Hong Kong shipping companies demonstrate ShipServ is a 'must-have' for ship owners

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Jun 2010

ShipServ, the leading maritime e-marketplace, today announced it has seen significant uptake in its online services from shipping businesses based in Hong Kong. In the last few months alone,Chellaram Shipping,Pacific Basin, Tai Chong Cheang Steamship andWah Kwonghave all signed up as members ofShipServ TradeNet, the ship supplies trading platform.
“Hong Kong has long been a world shipping center and we are delighted at the recent spur of Hong Kong owners taking a lead in e-commerce,” commented Paul Ostergaard, Founder and CEO, ShipServ. “Overwhelmingly the message is this: in 2010, ShipServ is a must-have. It makes it easier to locate suppliers, speed up purchasing and reduce costs and is a vital component of any shipowner looking to compete in tough market conditions.”
Chellaram Shipping set up their shipping business in Hong Kong in 1979 and today the company manages a fleet of 12 modern and versatile dry-bulk carriers from Handysize to Handymax size vessels and a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.
Pacific Basin is one of the world’s leading bulk carrier operators, operating 86 ships. 23 of these are owned vessels with an average age of six years.
Tai Chong Cheang was established almost 100 years ago in Shanghai. Today the company is focused on 14 Capesize vessels, with more newbuilds to come. Third generation CEO Kenneth Koo and Chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association said “E-commerce is clearly changing the maritime industry. We wanted to be leading the way as an example to not only Hong Kong shipowners, but the world in general.”
Wah Kwong, founded in 1952, has one of the world’s youngest fleets, made up of mid/large size bulkers and tankers. Comprising of 11 ships with an average age of two years, and 11 newbuilds coming, Wah Kwong is a fast-moving business. “We’re a rapidly expanding business that needs to cope with growth,” said CEO Tim Huxley. “ShipServ gives us the ability to scale-up our purchasing operation without having to hire as many staff. We’re delighted to be part of the ShipServ community”.
These four new members join a global ShipServ community of over 150 ship owners, managers, cruise ships and yards. In Hong Kong these include Anglo Eastern Shipmanagement, Mediterranean Shipping Corp (MSC), Univan ShipManagement and Fairmont Shipping.

Source: ShipServ