Singapore dry cargo giant Berge Bulk has recruited an industry veteran to take over responsibility for the company’s technical strategy.
The James Marshall-led shipowner has named Paolo Tonon as its new technical director with immediate effect, according to a posting on social media.
“Paolo brings with him over 25 years of work experience across different engineering positions and management roles,” Berge Bulk said.
“Prior to joining Berge Bulk, he was the senior vice president and head of ABB’s turbocharging product group.”
Tonon holds a master of science in engineering (mechanical engineering) from Trieste University and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Istituto Tecnico Industriale.
Prior to ABB, he spent a little over two years at Maersk Group as head of Maersk Maritime Technology in Copenhagen. He also spent several years at Wartsila Corp.
Tonon also sits on the board of directors of the International Council on Combustion Engines (CIMAC) — the trade association for the large engine-technology sector.
He takes over the position from Claus Jensen, who left Berge Bulk in June to take up a similar post at US-listed dry cargo owner Eagle Bulk Shipping in Singapore, according to his LinkedIn account.
Berge Bulk’s technical director is said to be responsible for daily technical operations, purchasing, health, safety, quality and environment, and dry dockings and newbuildings.
Over the last five years, Berge Bulk has taken delivery of a number of new vessels, including what it claims to be the world’s “most efficient” 300,000-dwt bulker built to date.
Berge Bulk has a fleet of 78 vessels equating to more than 13m dwt on the water — ranging in size from handysize all the way up to Valemaxes, according to its website.
It recently announced its intention to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2025 and build and operate a zero-emissions vessel by 2030 and achieve zero emissions fleet-wide by 2050.
It also aims to scrap all end-of-life ships at yards that adhere to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships by the end of 2021, while also funding at least one local charitable organisation in South Asia that supports ship recycling workers and their families.
Berge Bulk declined to discuss the appointment when contacted by TradeWinds.
