The International Chamber of Shipping has strengthened its global presence in one of the world’s leading maritime hubs by announcing that it will open a new office in Singapore.
The announcement was made at the Singapore Shipping Association’s 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Sunil Krishnakumar has been appointed as the General Manager of the new Singapore office.
The Singapore office will serve as a regional hub, fostering collaboration on critical issues such as decarbonisation, safety, seafarer welfare and the adoption of new technologies. The establishment of the Singapore office represents a step in ICS’s ongoing mission to support the global shipping industry in the region, following the opening of the China Liaison Office with a presence in both Shanghai and the Hong Kong SAR. In November, ICS will also be hosting a second Global Maritime Trade Summit in Hong Kong.
The new ICS office, opened with the support of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), is located in the central business district of Singapore. Mr Teo Teng Seng, President of Singapore Shipping Association, said:
“The launch of the ICS Singapore Branch adds to the vibrancy of Singapore as an International Maritime Centre, joining other esteemed international maritime organisations based here. SSA is delighted to host and partner with one of the world’s principal shipping organisations, to support our industry’s standing in the global shipping community.”
Sunil Krishnakumar, General Manager of ICS Singapore Branch, added: “It is an honour to take on this role at such a pivotal time for our industry. I look forward to working with our members, partners and stakeholders to ensure that ICS continues to make a positive impact in Singapore and across the region.”
The move has been supported Singapore-government officials. Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Chief Executive, commented: “We welcome the International Chamber of Shipping’s decision to establish its Singapore office, joining other key international organisations with a regional base here. ICS’s presence will strengthen collaboration on priorities such as decarbonisation, digital transformation, and safety standards. These are key areas shaping the future of international shipping and where closer cooperation between industry and regulators can drive impactful solutions for the greater good of the global maritime sector.”
The International Chamber of Shipping is an international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet.
Thomas A. Kazakos, ICS Secretary General, commented: “The strategic opening of our office in Singapore underlines ICS’s commitment to working more closely with one of the most dynamic maritime centres in the world. Singapore continues to be at the forefront in areas such as bunkering, fuel innovation, digitalisation and decarbonisation, and we look forward to building even stronger partnerships with the industry and authorities here. This is an important milestone for ICS as we deepen our ties across the Asia-Pacific region. We are confident that our increased presence and cooperation across this region in will deliver real benefits to our members and to the wider global shipping community.”
