Ibáñez Parkman was founded 30 years ago and offers a broad range of services to both Mexican and foreign companies, including on corporate, fiscal, infrastructure, energy, and labor matters. This wide range allows foreign companies to have a soft landing in Mexico, ensuring they receive comprehensive support and legal security for their establishment and growth. Starting in 2023, we have been expanding our services to include areas such as AI, telecommunications, climate change (including carbon credits), and maritime affairs. Our focus on infrastructure aligns with our goal to provide businesses with the necessary support and understanding for successful operations. Since 2023, we have been part of a global network of lawyers, FLI, with a presence in multiple countries, allowing us to provide services worldwide.

Q: What specific advantages or improvements has each company experienced from their membership in Holland House? 
JI: I met Pavel at a Holland House event and we both discussed a significant business opportunity in the gas and maritime sectors, particularly given the advanced Dutch technology in deepwater and various other industries. Pavel’s expertise in the maritime and energy sectors opens up significant opportunities to support the legal aspects in these fields. We found a great synergy that greatly enhances our ability to offer a diverse range of services, including in fiscal, labor, and foreign investment matters.

PH: Holland House has played an important role for OH Maritime from its origins as the Dutch Energy Association, of which OH Maritime was among the first members. This helped us align Dutch interests with the Energy Reform of 2013 and create synergies with Dutch companies, leading to more opportunities for Mexican businesses. 

As a fully Mexican company, the main advantage Holland House offers is that it connects us with key decision-makers. Thanks to Holland House, we have had direct discussions with major companies like Shell. Holland House has been a platform that continuously creates business opportunities and has been instrumental in developing our business connections with the Netherlands.

Q: How do Ibáñez Parkman and OH Maritime structure their partnership while maintaining independent operations?
JI: We first formed a partnership without creating a formal joint venture. We decided to appoint Pavel as an adviser to our firm, maintaining transparency. This arrangement allows him to retain his business interests while collaborating with us. We provide him with our expertise, and together we offer services for certain clients when necessary. For example, we recently attended the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) together and opened an Ibáñez Parkman office in Houston. We hope this partnership will grow into a formal joint venture, but for now, we are very satisfied working with Pavel and his team.

PH: Collaborating with Ibáñez Parkman has been a rewarding experience. It allows us to leverage one of Mexico’s most recognized law firms, enhancing our ability to offer comprehensive services. We focus on creating mechanisms for knowledge sharing and helping projects align with Mexican legal frameworks. Often, international companies need to understand local regulations and ensure their contracts comply with Mexican laws. Ibáñez Parkman can provide a one-stop shop for companies starting energy projects in Mexico, including gas and other sectors. This collaboration has been crucial, and Holland House has been instrumental in facilitating this platform.

Q: What opportunities can Mexican businesses gain by engaging with Dutch companies?
JI: Mexico presents many opportunities for global companies, practically in all fields. For example, infrastructure is and will be very important considering our needs in Mexico and the investments that will come regarding nearshoring.   The country is at a pivotal moment. Previous administrations missed opportunities, but the current administration could make significant strides if it makes the right decisions. There are immense opportunities in the manufacturing and energy sectors as well, including the transition to renewable energy sources.

PH: Mexico is developing industries that the Netherlands has been involved in for the past two or three decades. The technology transfer from Dutch companies to the Mexican market is crucial. Our collaboration with Ibáñez Parkman and OH Maritime aims to attract new players in these markets. Key areas include energy transition, especially the shift to liquified natural gas (LNG), which will be a significant focus in the next administration. Mexico will become a strategic player in this market, leveraging Dutch technology for these projects. There are also opportunities in both blue and green hydrogen. This emerging industry in Mexico will benefit from the expertise of Holland House members, impacting energy production.

Q: What opportunities do you foresee in your sectors over the next six years?
JI: The development of nearshoring opportunities will depend significantly on government policies, regulation, and adherence to international agreements. Effective public policies are needed to support this growth. Reliable, affordable energy is crucial for attracting businesses. Natural gas is a clean and cost-effective fossil fuel, and improving Mexico’s gas pipeline network is essential. Upgrades are needed for both primary pipelines and local distribution, as well as road infrastructure and public services to ensure companies have reliable energy supplies.

PH: In the maritime sector, a key opportunity over the next six years is the renewal of Mexico’s offshore fleet, including those used by PEMEX and CFE. Many vessels are becoming obsolete, presenting an opportunity to replace them and enhance competitiveness in offshore oil and gas production. There is also potential for developing smaller vessels domestically. Mexico can build medium and small-sized ships that support the oil and gas industry and other services.

Port infrastructure development is also crucial. The ports of Rosarito, Puerto Libertad, Tamaulipas, and Altamira, among others, are essential for gas export. The development of infrastructure for projects like the Interoceanic Corridor’s (CIIT) pipeline and export facilities on both coasts will support Mexico’s position in the global gas market. Gas production and exports are expected to remain active and grow over the next 25 years.

The European Union's natural gas supply largely came from Russia, with most pipelines passing through Ukraine. With these routes suspended and undersea pipelines between Russia and Germany sabotaged, the region faces a significant energy challenge. The shift from nuclear to gas has left Europe with a gas supply shortfall, forcing some countries, like Germany, to revert to coal. This situation makes Mexico increasingly important to the EU market. While the United States leads in gas exports, regulatory delays have affected the expansion of export terminals. There are five major export terminals on the US Gulf Coast but only two are operational. Future projects are contingent on US government policies. If the Democratic administration extends its regulations, they could delay the completion of projects and export licenses by at least four more years. Hence, Mexico has a significant opportunity to participate in this market.


 

Ibáñez Parkman is a law firm that specializes in energy, infrastructure, tax, labor, arbitration, public-private partnerships, banking and financial services, financing, and international trade, among other areas. 

OH Maritime is an offshore business management and shipping agency. It represents foreign charterers, investors, and ship owners in Mexico and is a consultancy for small, medium, and large companies across a range of industries.

Holland House Mexico supports Dutch companies in achieving success in the Mexican market while promoting trade, investment, and business development between Mexico and the Netherlands.