Search suspended for missing seafarer - MT Sigma Integrity

Wallem regrets to report the sad news that the search for one of our valued seafarers of the MT Sigma Integrity has now been suspended.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) informed Wallem Shipmanagement and the vessel that the search was suspended on the afternoon of Monday 28 July.

The family of the seafarer have been informed, and the company is providing its full support to the family during these extremely difficult times. The thoughts of the MT Sigma Integrity crew and staff and management at Wallem are with the family.

An Indian national, Motorman Mukesh Lala Fulbaria had been a Wallem seafarer for 13 years. The MT Sigma Integrity was sailing to the port of Kwinana on the West Australian coast at the time of the incident.

The MT Sigma Integrity is now proceeding to the port of Kwinana where Wallem support staff are waiting to provide the crew with counselling and assist in the AMSA investigation. Wallem respectfully requests privacy for the seafarer’s family in their time of grief.

Wallem extends its appreciation to the AMSA search and rescue teams for their efforts, the merchant vessels which assisted in the search, and to the crew of the MT Sigma Integrity that worked diligently and tirelessly during the search.

Man overboard incident - MT Sigma Integrity

With deep concern Wallem Shipmanagement reports a seafarer has been involved in a man overboard incident. Motorman Mukesh Lala Fulbaria was reported missing from the MT Sigma Integrity at 0145 (West Australian time) Sunday, 27 July, approximately 80 nautical miles from the coast of Western Australia.

A marker with a life ring was thrown overboard and the crew of the MT Sigma Integrity commenced a search of the area. As yet he has not been found.

Wallem's thoughts are with the family of the seafarer. Wallem is working with the local Australian authorities coordinating the search and rescue operation including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Australian Police. We appreciate the assistance in the search, including the AMSA airplane and helicopters, the Water Police, and the merchant vessels called to assist.

Motorman Mukesh Lala Fulbaria, an Indian national, has been a Wallem employee for 13 years. The MT Sigma Integrity was on its way to the port of Kwinana in Western Australia. Wallem is now sending safety and operations staff to Kwinana to support the local coordination.

The search for the seafarer is ongoing.

Dickson Chin to lead Ship Agency business

Wallem Ship Agency, a key service sector in Wallem Group’s maritime solutions value proposition, has a new leader in Dickson Chin, who has been promoted to the position of Managing Director.

Dickson Chin has been with Wallem Ship Agencies since 2008, initially in the role of General Manger for the Hong Kong ship agency business, and in 2012 was promoted to Managing Director for Indo-China. 

Simon Doughty, Group CEO, said “it is really rewarding to promote staff from within the organisation, especially when the individuals have shown outstanding leadership skills and fully deserve the promotion and the additional responsibilities that go with this new career challenge.

“Dickson will continue to ensure a high quality service delivery from our agency teams that our clients expect, and he will also mentor and coach individuals so that they can further their careers in the Group.”

Dickson will be leading a network of 26 offices across Asia, South Africa and Americas, with teams delivering a full port agency service and a range of marine and logistics services to vessel owners, operators, charterers and cargo interests.

The comprehensive service covers all vessel types including cruise ships, container vessels, heavy lift, bulk carriers, oil and gas tankers and naval vessels.

Wallem is a recognised cruise leader in Asia and the agency of choice for the world’s major cruise lines. Wallem was the first fully licensed foreign provider in China, offering services in all ports on the Mainland through the Wallem network.

Wallem is the General Sales Agent for Cargolux Airlines and Saudi Air Cargo in selected locations. The company also offers P&I services in Indochina and today represent most of the major P&I Clubs and leading Underwriters.

Dickson has been successfully leading the teams in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, mentoring key staff, coordinating the navy calls in the region, and building the business. He has also continued to support the growth of Wallem’s cruise business across Asia; Wallem now handles more than 450 cruise port calls every year.

Dickson is highly regarded and has a well-deserved excellent reputation with clients and staff.

Latest True North magazine out now!

Wallem Group's latest True North magazine is now available online and in print. Issue 2 for 2014 features include Wallem scooping the awards pool, navy visits in South East Asia, Wallem Europe team profile, the nominations for Wallem's Seafarer of the year, and so much more.

Read it online now or contact your nearest Wallem office for a copy.

True North Magazine Issue 2 2014 (PDF)

Höegh Autoliners and Wallem sign Shipman deal

Höegh Autoliners signed a nine vessel ship management deal with Wallem Ship Management yesterday at the Höegh headquarters in Oslo, Norway.

