Returning to its roots the Swire-owned China Navigation Company (CNCo) opened its China headquarters officially in Shanghai earlier this week, marking a significant return to its birthplace 147 years ago.
CNCo – the oldest part of the Swire Group – started operations on the Yangtze River in 1872, operating a modest fleet of Mississippi-style paddle steamers. Today, CNCo is a global player, with operations spanning Australia, China, PNG, Fiji, India, New Zealand and the US. Headquartered in Singapore, CNCo owns and manages more than 130 vessels through its three core divisions – Swire Shipping, Swire Bulk and Swire Bulk Logistics.
On its Shanghai return, James Woodrow, the company’s managing director, commented: “Shipping markets have come to depend heavily on China and we believe the shipping industry will continue to be greatly influenced by China.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Barnaby Swire, outgoing chairman of the CNCo along with the incoming chairman, Sam Swire.
Randy Selvaratnam, CnCo’s China country manager, said: “With our Shanghai office now being a full-fledged operating subsidiary as well as our other offices in Qingdao, Beijing and Guangzhou, we are even more confident of delivering innovative and sustainable shipping solutions that will meet the needs of our customers. Currently, we offer four separate services from China covering the South Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and North Australia trades.”
