About the Founder — EbbNFlo Advisory Group
From Direct Vessel Ownership to
Institutional Maritime Advisory
Samuel C. Mack's journey reflects ten years of direct commercial-vessel ownership and operating experience—and a commitment to helping investors and prospective owners evaluate maritime assets with greater clarity, discipline, and operational understanding.
"A Rare Chapter in Modern Black American Maritime Ownership"
An owner/operator journey grounded in personal capital, operational responsibility, and firsthand maritime experience.
NBA — Houston Rockets
Aboard MV Anjelica Express
From the hardwood to the high seas.
Samuel C. Mack alongside the chartered MV Amber Express during early commercial cargo operations on the Miami River.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Principal Maritime Advisor
Samuel C. Mack entered commercial maritime operations following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, chartering vessels and leasing terminal space on the Miami River to move mattresses, vehicles, generators, construction equipment, and essential cargo into Port-au-Prince. That experience provided an early education in cargo origination, charter economics, port operations, and the limitations of operating without control of the underlying vessel.
In 2013, Samuel used personal capital to acquire MV Anjelica Express, beginning ten years of direct commercial-vessel ownership. In 2016, he expanded the operating platform through the acquisition of MV Stella Maris II, which he owned and operated through 2023. His experience spans vessel acquisition, chartered tonnage, foreign shipyards, financing strategy, technical management, crewing, insurance, flag and class requirements, port operations, time-charter and voyage employment, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic disposition across Caribbean and Latin American trade lanes.
A former NBA professional athlete, Samuel brings the discipline of elite performance together with direct maritime ownership, business leadership, and real-asset investment experience. He is currently enrolled in the Diploma in Ship Finance & Vessel Ownership program at Lloyd's Maritime Academy, with expected completion in June 2027.
Samuel founded EbbNFlo Advisory Group to build the educational and advisory infrastructure he needed when he entered vessel ownership. Through EbbNFlo, he helps family offices, RIAs, private-capital investors, asset managers, maritime operators, and prospective vessel owners evaluate commercial-vessel opportunities through an experienced owner/operator lens.
He is also the creator of Real Estate on Water™ — a proprietary framework that translates vessel operations, ship finance, technical management, and maritime risk into allocator-familiar real-asset language.
"Our mission is to help clients navigate the complexities of vessel ownership with clarity, confidence, and disciplined strategy — grounded in real-world experience and a commitment to long-term value creation."
Former NBA Professional Athlete
Athletic discipline and business leadership at the highest level
Professional Career
Direct Vessel Ownership
MV Anjelica Express & MV Stella Maris II — Ten years as an independent U.S. commercial-vessel owner/operator
2013 – 2023
Lloyd's Maritime Academy
Diploma in Ship Finance & Vessel Ownership
Currently enrolled; expected completion June 2027
Current Cohort Distinction
Currently the only participant from the United States in his Diploma cohort
Based on information provided by Lloyd's Maritime Academy program representatives
A Historic Ownership Journey
In 1919, the Black Star Line acquired its first vessel and established one of the most enduring symbols of Black participation in American maritime commerce.
Ninety-four years later, in 2013, Samuel C. Mack used personal capital to acquire MV Anjelica Express, beginning a decade of direct commercial-vessel ownership and operations. In 2016, he expanded that platform through the acquisition of MV Stella Maris II.
Samuel's ownership represents a rare and historically significant chapter in modern Black American commercial shipping. His journey carries forward the principle embodied by the Black Star Line: maritime ownership can create control, commercial access, economic participation, and opportunity for those historically excluded from the industry.
EbbNFlo Advisory Group builds upon that legacy by creating practical educational and advisory frameworks for prospective vessel owners and maritime allocators.
Maritime Ownership Across Generations
From the Black Star Line's first vessel acquisition to the creation of EbbNFlo Advisory Group, this timeline places Samuel C. Mack's operating provenance within its broader historical context.
1919
Black Star Line
The Black Star Line acquired its first commercial steamship, establishing an enduring symbol of Black maritime ownership and economic participation.
1922
Operations Ceased
The Black Star Line ceased operations, ending a consequential early chapter in Black-led American commercial shipping.
2013
MV Anjelica Express
Ninety-four years after the Black Star Line's first vessel acquisition, Samuel C. Mack acquired MV Anjelica Express using personal capital.
2016
MV Stella Maris II
Samuel expanded his commercial operating platform through the acquisition of the 3,000-DWT MV Stella Maris II.
2023
Strategic Disposition
Samuel concluded a decade of direct ownership by selling MV Stella Maris II as the next prospective trade required newer and more capable tonnage.
2026
EbbNFlo Advisory Group
Samuel formalized his owner/operator experience into an institutional maritime advisory and education platform.
Directly Owned Vessels
The Vessels Behind the Vision
Commercial vessel acquired by Samuel C. Mack in 2013
Vessel 01
MV Anjelica Express
Acquired with personal capital in 2013, MV Anjelica Express marked the beginning of Samuel C. Mack's ten years of direct commercial-vessel ownership and operating experience. The acquisition established the practical foundation for his work in vessel evaluation, technical oversight, operating risk, and ownership strategy.
3,000-DWT commercial vessel acquired by Samuel C. Mack in 2016
Vessel 02
MV Stella Maris II
Acquired in 2016, the 3,000-DWT MV Stella Maris II expanded Samuel's commercial operating platform and deepened his experience in technical management, regulatory compliance, crew oversight, capital planning, and vessel-level decision-making.
Dockside — MV Anjelica Express
Ownership is not a title.
It's a responsibility.
Professional Development
Lloyd's Maritime Academy
Samuel C. Mack is currently enrolled in the 12-month Diploma in Ship Finance & Vessel Ownership program offered by Lloyd's Maritime Academy, with expected completion in June 2027.
Based on information provided to Samuel by program representatives, he is currently the only participant from the United States pursuing the Diploma in his cohort. This distinction complements ten years of direct commercial-vessel ownership and operating experience across Caribbean and Latin American trade lanes.
The program is further developing his knowledge of vessel acquisition, maritime finance, capital structures, lender requirements, operating costs, risk management, and the commercial lifecycle of ship ownership.
Currently Enrolled — Expected Completion June 2027
Diploma in Ship Finance & Vessel Ownership
The only American in his cohort pursuing this credential — a distinction that complements a decade of direct vessel ownership and operations.
First Direct Vessel Acquisition
MV Anjelica Express
Operating Platform Expanded
MV Stella Maris II
Years — Direct Vessel Ownership
2013–2023
Volumes — The Maritime Asset Playbook
An owner-informed educational framework
Work With an Experienced Maritime Owner/Operator
EbbNFlo Advisory Group brings direct ownership experience, structured maritime education, and owner/operator-informed judgment to every engagement. Schedule a consultation to discuss your maritime investment objectives.