The ship management agreement cements a deal between the companies, with Wallem delivering technical and crew management to nine PCTCs from its Singapore base.

Wallem broadened its ship management business to Singapore in 2013, complementing the company’s existing ship agency services in the city state, providing an attractive option for ship owners looking for access to Singapore’s maritime business advantages.

Wallem Ship Management Managing Director Ray Mc Namara said Höegh would be a feather in Wallem’s client cap.

“Höegh is such an extremely well-known and reputable ship owner in Europe and Asia, and we are very proud to efficiently and safely manage their ships,” said Mr Mc Namara.

“The signing of the ship management contract is an important occasion for Wallem and by delivering reliable services from Hong Kong, Singapore and Hamburg, we can continue to attract reputable ship owners.”

Wallem will take over vessel management of the nine vessels in a staged process from May 2014.

With the addition of these new vessels, Wallem Ship Management will be managing 30 PCC/PCTCs for ship owners such as NYK Line, and the Singapore fleet will grow to 22 vessels.

Wallem is well known in the maritime industry for its ship management and technical services, and today remains a key service for the Group. Recently Mr Iaonnis Stefanou has joined the Group to lead the technical teams in Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe as the business positions itself for continued growth.

Mr. Stefanou has vast experience in senior commercial and technical roles with both ship owners and third party managers.

The ship management services delivered by Wallem have recently been acknowledged by Seatrade with the Ship Manager of the Year Award, and the ITF-backed ISWAN (International Seafarers Welfare Association Network) Award for Shipping Company of the Year, illustrating Wallem is on the rise in a market of ship owners looking for the best service for ship and crew.

Photo: Hoegh Autoliners senior management team with Captain Deepak Honawar, Wallem Singapore Managing Director, Jude Dias, Wallem Europe Safety Manager, and Simon Frank, Wallem Ship Management Commercial Director.

Ioannis Stefanou appointed Global Technical Director

Wallem Group has appointed Mr Ioannis (Yanni) Stefanou as Global Technical Director of Wallem Ship Management to lead the business as it positions itself for continued growth. Mr Stefanou will lead the Group’s technical teams in Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe (Hamburg) in delivering reliable, cost effective and safe shipping operations.

Mr. Stefanou has vast experience in senior commercial and technical roles with both ship owners and third party managers.

“I know Yanni will bring the necessary leadership and management skills for continuing Wallem’s growth as a progressive ship manager,” said Wallem Ship Management Managing Director Ray Mc Namara of the appointment.

“We have also re-structured the technical team’s management positions in Hong Kong to include heads of wet and dry operations, which will support Wallem’s staff in providing consistently reliable operations to our clients, every day of the year.

“Chris Hassall is now the Head of Dry Ship Operations and Akhileshwar Roy is Head of Tanker Fleet Operations. Both have extensive experience in their fields and at Wallem, and are highly respected amongst our clients and staff.”

Wallem is best known in the maritime industry for its ship management and technical services, and today remains a key service for the Group. Mr Stefanou will lead the technical team in further developing the diversity of services available to clients, including collaborating with Wallem’s business teams in ship agency, logistics, shipbroking, chartering and commercial services.

The ship management services delivered by Wallem have recently been acknowledged by Seatrade with the Ship Manager of the Year Award, and the ITF-backed ISWAN (International Seafarers Welfare Association Network) Award for Shipping Company of the Year, illustrating Wallem is on the rise in a market of ship owners looking for the best service for ship and crew.

Ship Owners Want Dedicated Crewing Pools

 Ship owners are pushing for a dedicated crewing pool service from ship managers, with seafarers returning to an owner’s fleet of vessels with a specific manager.

“The demand for a dedicated seafarer pool service has grown as ship owners see the advantages of having the same set of sea staff rotating on their vessels. This particularly applies to senior officers, or the “top four””, said Ray Mc Namara, Wallem Ship Management Managing Director.

“The most recent case in point was Frontline Management AS requesting a dedicated seafarer pool for the Cape size bulk carriers to be taken into Wallem Ship Management from mid-April.

“For Frontline we are assembling a team of Wallem Indian and Filipino seafarers with extensive experience sailing on Wallem vessels. This team will be on exclusive rotation to the Frontline bulk carriers, becoming familiar with the vessels and their trading patterns and using that familiarity, along with their skills and knowledge, to provide a consistently high level of efficient operations.

“Wallem can provide the service because we have an extensive pool of loyal, professional seafarers with excellent knowledge and attitude towards seafaring. Other major ship owner clients use our dedicated crewing pool service for the high officer return rate we deliver.”

