“The great British public has voted. I am not that proud to be British with an electorate here that did not understand what this vote was really about.”

Richard Fulford-Smith, founder of Affinity Shipping, has no fear expressing his feelings.

Fulford-Smith: not proud to be British today

“It is so narrow-minded and petty that it hurts. I think we will pay the price of it.”

ECSA’a former president Thomas Rehder is at least disappointed with British people’s decision. 

Rehder rages at 'petty' UK Brexit vote

“... the UK’s vote to leave the EU should not be a material factor to this potential transaction.”

Michael Syn, head of derivatives for the Singapore Stock Exchange reassures that the Baltic Exchange takeover is not affected by the Brexit vote.

SGX commits to Baltic, despite Brexit

“I think from a Baltic Exchange perspective it is business as usual.”

Guy Campbell, Baltic Exchange chairman, tells TradeWinds something simple that would sound like music to the ears of many.

SGX commits to Baltic, despite Brexit

“From a business point of view it’s the time for some clear and calm heads. The sun will come up tomorrow morning and we will deal positively with it.”

A new dawn is enough for Jonathan Lee of Tankers International to deal with Brexit in a positive manner.

“We don't see today as 'Black Friday' but 'Opportunity Friday'.”

If you are looking for some optimism, then listen to HFW  commodities and shipping partner Brian Perrott.

'Opportunity Friday' from Brexit vote, says HFW

“Our income is in US dollars and you are probably getting 5% or 10% (more) which is much needed in these poor markets.”

Not only doesn’t he see any reason for brokers to reduce their London activities, but John B is looking forward to a short income boost from currency fluctuations.

Volatility beneficial but no commodities panic

“I don't see this having a big impact on bulk shipping though. There are much greater fundamental problems that the industry has to address than this. I'm glad I live in Hong Kong.”

We spoke to a few people that would like to join Tim Huxley, CEO of Wah Kwong Maritime, in Hong Kong...

Huxley: bulk faces bigger problems than Brexit

“I’m quite sure we need a regional headquarters somewhere in Europe but if the UK will rather be independent and not part of Europe then we probably need to think where is the best location for us to do business.”

A senior company official from MOL was happy to admit that the company is considering its options, only a few hours after the UK referendum’s results.

MOL will review UK HQ

“We have to wait and see what happens but it seems logical to me with this nationalism building they will say ‘everyone has to pay taxes and if you live here you will be considered a British citizen so pay taxes’.”

Shipping is bracing itself for more tax issues BRS president Tim Jones.

Jones: Brexit to accelerate UK maritime decline

“Shipping is dependent on commerce and I cannot see that a UK exit will have any big immediate effect on commerce.”

London-based Norwegian shipping man Kristian Siem is pretty chilled about Brexit’s impact on commerce.

Siem reflects on historic Brexit vote