Bangkok--16 Dec--Francom Asia
Thoresen Shipping Singapore (“TSS”), a leading owner and operator of dry bulk vessels, announced today the appointment of Mike Anderson as its Director, Commercial. Effective immediately, Anderson will be responsible for commercial management of TSS’ dry bulk fleet and will spearhead business development activities for the company. Based in Singapore, Anderson will report to Managing Director Ian Claxton. TSS is the dry bulk shipping unit of Thai-listed strategic investment group, Thoresen Thai Agencies (“TTA”).
Anderson joins TSS from Copenship Singapore Pte. Ltd., where he served as Managing Director & Head Freight Trader. Anderson oversaw the opening of the Danish company’s Singapore office in 2009, and spearheaded its significant growth during his tenure.
“Mike is a highly talented and experienced executive with an enviable track record under his belt,” said Claxton. “The appointment of someone of his calibre underscores our commitment to growing the business and following through on our strategic objective of becoming a more customer-focused organisation. I have full confidence that Mike will excel in his role, bringing TSS to new levels of growth and achievements in the years to come.”
In August, TTA restructured its shipping business and established TSS as its flagship shipping company. TSS is now reflagging its Thai vessels to Singapore and has relocated its commercial operations to the city-state in order to be closer to its customers and benefit from various tax incentives offered by the Singapore government. Operations support for TTA’s dry bulk unit remains in Thailand and operates under Thoresen (Bangkok) Co. Ltd (“TCB”).
The company has revamped its fleet, selling off uncompetitive and inefficient vessels with a focus on maintaining a fleet of newer, larger tonnage. Today, TSS boasts a fleet of 15 vessels with an average age of just over 10 years and an average capacity of 43,800 DWT. The company plans to take delivery of two new-build Supramax vessels in 2012.
“I’m thrilled to join TSS at this pivotal juncture in its development,” said Anderson. “With a new base in Asia’s shipping hub and a one of the youngest fleets in the business, we have a tremendous opportunity to take the business to new heights. I’m very much looking forward to working with Ian as well as the talented team already in place. One of our first priorities will be to bulk up the commercial team as we prepare to grow our business by expanding our customer base in Singapore and beyond.”
Anderson began his career with Afromar Shipbrokers Pty Ltd., where he served as a Senior Broker. He also held senior positions with Simpson Spence & Young, Avalon Shipbrokers and Endeavour Shipbrokers, where he was based in both Sydney and Singapore. Throughout his career, Anderson has focused on dry bulk cargo for Handy/Handymax and Supramax vessels.
About TSS
Thoresen Shipping Singapore is a subsidiary of Thoresen Thai Agencies Plc (“TTA”), a strategic investment holding company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (TTA:TB). TSS owns and operates a young, 15-strong fleet of dry bulk vessels, with an average capacity 43,800 DWT. TSS’ global fleet carries a broad range of major and minor bulk cargoes, including iron ore, coal, grains, cement, fertiliser, steel and forest products.
About TTA
Thoresen Thai Agencies Public Company Limited (TTA) is a strategic investment holding company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (TTA:TB). Its investment strategy is to grow through a balanced and diversified business portfolio of transport, energy, and infrastructure assets, both domestically and internationally. TTA’s evolution from a dry bulk shipping operator began in 2005 with an investment in subsea engineering firm Mermaid Maritime Public Company Limited, which has since been listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange (MMT:SP). Since then, TTA has acquired interests in fertiliser and logistics (Baconco Co., Ltd.) coal-related businesses (SKI Energy Resources Inc, Merton Group (Cyprus) Limited and Unique Mining Services Public Company Limited), petroleum tankers (Petrolift, Inc) and a port in Southern Vietnam (Baria Joint Stock Company of Service for Import Export of Agro Forestry Products and Fertilizers).
For further information, please contact:
Thoresen Thai Agencies Plc
Ravisada Angkeeros E-mail:
[email protected]
Tel: +66 2254 8437 Ext. 393
Or Francom Asia Ltd.
Wandee Lerdsupongkit E-mail:wandeel@francomasia,com
Tel: 02 233 4338/9 ext. 19