Retention is a focus for Wallem’s fleet personnel team, and the recent ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Association Network) Award for Shipping Company of the Year, an award backed by the ITF, was endorsement that the retention programs build loyalty and trust, consistently bringing seafarers back to Wallem.

Hong Kong Shipping Company Leads Awards for Industry

The Wallem Group, the Hong Kong head quartered shipping services company, is leading the way in the city for the maritime industry, winning a plethora of awards from peers, seafarers and clients.

The Shipping Company of the Year title was bestowed on Wallem by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) for the Wallem Group’s crew welfare program in the Seafarer Welfare Awards.

ISWAN is backed by the ITF (International Transport Workers Federation), a heavy weight in the transport workers sector. Nominations for the Award are made by seafarers, endorsing Wallem as a leading employer for seafarers around the world.

The Award was announced on Monday 7 April 2014 at a ceremony hosted by the Director General of the International Labour Organisation, Mr Guy Ryder, at the ILO in Geneva.

Wallem Ship Management has received double the recognition from leading Japanese ship owner/operator client NYK Group, winning Car Carrier of the Year Awards for two vessels in management, and the Innovative Bunker and Idle time Saving (IBIS) Award for all NYK container vessels in Wallem’s management.

The shipping industry last night recognised Wallem with the Ship Manager of the Year Award at the annual Seatrade Asia awards ceremony in Singapore on 07 April. The Award recognises excellence in ship management, from crewing to technical and procurement services. Wallem delivers ship management services from the key maritime locations of Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe and North America.

The Hong Kong SAR has recently made commitments to the city’s maritime industry, including the Chief Executive CY Leung’s second policy address proposing a statutory maritime body and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council leading a delegation to the shipping event of the year, Posidonia, in Greece.

Wallem Scoops Awards Pool

The Wallem Group has been scooping the shipping awards pool, winning a plethora of awards from peers, seafarers, clients and government.

“We are so proud of the recognition we have received from across the industry – from our clients and peers to our employees and government bodies – it is all endorsement that Wallem is growing its business with best practice and innovation,” said Simon Doughty, Wallem Group CEO.

“We are committed to building on our 110 year heritage with a strategy that takes a long view of our business and includes working with clients that have a similar view on sustainable business, developing our shore and sea staff as shipping’s future leaders, and making a positive contribution to our industry.”

The Shipping Company of the Year title was bestowed on Wallem by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) for the Wallem Group’s crew welfare program in the Seafarer Welfare Awards.

ISWAN is backed by the ITF (International Transport Workers Federation and nominations for the Award are made by seafarers, endorsing Wallem as a leading employer for seafarers around the world.

The Award was announced last night at a ceremony hosted by the Director General of the International Labour Organisation, Mr Guy Ryder, at the ILO in Geneva.

Wallem Ship Management has received double the recognition from leading Japanese ship owner/operator client NYK Group, winning Car Carrier of the Year Awards for two vessels in management, and the Innovative Bunker and Idle time Saving (IBIS) Award for all NYK container vessels in Wallem’s management.

The shipping industry last night recognised Wallem with the Ship Manager of the Year Award at the annual Seatrade Asia awards ceremony in Singapore on 07 April. The Award recognises excellence in ship management, from crewing to technical and procurement services. Wallem delivers ship management services from the key maritime locations of Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe and North America.

Wallem also won the Most Compassionate Employer of Indian Seafarers Award, bestowed by the Indian government, for Wallem’s policies and activities in seafarer welfare.

Wallem wins Most Compassionate Employer of Indian Seafarers Award

The Government of India has recognised Wallem Group’s role in seafarer welfare by awarding the company with the Most Compassionate Employer of Indian Seafarers award as part of the National Maritime Day celebrations on 5 April 2014.

This is the third time in the past six years Wallem has received the Award.

“We are proud to receive the award for Most Compassionate Employer of Indian Seafarers. About a third of Wallem’s 12 000 seafarers are from the Indian Subcontinent and we are grateful for the recognition from the sea staff and local maritime community,” said Raymond Mc Namara, Wallem Ship Management Managing Director.

Wallem Ship Management India’s Managing Director, Captain Navin Passey, says the award is a proud achievement for the staff.

“Wallem’s local staff across the country respect and care for our seafarers throughout their career with Wallem, and provide support for family members at home,” said Captain Passey.

