AsiaOperationsTankers

Norstar Ship Management appoints new head as it looks to diversify

Singapore shipmanagement firm Norstar Ship Management (NSM) has appointed Lars Grünitz as its new managing director, replacing Christopher Kirton who Splash understands left to be closer to family.

Grünitz brings with him over 15 years experience in the shipping industry, and was most recently head of vessel management and process improvement for Berge Bulk. Grünitz has also had stints with Thome Ship Management, Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line and GL.

Tom Bonehill, managing director of parent company Norstar Shipping (Asia), commented: “With Lars’ appointment we will continue our focus on engaging with strategic partners in our different areas of activity across the Group. We have always seen NSM as a unique platform with an owner’s approach to ship management. Our technical management is a resource to be shared with partners in the industry with an absolute focus on safety and the control of cost and quality. Lars will also work closely with the Norstar Japan office’s representative Ken Hasui to develop the Group’s business in that market.

“Whilst our focus has been on tanker management we will now look to diversify into the management of other ship types including dry cargo where we see increased regulation more in line with the tanker market which has been heavily regulated for many years now.”

Norstar Ship Management currently manages a fleet of 21 tankers, while parent company Norstar Shipping owns a fleet of five tankers according to VesselsValue.

Grant Rowles

Grant spent nine years at Informa Group based in London, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore. He gained strong management experience in publishing, conferences and awards schemes in the shipping and legal areas, working on a number of titles including Lloyd's List. In 2009 Grant joined Seatrade responsible for the commercial development of Seatrade’s Asia products. In 2012, with Sam Chambers, he co-founded Asia Shipping Media.
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