29 June 2010
Hong Kong shipping companies demonstrate ShipServ is a ‘must-have’ for ship owners
Chellaram Shipping, Pacific Basin, Tai Chong Cheang Steamship and Wah Kwong all sign up with ShipServ, the world’s leading maritime e-marketplace.
HONG KONG, 29 June, 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 and Wah Kwong have all signed up as members of ShipServ 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.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Contacts
General press enquiries should be directed to John Watton, Chief Marketing Officer, ShipServ on +44 20 3051 0257, email John Watton.
2. About ShipServ
ShipServ is the leading maritime e-marketplace, helping the buyers and sellers of ship supplies to reduce the costs associated with doing business together. In 2009 ShipServ helped its members save an estimated $400m and transformed the way they do business. Whether a Buyer needs to streamline its purchasing operations or a Supplier wants to reduce the cost of attracting or retaining customers, ShipServ is unique in helping businesses of all sizes to find each other easily, connect cost effectively and trade efficiently. Today the ShipServ community numbers nearly 150 buying organizations, 5,000 vessels and 30,000 suppliers. For more information visit www.shipserv.com.
Copyright © 2010 ShipServ Limited. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.