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.

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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 as it Looks to Establish Strategic Maritime Locations Around the World

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: