Closing the Safety Gap is Priority, Says WSS China General Manager

Shipowners in China and Hong Kong are increasingly adopting international standards for safety systems, as they develop their global operations, according to Chan Chang Hae, General Manager, Product & Technical Services, Wilhelmsen Ships Service.

There is still a gap in the understanding of what is required to be fully safety compliant in some sectors of the Asian shipowning community. But as their business is growing globally, so are their efforts to keep up to date with international standards.

“There are more and more stringent rules and regulations being introduced through the IMO and other regulatory bodies governing safety on board vessels. Shipowners realize that they need to be aware and prepare their vessels in order to be compliant,” he added.

WSS has been active in informing owners about the ‘pipeline’ of regulations and providing ‘on-the-ground’ technical support through the company’s network of offices across China.

WSS China now offers safety services, Unitor marine products, Unitor and Nalfleet marine chemicals, maritime logistics and ships agency to customers in China and around the world. WSS have five offices in China: Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao, Dalian and Ningbo. The company’s products and services are delivered to 37 ports in China.

“Our strategy has been to expand our network across China in order to be present where our customers are operating,” added Chang.

WSS will continue to expand its operations in China, providing coverage along all coastal provinces, with further offices scheduled to open in the near future.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service will be exhibiting at Marintec in Shanghai, 29 November – 2 December. Hall W5 Booth: 5E21-1.

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World Maritime News Staff, November 22, 2011; Image: WSS