Wilhelmsen Ship Management has signed a deal with Beijing-headquartered Huayang Maritime Center (HMC) to cooperate on ship management services across China’s tanker, gas carrier, car carrier and cruise sectors.
Under a memorandum of understanding, they plan to build a pool of competent Chinese crew and operate vessels brought under management through both companies.
“When it comes to ship management, local presence matters,” a senior Wilhelmsen executive told TradeWinds.
Work to set up a formal joint venture has started, with talks among other local companies in China underway. The executive said this was part of the collaboration’s medium-term plans to deliver high-quality ship management solutions to the stated segments in the local market.
Wilhelmsen is no stranger to HMC and the Chinese market as it has existing partnerships and business relations.
James Li, general manager of HMC, described the MOU as a natural progression designed to maximise combined expertise.
“By doing so, we aim to deliver specialised ship management services tailored to meet the requirements of the Chinese market. Developing strong capabilities in these new shipping segments is also an important strategic focus for HMC,” Li said.
The Chinese market has become more outward-looking and welcoming to international ship managers.
In addition to ship management, Wilhelmsen will leverage HMC’s local expertise to support its managed ships in Chinese ports, while using its global network to support HMC’s procurement needs and, if required, support HMC in international waters.
Carl Schou, the ship management giant’s CEO and president, said HMC “holds a strong position in the Chinese shipping community” and the collaboration will allow Wilhelmsen to expand its presence in the Chinese as well as yield significant benefits for both parties.
“As a distinguished partner, they are committed to delivering the same service excellence as we have. Our Chinese customers in these target segments will reap the benefit of what is sure to be an enduring and fruitful cooperation,” Schou said.
Established in 1995, HMC is one of China’s ship managers and crew manning agencies. The company is part of the China Waterborne Transport Research Institute.
