The Robert Fairchild series is a sharp, high-stakes blend of financial thriller, geopolitical adventure, and insider’s view of the secretive world of global shipping. Across three fast-moving novels The Shipping Man, Viking Raid, and Exit Strategy former hedge fund manager Robert Fairchild transforms from Wall Street dealmaker to deep-sea player, navigating a volatile industry where billions can be made or lost overnight.
When restless New York City hedge fund manager Robert Fairchild watches the Baltic Dry Cargo Index plunge 97%, registering an all-time high and a 25-year low in six months, he decides to buy a ship. Part fast-paced thriller, part ship finance text book, The Shipping Man is required reading for anyone interested in capital formation for shipping.
The plot revolves around Norwegian shipping magnate Coco Jacobsen facing a critical choice after his credit facility is sold to a distressed fund due to ESG concerns. He must decide whether to invest an additional $100 million to save his fossil fuel-dependent company or abandon it entirely. Complicating matters, he discovers that one of his lenders is involved in a dangerous money laundering scheme. To navigate this perilous situation, Coco seeks help from his estranged CFO, Robert Fairchild, in a bid to rescue his fleet and the shipping industry.