The Caravel Group’s Angad Banga has been officially installed as the new chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association following its annual general meeting on Wednesday.
He takes over the post from Valles Steamship’s Wellington Koo, who steps down after serving his two-year term as the head of one of the world’s largest shipowner associations.
Hong Kong veteran Richard Hext of Swire Shipping was elected deputy chairman. Qian Weizhong of Cosco Shipping (Hong Kong) and Wang Yongxin of China Merchants Energy Shipping were re-elected as the vice chairman.
Speaking at the AGM, Banga paid tribute to Koo’s leadership and service, faced as he was by the challenges posed by the pandemic, unique local issues and an evolving regulatory framework.
He said Wellington’s strategic acumen and steadfast commitment have “reinforced our association and left an indelible impact on the entire maritime community in Hong Kong”.
Banga said the association plays a “key role” in supporting and adding value to its members through facilitating and organising forums, advocacy initiatives and networking opportunities.
“As we continue to operate within the maritime industry, we are acutely aware of the challenges we face,” he said.
“These include a complex regulatory environment, the imperative of environmental sustainability, the urgency for digital transformation and enhanced crew welfare.
“These challenges should not be viewed as obstacles but as catalysts for innovation and further resilience,” he added.
Other high-profile members of the committee for the next two-year cycle include Wah Kwong Maritime Transport’s Hing Chao, KC Maritime Hong Kong’s Gautam Chellaram, Pacific Basin Shipping’s Martin Fruergaard, Ocean Line Holdings’ Lauria Kwai, Island Navigation Corp’s Alan Tung, Fairmont Shipping Hong Kong’s Matthew McAfee, Teh Hu Cargocean Management’s Patrick Lo, Fleet Management’s Dr Kishore Rajvanshy, Chellaram Shipping (Hong Kong) Ltd’s Rajiv Tetarbe, Orient Overseas Container Line’s Kenny Ye and SITC International Holdings’ Yang Xianxing.
After the elections, the association hosted its annual cocktail reception, which is a major highlight of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2023.
Members of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, which was established in 1957, own, manage and/or operate fleets with a combined capacity of more than 212m dwt.