“We have been opening more local centres to be closer to our sea staff, including Dehadrun, Lucknow, Navi Mumbai,Cochin and Patna, in addition to Wallem’s five key India offices in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chandigarh and Chennai.

“On board we now have more than 100 ships with crew internet, and we look forward to rolling out the service to all ships before the end of the year.”

“The Women of Wallem chapters are active in the community, providing an important support network for our seafarers’ families, along with charitable activities.”

Latest True North magazine out now!

Breakbulk China 12-13 March - Wallem offers comprehensive breakbulk services

Wallem delivers a comprehensive range of breakbulk services to international carriers, charterers and project forwarders for vessels calling at all ports in Asia, South Africa and Americas.  This includes a full port agency service along with cargo canvassing and port operations support from our own office network.  Our chartering team offers vessels at competitive rates for all types of breakbulk cargo.

Our locally-based teams have extensive experience with internationals principals and a unique understanding of the local port situation.  We understand the commercial challenges of modern day shipping and deliver solutions based on our local knowledge and international expertise.

Wallem will be exhibiting for the third time at Breakbulk China in Shanghai on 12-13 March (Booth #A306d).

Cruise Shipping Miami 10-13 March 2014 - Asia expertise essential for consistency of service

Over the past 15 years, Wallem has built its Cruise Agency service to become the leading cruise operation in Asia with a reputation for service quality, innovation and problem solving.

As more cruise lines choose to call and home port in Asia, we are ideally positioned to grow with the industry and are committed to delivering an excellent service for each and every call.

“Consistency of service is a key factor for cruise lines, particularly in Asia,” says Wallem Ship Agency cruise expert Frankie Tan, “we are supporting more than 500 calls in the 2013/14 season in Asia, and every ship receives the same level of professional service at every port.

The Wallem Ship Agency network spans 14 countries in Asia, and has recently expanded into South Africa and the Americas. We work closely with international cruise lines to develop new itineraries and ensure a premium experience for their passengers.

Wallem will be exhibiting for the first time at Cruise Shipping Miami in Miami, USA on 10-13 March (Booth #456).

Wallem celebrates 110 years with party in Singapore

The Wallem Group has celebrated its 110^th birthday with an event for clients and partners in Singapore. More than 100 of the maritime community’s elite joined Wallem’s senior management team to recognise the company’s heritage in delivering maritime solutions.

The evening was hosted by Wallem Group Chairman, Nigel Hill, and Wallem Group CEO Simon Doughty.

“We are celebrating by sharing the milestone with the clients and partners that have supported Wallem in successfully achieving its 110^th anniversary as a successful maritime solutions provider,” said Wallem Group CEO Simon Doughty.

“We have recently expanded our presence in Singapore, establishing a hub of expertise delivering our full range of maritime solutions from a strategic maritime location.

“So although on this occasion we are celebrating our heritage, we are also excited about the future for Wallem.”

From a ship broking firm established in Shanghai in 1903, Wallem has grown to 47 offices in 18 countries delivering ship management and technical services, shipbroking and commercial services, ship agency and logistics, becoming a leader in delivering diverse maritime solutions.

With 1000 staff on shore and a pool of more than 12000 seafarers, Wallem has grown in reputation and service quality to be a leader in the maritime services sector.

The Wallem Group has shown accelerated geographic growth in the past two years with expansion of its presence in Singapore as a South East Asia hub, Hamburg as a Europe hub, and new offices in South Africa and the USA.

Wallem continues to be a leader in ship management, currently managing 400 vessels in technical and crewing management, and 25 vessels in commercial management.

Wallem also continues to grow in service depth, with new services complimenting the long standing solutions Wallem is well known for. These include a life-saving equipment testing and servicing solution through Wallem-associated SeaSafe Marine, a project purchasing solution through Marine Buying Services which removes costs from the supply chain. New freight forwarding and logistics services have also been established in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.

Latest True North magazine out now

The final issue of True North magazine for 2013 is now available. Read about the Year of the Wallem Seafarer, our delivery of seafarers' rights with MLC 2006 compliance, and a brewery project that will wet your whistle.

This issue also includes our cruise expert Dickson Chin's measure of the Asia cruise market potential, where Wallem's life saving equipment specialist Andrew Lemmis sees opportunity in new IMO regulations, and our list of loyal long service award recipients.

Click here to read the magazine or contact a Wallem office for a hard copy of the magazine.

Assistance for typhoon-affected sea and shore staff

Wallem Group is offering assistance to its sea and shore staff affected by Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan which recently devastated parts of the Philippines. Wallem currently has 2300 Filipino seafarers serving on board Wallem-managed vessels.

