core sector communique

Inchcape Shipping Services expands Asia-Pacific footprint
with Global Marine Travel office in Singapore

Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), the world’s leading maritime services provider, is expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region with the opening of a new Global Marine Travel (ISS GMT) office in Singapore.

ISS GMT Singapore has been opened to look after marine clients based in Singapore with their travel needs into and out of the city. Along with ISS GMT Philippines in Manila it will look after travel requests for clients throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Singapore is one of the world’s largest commercial hubs for marine and offshore business and the new office will meet the demand from existing clients and growth within the region. The company’s traveller tracking system and global ground transportation network offer an enhanced service and have created extra demand for its value-added services from shipowners and vessel management companies.

Both offices are led by managers with over twenty years’ experience. Shern Kwa at ISS GMT Singapore will manage commercial marine crew and ensure the smooth operation of the office which is open round the clock, 365 days a year, while Jacqueline Wenlock has recently been appointed as the new General Manager of ISS GMT Philippines. Originally from Australia, Jacqueline has worked in the travel industry throughout her career and will run the team of 48 agents, quality controllers and accounting staff.

Lars Rosenkrands, Executive Vice President – Marine Solutions, said: “The launch of the new Singapore office and ISS GMT expansion in the region reflects an increase in the number of clients wishing to maximise the utilisation and motivation of their crews through effective travel services management. With a highly experienced team in place, these offices are getting off to a flying start.”

In addition, Michael Page has joined ISS GMT as Global Sales Manager, covering all sales activities within the marine travel division. With an extensive career in the travel industry, Michael has held positions with Scandinavian Airlines, Kuoni and most recently, Emirates Airlines. He will be based at ISS GMT headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Tim Davey, President ISS GMT added “we are delighted to have such a seasoned and well-connected sales professional join our organisation. We have a reputation for providing the highest level of service and account management detail in the industry, Michael will be an excellent complement to the team.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

ISS GMT is the marine travel division of Inchcape Shipping Services, the world's leading maritime services provider. With over 280 proprietary offices in 65 countries, and a workforce of over 3,700, the company’s diverse global customer base now includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container and bulk commodity sectors as well as naval, government and inter-governmental organisations.

ISS provides landside commercial and humanitarian logistics, transit, offshore support, informational and other associated marine services. The company also provides a growing range of outsourcing services including global crew and marine spares logistics; port hub agency management; and sophisticated Enterprise Resource Planning solutions through its subsidiary ShipNet.