Multi-disciplinary law firm Helmsman LLC on Thursday (2 January) announced the firm’s expansion of its practice areas to include Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT). 

The firm said this marked a significant milestone, as it solidified Helmsman's position as the counsel of choice for major corporations and industry stakeholders worldwide.

Helmsman also announced the appointment of Basil Lee as Associate Director. This strategic addition is set to significantly enhance the firm’s capabilities in IP and TMT. 

With Lee's specialised expertise now part of the team, Helmsman is poised to enhance its service delivery and assist clients in achieving their objectives. 

Lee brings a wealth of experience to Helmsman, having successfully represented clients in a range of intellectual property and commercial disputes at all levels of the Singapore courts. His portfolio boasts several landmark cases, showcasing his expertise in IP litigation and advisory matters, particularly complex regulations of technology, media, and telecommunications, including data protection, consumer rights, and cybersecurity.

Among his notable achievements, he played a crucial role in successfully discharging an injunction against the Kaws: Holiday art exhibition, thereby facilitating public access to this significant cultural event, exemplifying the impact that legal victories can have beyond the courtroom.

Beyond his practice, Lee contributed to the trademarks and passing off chapters in the 2018, 2020, and 2024 re-issues of Halsbury's Laws of Singapore. An alumnus of the National University of Singapore, he was awarded the APAA Patent Law Prize for his exceptional performance in the field of intellectual property. Additionally, Lee represented his university at the prestigious Monroe E Price Media Law Moot Court Competition.

Helmsman LLC was founded in 2019 as a specialised shipping and commodities firm but has since expanded its services to encompass commercial disputes, employment, corporate, banking and finance and now IP and TMT. With offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, the firm regularly advises and represents clients in commercial transactions and disputes across the globe.

Photo credit: Helmsman
Published: 3 January, 2025

Marine fuel quality and surveying firm VPS on Wednesday (18 December) announced the appointment of Steve Laino to the role of Managing Director for the Americas. 

In this role, Laino will apply his experience and knowledge to deliver complete value-chain solutions for fuels, lubricants and decarbonisation in the region. 

Laino joined VPS having held C-suite and leadership roles as a ship owner, broker, entrepreneur and advisor across multiple sectors and markets in the global supply chain. 

Most recently, Laino has applied his subject matter expertise and in-depth understanding of the emerging emissions and alternative fuels sectors in his role as Global Head of Environmental Solutions with Poten & Partners/BGC Partners. 

He has a strong background in shipping, having graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, sailed as an officer in the US Merchant Marine and served as Lieutenant Commander in the US Naval Reserve.

Dr. Malcolm Cooper, VPS CEO, stated: “The maritime industry is changing fast with ambitious emissions targets and decarbonisation requirements driving the introduction of new technologies and fuels into the market.”

“In this dynamic landscape, we are very pleased to have Steve on board to lead delivery of all VPS services to customers in the Americas and help them optimise their operations by understanding which new fuels to use and how to adapt to these sustainable business drivers and meet new regulations.”

Steve Laino, stated: “Industries around the world are witnessing a paradigm shift in the energy products that power them and the environmental regulations that govern their stakeholders’ compliance. An increased need for transparency and traceability of energy sources and production methods will grow to be a primary driver of successful business strategies.”

“Testing, verification, certification, data-supported analysis and the ability to easily access and disseminate critical information from these sources are quickly becoming required tools of the trade.”

“For decades, VPS has reliably provided and evolved their services to the maritime, power generation and wind sectors. In response to the evolution of energy products and the impact on businesses in and adjacent to the supply chain, VPS has invested in new digital platforms, testing capabilities and advisory capacity to meet the challenges faced by its customers.”

“I am very pleased to join VPS to lead and grow their business in the Americas.  I look forward to working closely with our team to gather and provide valuable decision-making information to our clients, yielding the flexibility and foresight needed to navigate the new commercial, operational and technical challenges before us.”

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 19 December, 2024

Singapore-based provider of marine fuel solutions Sing Fuels on Saturday (7 December) said Sanket Naik, was recently promoted to Managing Director of Sing Fuels. 

The firm said Sanket joined Sing Fuels in 2016 as a Credit Manager. 

“He immersed himself across all departments, ranging from investment to business development, gaining a 360-degree understanding of the business and serving as a key driver of growth and success at Sing Fuels,” Sing Fuels said in a social media post. 

“As Managing Director, Sanket is poised to drive Sing Fuels 3.0, expanding into areas like sustainability and biofuels, ensuring we stay at the forefront of industry innovation.”

Photo credit: Sing Fuels
Published: 9 December, 2024