Financial assistance is available for seafarers and shore-based staff in addition to compassionate leave.

Staff from the Wallem Ship Management fleet personnel team and Wallem's manning agents are working hard to contact seafarers and their families living in the affected areas.

The Women of Wallem chapters have mobilised their members and are giving their time packing boxes of emergency medical items to be used by the Philippines Army Medical group which recently sent volunteer doctors and nurses into the Samar region.

If you are a Wallem seafarer or a family member affected by the typhoon, please contact your local manning agent.

The thoughts and prayers of Wallem staff around the world are with Filipino seafarers and their families.

Proud delivery of seafarers’ bill of rights

Wallem is proud to show our commitment to seafarers’ welfare with the entire Wallem fleet meeting the target date for compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC).

At 20 August 2013 all vessels in the fleet had been audited and endorsed under the Convention. MLC 2006, also known at the “seafarers’ bill of rights”, provides a standard for decent working conditions for seafarers and a level competition field for employers.

Simon Frank, Wallem Fleet Personnel Director, said the full compliance illustrates the company’s assurance to seafarers that Wallem is committed to providing a good working environment on board.

“It is an authentication of Wallem’s compliance, but in many cases we are offering more than the industry standard. We will continue to offer employment conditions that keep us in that field,” said Simon.

“In mid-2012 we began a process of auditing our processes against the Convention, and although in most cases were offering more than the standard established by MLC, we did have some areas for improvement. So we reviewed our procedures, particularly in handling feedback, and updated them.

“The Convention will hopefully change the situation of seafarers working with less-reputable managers or ship owners. Ship owners and managers that understand the importance of seafarers in their business will, like us, have found they are already delivering on the standards set by MLC 2006.

“This isn’t to say the Convention isn’t necessary; by setting a standard for working conditions I think the whole industry shows it has an appetite to offer a better on board environment for all sea staff.”

Recently Wallem has started working with a specialist catering company to consistently deliver a high quality standard for food on board. Although not addressed by MLC 2006, personal communications between ship and shore are now an expected standard for quality crew members. In a highly connected world seafarers do not want to “drop-out” for the length of their contract. In response to the need, Wallem is introducing internet access on board for chatting, emails, internet browsing and an opportunity to purchase increased access each month.

Chief Operating Officer commences as Wallem Strengthens Leadership Team

Andrew Stephens has commenced in the role of Chief Operating Officer at The Wallem Group, strengthening the leadership team as the Group moves forward with a new positioning strategy and business direction that better reflects the full range of maritime solutions the company provides.

Andrew Stephens previously ran the international operations of Wilhelmsen Ship Services and helped them drive through operational efficiencies. Andrew will ensure that the Group operates smoothly in providing solutions to its wide range of customers and across all of its markets.

"Andrew Stephens and Paul Moore, recently commencing in the role of Group Finance Director, will play a critical role in executing Wallem's strategy and leading the Group to success as we continue to evolve and move forward with our services and customers," said Simon Doughty, Wallem Group Managing Director.

"Although Wallem is principally known as a ship management company we, in fact, provide a full suite of maritime solutions, ranging from ship agency services to broking and commercial services to IT Services and outsourcing," said Mr. Doughty.

"As the industry continues to face challenges in the wake of the economic downturn, customers seeking competitive solutions can benefit from Wallem's diverse services delivered individually or as a package."

"Now in our 110th year of operation, we have a proud heritage of continually developing and expanding our portfolio of services to meet the future needs of the maritime industry and are now the most established diversified maritime solutions companies in the world. This is a strong position and a point of difference from many of our competitors," said Mr. Doughty.

Wallem Group Strengthens Team with Appointment of New Managing Director of Ship Management

Wallem Group, the most diversified services organization in the maritime industry, has appointed a new Managing Director for its Ship Management Division, as the Wallem Group continues to bolster its management team and deliver on its way forward strategy.

Ray McNamara will be responsible for managing Wallem Group’s Ship Management division globally and will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Stephens, when he joins in August 2013. Ray will be responsible for the organization, oversight and strategic planning of ship management activities; including crewing, budgeting, contracting, purchasing, quality & safety, tanker vetting, maintenance and refit docking of the fleet.

“As we continue to deliver on our strategy to integrate the broad range of solutions which Wallem Group delivers to its customers, Ray McNamara will work closely with other divisions to ensure that customers have access to our diversified set of maritime solutions,” said Simon Doughty. “Ship management has always been and will continue to be a key component of our Group’s service delivery and Ray’s deep experiences of the industry make him well suited for this important role.”

