New Bibby-USM Alliance to Target Chinese Market

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday November 11, 2014

U.K.-based Bibby Ship Management says it has formed a joint venture with Singapore's United Ship Management to diversify operations in China.  

The venture, which will see the formation of a new company called Bibby-USM Shipping Pte Ltd, will target Northern Asia, and more specifically China and Taiwan.

Current plans are to specialize in the offshore, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors.

"We believe the alliance will open up new opportunities for us in this fast moving and important shipping region," said Arvind Mohan, managing director of Bibby Ship Management's Singapore branch.

"It is an exciting time for our business and for the maritime industry as we expand further afield."

The companies said that the new venture plans to set up a "comprehensive one-stop-shop" for marine services, which will encompass technical management, consultancy, crew management, offshore training, surveying and marine travel.

"Bibby Ship Management brings a wealth of knowledge and industry expertise to Bibby-USM Shipping Pte Ltd and we look forward to working with them," said Kelvin Sun, managing director of United Ship Management.

"With the new JV (joint venture), we are confident and determined to be one of the major ship managers in these specialised and niche sectors."

Bibby is currently a major player in the offshore market, while United Ship Management has formed multiple strategic partnerships in the North Asian market. 

Bibby COO Simon Barham also drew attention last year to eco ships, warning that some shipyards may be exaggerating the savings that eco ships can provide.