Shipping optimisation platform ZeroNorth has set up shop in Japan to boost its Asian presence.
The new base will be headed by Gary Garner, head of sales for the country.
The office will “significantly strengthen the company’s ties with regional customers and enhance local support”, ZeroNorth said.
This is ZeroNorth’s first direct presence in Japan, laying the groundwork for deeper engagement and collaboration with the maritime community in the region, the company added.
Japan is viewed as a large and strategic market, due to its shipyards and shipping companies.
The data company already has a number of existing customers based in the country, working with “several Japanese shipowners and operators.”
The move builds on the merger this year with Rajesh Unni’s internet-of-things specialist Alpha Ori Technologies, based in Singapore.
ZeroNorth, backed by AP Moller Holding, Cargill and PSG Equity, has known fleet deals with X-Press Feeders, Cargill, Louis Dreyfus Co and Vitol.
Soren Meyer, chief executive of ZeroNorth, said: “We are excited about ZeroNorth’s expansion into Japan, aligning with the significant shift as Asia’s shipowners now represent over half of the global fleet.”
“This expansion will support current and new customers in the region as they navigate the complex path towards zero emissions,” he added.
Garner said the expansion will provide a strong base to deepen relationships in the region.
“With our platform’s billions of data points, ZeroNorth is ideally positioned to assist Asian shipowners and operators in bridging their commercial and sustainability goals, delivering value today while also preparing them for what comes next,” he added.