Wallem Group has recently made a number of significant senior management announcements, as the Group continues to take advantage of its position as the world’s most diversified maritime solutions provider. The Group recently announced the establishment of two offices in South Africa, which enable the Group to meet client demand and to increase its footprint across strategic maritime locations around the world. 

Earlier this year, Wallem Group also opened in Singapore its first office serving as a regional hub of expertise bringing together more of Wallem’s diversified maritime solutions into a single location and the Group will be emulating that in Europe following the successful acquisition of the minority shareholding in Wallem GmbH, Hamburg from the German shareholders. 

“In today’s competitive environment, clients who are able to access the widest range of services, delivered globally but with the flexibility of a single service or a packaged offering will emerge stronger than their competition,” said Ray McNamara. “My aim is to further strengthen Wallem Group’s Ship Management Division while closely integrating our services with those of the other divisions in the Group.”

Before joining the Wallem Group, Ray McNamara was a Director at AET Ship Management with complete ship management responsibility for 3,000 seafarers and almost 100 shore staff serving on 64 large oil tankers.  Previously, he was Head of Ship Management at Hanseatic Lloyd AG.  Before that, he held the position of Divisional Technical Director at V.Ships. Ray McNamara is an ex Mariner and Classification Society Surveyor.  

Group opens offices in South Africa to meet client demand

Wallem, the most diversified services organization in the maritime industry, has established two offices in South Africa, a key location for the maritime industry. The new offices enable the Group to meet client demand, provide a wide array of services and to provide the Group with a footprint in an important and strategic location.

Located in Durban and Cape Town, the offices provide ship agency and logistics services for all ports in South Africa. The offices will also handle client business for other markets in Africa, including Mozambique, Namibia and other destinations in southern parts of the Indian Ocean.

"Wallem continues to execute well on its strategy to provide more maritime solutions in more locations to meet client needs," said Group Managing Director Simon Doughty. "The Group recently announced a significant milestone by opening its first global hub of expertise in Singapore and the opening of our offices in South Africa illustrates our commitment to continue providing more maritime solutions to our customers in more markets."

The offices will be run by veteran maritime professionals Nils Warner, Director, and Iain Leckie, Regional Manager, who have deep experience in both the industry and the region. They have been working in the South Africa ship agency business and maritime industry for more than 30 years each, forming one of the most experienced teams in the country.

New appointments in Malaysia and Thailand

Wallem has appointed new leadership in Malaysia and Thailand, where the Group has appointed a new CEO and Regional Logistics Manager respectively. 

Afifuddin Shafiee, who is now the CEO of the Malaysia office, has been working in the supply chain management business for more than 20 years. For the last four years, he held the role of CEO for two companies and served as Country General Manager for a U.S.-based logistics company in Malaysia. In this role, he negotiated and secured multi-million dollar contracts with large multinational companies and Government Link Companies. He replaces Mr Khoo who is retiring; we thank him for his leadership over many years and wish him all the best in the future.

 Johan Vermeiren has recently been appointment in a newly created role of Regional Logistics Manager. Before joining the Group he led regional and country logistics organisations most notably for GAC in Thailand. He joined Wallem Ship Agencies on May 1, where he brings more than 20 years of experience in forwarding and logistics. He is based in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Afifuddin Shafiee and Johan Vermeiren’s strong experience and leadership in the maritime industry further strengthens Wallem’s ranks and positions us well for continued success as the most diversified maritime solutions provider in the industry," said Group Managing Director Simon Doughty.

Wallem Strengthens Executive Team As Delivering Maritime Solutions Becomes New Way Forward for the Group

Hong Kong, April 15, 2013 - Wallem has made two significant appointments to its leadership team as it moves forward with a new positioning strategy and business direction that better reflects the full range of maritime solutions the company provides.

Wallem has appointed a Chief Operating Officer for the Group, and a new Finance Director as the Group continues to evolve and align its operations with its customers' continually changing needs.

Andrew Stephens, who previously ran the international operations of Wilhelmsen Ship Services and helped them drive through operational efficiencies, has been appointed as the Group's Chief Operating Officer, a new position in the Group. Andrew will ensure that the Group operates smoothly in providing solutions to its wide range of customers and across all of its markets.

