Asia ship management veteran Dr Lars Grunitz has joined Singapore-based manager Norstar Ship Management (NSM) as its new managing director.
He joins the company from dry bulk specialist Berge Bulk where he spent the last five years as head of vessel management and process improvement.
His appointment has been described as marking the next phase of Norstar’s development as it looks to expand into the dry bulk sector.
“We feel confident that Lars possesses the right mix of maritime industry experience, management and leadership skills to take Norstar forward into our next phase of development,” said Norstar Shipping (Asia) managing director Tom Bonehill.
“Whilst our focus has been on tanker management we will now look to diversify into the management of other ship types including dry cargo where we see increased regulation more in line with the tanker market.”
Norstar said Grunitz will also look to work closely with its Japan office’s representative Ken Hasui to develop the group’s business in that market.
“With Lars’ appointment we will continue our focus on engaging with strategic partners in our different areas of activity across the group,” said Bonehill.
“NSM manages tankers on time charter to oil majors and is looking to replicate the same standards in other sectors as it diversifies its managed fleet,” he added.
Grunitz holds a doctoral degree in naval architecture and started his career in building submarines before moving into various technical and commercial leadership roles with Germanischer Lloyd in Europe and Asia.
Prior to his stint at Berge Bulk, Grunitz was managing director for Thome Ship Management in Thailand where he managed tankers and offshore vessels on time charter for various oil majors.
Commenting on his appointment Grunitz said: “When I got the opportunity to take on this role, I was very excited as I could fully identify myself with our philosophy of an owner’s approach to ship management."
Norstar, which has offices in Singapore, Myanmar, the US and Japan, manages a fleet of 21 chemical, product and crude carriers.
