Clarksons has established a new specialised products desk in Tokyo as part of a move to get closer to Japanese shipowners.
The new desk will be headed up by Makoto Komatsu, who joins the UK shipbroker from the Japanese office of Norwegian chemical tanker specialist Odfjell.
“As a veteran of 20 years working for one of the world’s leading chemical transportation and storage majors, Komatsu brings extensive experience in chartering and supply chain projects across the region,” Clarksons said.
“Furthermore, in his prior role as commercial manager, he has spent the past decade as a conduit to the charterers for all their spot and contract fixing in Japan.”
In his new role at Clarksons, Komatsu will work closely with Singapore-based director of specialised products Jamie Packman, as part of the Asia-Pacific team, further strengthening their existing presence in the region.
“After many years of looking for the right person to lead our expansion in the Japanese market, we are very excited to have Komatsu on board to start a new era in Clarksons’ specialised products division,” Packman said.
Japan has long played a significant role in the chemical industry, from shipbuilding and owning through to some of the biggest names in the chemical industry acting globally as producers and traders.
Clarksons said the new desk opening in Tokyo reflects its strategy of extending its reach to support clients globally and of expanding the breadth of the group to better tailor its service offerings.
The shipbroker’s specialised products division has been looking to expand its relationship with Japanese owners and charterers for a number of years.
The company said the new opening was a logical step given the Japanese market represents a significant section of the division’s business as well as Clarksons’ company-wide purpose of enabling global trade.
Christian Skovhoj, Clarksons’ head in Tokyo, said: “We are excited to add yet another business segment to our growing office.
“While Clarksons has had success working from our Asia hub in Singapore, our new local presence in Japan and the intimate market knowledge and strong local network that Komatsu brings will take our service offering in the region to another level.”
Jon Webber, Clarksons’ global head of specialised products, said the addition of such a “well-respected and experienced team member” is sure to add to the broker’s “already long and very close relationships within Japan”.
“This new desk will give clients a local point of contact — someone they can have regular face-to-face meetings with to discuss ideas and strategies and who understands the intricacies of the Japanese business,” he said.
“At the same time, clients will also have the benefit of Clarksons’ international presence and strong teamwork as we funnel market information that has been gathered from our 13 locations around the world.
“The result is an ideal combination of the local touch as well as the in-depth knowledge needed to source logistical options in the current turbulent times.”
