Melbourne-headquartered ship manager ASP Ships has recruited a senior shipping executive from Rio Tinto to head its Asian operations.
Christian Riis has stepped into the role of chief executive of Asia after leaving Rio Tinto, where he had held the Singapore-based position of director of marine safety and vetting since 2022.
ASP said in a social media post that Riis’ commercial and industry knowledge would help him “lead ASP through its next phase of growth and development”.
Riis, whose shipping career began as a deck officer with ropax operator DFDS, became harbour master at Copenhagen port before he moved into senior ship management roles at Clipper Group, J Lauritzen and Berge Bulk.
“Throughout my time with Rio Tinto, I have had the privilege to take part in the launch and implementation of the Designated Owners and Operators Program. Experienced from first row as we gained traction and foothold in the dry bulk industry as our like-minded partners showed courage and determination to make uplifted safety and crew welfare on board a sustained commitment,” Riis said in a LinkedIn message before he left the mining giant at the end of June.
Commenting on his new role at ASP, Riis highlighted the ongoing digital transformation, the urgent need for decarbonisation of the world fleet and more advanced vessels, and compliance with more complex regulations as the main focus area.
“To meet these requirements the industry must be able to attract and retain talent and in ASP we have a sustained commitment to offer a safe and healthy workplace where diversity, mental health and well-being are our highest priority,” he said.
Although headquartered in Australia, ASP has fleet management offices in Singapore, New Zealand, India, and the UK. Additional crewing offices are in several European, South Asian and South East Asian countries.
Riis will continue to be based in Singapore
