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HKSOA's Arthur Bowring retires to be succeeded by Sandy Chan

THE Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) is changing the line-up of its senior management with Arthur Bowring retiring as managing director on November 30 to take on a senior consultancy and advisory role with the Association. Mr Bowring has held the post since 1997.

He will be replaced by Sandy Chan as MD. She was the former CEO of the Hong Kong Estate Agents Authority and former Principal Assistant Secretary for Economic Development in the HKSAR Government, specialising in strategic planning, policy analysis, trade negotiations and manpower development.

In an open letter, current HKSOA chairman Sabrina Chao paid tribute to Mr Bowring's contribution to Hong Kong's shipping affairs: "Whether it is in your work with the International Labour Organisation, the International Chamber of Shipping, the Maritime Services Training Board or the many other local, regional or international bodies on which you have represented the HKSOA, you have ensured that Hong Kong is a respected and vocal presence in maritime affairs.

"Your efforts to promote the shipping industry to a new, younger audience through initiatives such as Maritime Week have helped ensure that we will have a continued stream of young people joining our industry, whilst your tireless promotion of Hong Kong has seen Hong Kong continue to be and grow as one of the world's great maritime centres."

In welcoming Ms Chan, Ms Chao said: "With her professional insights and wide exposure, Sandy brings to the table a broad level of experience in public and economic affairs in particular, which will help enhance the Association's position in the community, and strengthen our representation in the national, regional, and international arena."

Ms Chao also welcomed Martin Cresswell to the HKSOA management team, where he will be taking on the role of technical director, which will add to the Association's acknowledged skills in addressing the technical impact of the increased regulatory environment for shipowners, a statement said.

Ms Chao commented: "Martin served as chairman of the HKSOA Technical Committee from 1998 to 2009 and we are delighted to welcome him back into the fold. More than four decades of experience with Swire Shipping, where he rose from junior engineer to fleet director, make him ideally qualified to guide the Association on the wide range of technical issues the industry is facing."