Shipbroking group SSY is entering the LPG and ammonia market for the first time with the hire of Thorstein Bergersen.
Long-time LPG specialist Bergersen will be based in Copenhagen and will join SSY on Friday as its new head of LPG.
He will be joined by experienced LPG shipbrokers Emil Ponnert, who joins in the Danish capital from Arrow Shipbroking, and SSY’s director of tankers in India, Amit Kalhans, who will remain based in Mumbai.
Stanko Jekov, SSY managing partner, said: “LPG has been a missing piece of the puzzle for SSY.
“Over the past few years, we have been monitoring the market closely to find a suitable entry point and are delighted that someone of Thorstein’s experience and knowledge has agreed to start this new venture.”
Jekov said adding a presence within LPG and ammonia was an “important milestone” as SSY grows and diversifies its business.
“Both markets have seen exciting developments over the last few years and the future looks increasingly interesting and diverse,” he said.
“SSY wants to be a significant player in this ever-evolving space and today’s announcement is a very important first step towards that.”
The only major shipping sector in which SSY does not yet have a presence is containers.
Bergersen worked most recently as a partner at Navigare Capital, where he specialised in asset acquisitions and deal sourcing in LPG and other vessel segments.
He has previously held senior roles at Yara, Ultragas, Neu Gas Shipping and Maersk Oil Trading.
Bergersen said the new division aims to help SSY clients transition to new fuels.
“Fuelled by a rising global demand for cleaner, greener fuel solutions, we are optimistic about the outlook for LPG and ammonia,” he said.
“We hope that by building a strong foundation in these markets, we can provide our existing and new clients with valuable insights and strategic support, which can help them navigate opportunities and maximise value in a rapidly evolving landscape.”
SSY has been growing its business mainly by hiring well-known names across a range of sectors this year to date.
Last week, TradeWinds reported that the group had hired a team of brokers and a research analyst from rival Braemar, which will boost its office in Athens.
Dimitris Kyrtsos has joined the shipbroking group in the new global role of co-head of sale and purchase, sitting alongside SSY partner and department director Toby English.
SSY this month hired two more brokers to round out its offshore business within subsea vessels and special projects.
Andreas Hageli and Thomas Kittelsen will join the company in January from Sea1 Offshore, previously known as Siem Offshore.