Completing the new appointments is Paul Moore. He joins as the Group's new Finance Director, replacing Nick Tonkinson, who retires this year from Wallem after 14 years with the Group. In close collaboration with the company's Group Financial Controller and Divisional Financial Controllers, Paul will work to make finance a strategic advantage for Wallem across the Group.

"Andrew Stephens and Paul Moore will all play a critical role in executing Wallem's strategy and leading the Group to success as we continue to evolve and move forward with our services and customers," said Simon Doughty, Wallem Group Managing Director, “I would also like to thank Nick Tonkinson for his service to the Group, he has been essential in Wallem's successes over the last decade".

"Although Wallem is principally known as a ship management company we, in fact, provide a full suite of maritime solutions, ranging from ship agency services to broking and commercial services to IT Services and outsourcing," said Mr. Doughty. "As the industry continues to face challenges in the wake of the economic downturn, customers seeking competitive solutions can benefit from Wallem's diverse offerings. These offerings can be delivered individually or as a package."

"Now in our 110th year of operation, we have a proud heritage of continually developing and expanding our portfolio of services to meet the future needs of the maritime industry and are now the most established diversified maritime solutions companies in the world. This is a strong position and a point of difference from many of our competitors," said Mr. Doughty.

Wallem's new business direction has already led to a number of new initiatives, which include:

• Marine buying services, through which Wallem delivers procurement expertise to a wider client base
• Contract catering, which helps deliver healthier food for seafarers and which reduces the workload for officers and superintendents
• SeaSafe marine lifeboat servicing and testing, which ensures the delivery of better solutions for managing onboard safety
• New website that reflects the Group's new positioning and the full array of maritime solutions it delivers (see the new site at www.wallem.com)

Wallem Opens First Hub of Expertise in Singapore

Capt. Deepak Honawar Appointed to Lead the New Singapore Strategic Hub

Hong Kong, April 9, 2013 - Wallem, the most diversified services organization in the maritime industry, has opened a new office in Singapore that marks the company's first hub of expertise in the world. Deepak Honawar was appointed Singapore Wallem Managing Director and will head this important new office. He has responsibility for all of Wallem's associated Group companies in Singapore, including Wallem Shipping Singapore and Wallem Ship Management Singapore. He is also accountable, as Wallem's representative, for the joint venture with Nanjing Tanker Corporation, NW Shipmanagement.

The new office illustrates Wallem's strategy to bring its diversified maritime solutions together into single locations to benefit customers where demand is the greatest. Singapore will serve as a hub that provides customers in Singapore and Southeast Asia with access to all of Wallem's maritime solutions and reflects the company's integrated 'Group' approach to servicing clients in Singapore and the surrounding markets.

"The opening of Wallem's new Singapore office marks a significant milestone in Wallem's development as we execute upon our strategy to provide more offerings closer to where customers operate and want to do business," said Simon Doughty, Wallem's Group Managing Director. "Deepak Honawar's leadership and experience make him well-suited to run Wallem's first hub of expertise outside of Hong Kong and positions us well for future growth."

In connection with Wallem's expertise hub approach, the Group is announcing four additional appointments:

"Delivering Maritime Solution" video

SeaSafe Marine - new lifeboat service already proving valuable to ship owners

Through proper evaluation of work required during an annual lifeboat inspection, SeaSafe Marine was able to save a ship owner around US$50,000 in costs and ensured that the vessel sailed without delay, with safe operational lifeboats.

Independent Lifeboat Servicing & Testing

Andrew Lemmis joined the Wallem Group in October to run our new Independent Lifeboat Servicing & Testing division. The division will focus on improving maintenance standards and crew familiarisation of lifeboat systems throughout the Wallem fleets and this service will eventually be rolled out to other clients.

Andrew is based in Hong Kong and has been involved with lifeboat systems for the past 25 years with some of the biggest names in the industry. His knowledge and experience will be an asset to Wallem clients in this critical area of vessel safety.

Women of Wallem (WoW) launched in Sri Lanka

The first activity for the Sri Lanka Women of Wallem (WoW) chapter was a beach clean-up in Colombo. The group cleaned a section of the beach popular with locals for their exercise and beach games. The event was a huge success and came with the blessing of the Sri Lankan Navy and the Coast Guard who both actively participated. The Colombo Municipal Council also helped to remove the rubbish. The WoW team also had the support of seafarers and Wallem staff with a total of 54 people lending a hand.

HAL / Seabourn cruise agency secured in Vietnam

Wallem Vietnam has successfully retained the port agency for Holland America Line and secured the Seabourn port agency representation in a recent joint-brand tender.

Chris Martin of Holland America Line explained why Wallem was chosen in Vietnam: “When reviewing all proposals for the recent agency appointment in Vietnam, we considered all factors including the financial, operational, and logistical support that we expect from our port agents worldwide. Agency fee is important, but it is not the only driving factor to finding a good port agent.”

“Over the past several years, we have maintained a good relationship with Wallem Vietnam - they are quick to respond, provide the communication requested, and follow through with any further requirements.” 

Tanker Safety

Capt. Akhileshwar Roy spoke at the Tanker Safety Conference in Singapore on “Capital Efficiency vs. Operational Efficiency vs. Safety”. Sharing his Wallem experience and drawing data from trials of super slow steaming, the presentation provided a practical approach to help ship owners during these challenging times.

Women of Wallem (WoW) active in Philippines

It was a big month for WoW in the Philippines with continuing charity work in the community. Activities included donations to 14 school scholars and the distribution of rice to 100 families in Malabon whilst employees of Wallem in Cebu and volunteer seafarers participated in a beach clean-up activity and a blood donation exercise in the Central Visayas Coast Guard District.

Freight forwarding in Vietnam

Wallem Shipping Vietnam commenced freight forwarding services in September 2012. The new freight forwarding department will add to Vietnam's service repertoire by offering sea and air freight, inland and waterway transport, customs clearance, door-to-door service, warehousing and project cargo services.

Wallem speaks at major Cruise Conference

“Operational challenges for cruising in Asia” was the topic for Dickson Chin's presentation at the Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention 2012.Dickson is the Managing Director for WallemIndo-China and co-heads the Asia cruise team. Wallem is the leading port agent for cruise lines in Asia and continues to consolidate this position across the region.

Award for health programme in Hong Kong

Wallem Hong Kong's health and wellness programme has received a silver award in the health promotion category at the 2012 Hong Kong Occupational Safety & Health Council's Awards. The programme included introducing staff to fun new ways to exercise, medical checks, healthy snacks and medical advice.

ISC and Wallem create ship management alliance

LMS Ship Management Inc., a subsidiary of International Shipholding Corporation (ISC), and Wallem Group have formed an alliance encompassing the ship management, crewing, and marine technical services for ISC's non-U.S. Flag vessels. The alliance will allow ISC to take advantage of the economies of scale that Wallem's larger ship management organisation can offer, particularly in areas such as procurement of spares and supplies for the ISC fleet.

LMS and Wallem will operate independently and, based on expertise, the daily functions will be divided between the two companies. Through its subsidiaries ISC currently operates 37 vessels with cargo carrying capabilities including tankers, bulk carriers and PCCs.

Flying horses

Wallem is the GSA for Cargolux in Thailand and successfully arranged the transport of six horses in collapsible horse stalls from Bangkok to New York at the end of July. The loading operation and flight went extremely smoothly and the animals arrived safely and on time.

NW Ship Management launched in Singapore

A joint venture between Nanjing Tanker Corporation (NJTC) and Wallem Ship Management was officially opened for business on 23rd July 2012 by Simon Doughty, Wallem Group Managing Director and Zhu Ning, SINOTRANS & CSC Holdings Co. Vice President. By the end of 2013 there will be 25 tankers (VLCCs and medium range tankers) managed from this office. Wallem Singapore was also appointed to handle the port agency for four vessels operated by NW Ship Management.

Largest cruise vessel calls at Hong Kong

Voyager of the Seas, the largest home porting cruise vessel in Asia, made her first call to Hong Kong in June and was handled by Wallem Ship Agencies. There were 3,200 guests and 1,250 crew on board and 85% of these were taken ashore within the first three hours of her arrival using six tenders arranged by Wallem. This together with the subsequent embarkation of the visitors was achieved without delay and the Voyager sailed on time for Xiamen the next day.

Two ships win Car Carrier of the Year Awards

The MV Cetus Leader and MV Procyon Leader, both managed by Wallem, have jointly won the NYK Car Carrier of the Year award for 2011-12. The award recognizes the achievement of excellence in safety and operations throughout the year.

The criteria for the award, taking age into consideration, include no accidents or delays; no at-fault cargo damage nor loading accident; and a proactive approach by the crew to the prevention of cargo accidents.

In addition the crew are judged on their participation in the 'Nensetsu 2011' program (NYK's bunker saving initiative) and their success in saving money in this area.

The ship's crew were presented with their awards by senior executives of the NYK Car Fleet.