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KPI OceanConnect launches ‘Women in Shipping’ initiative to drive awareness of inclusivity and sustainability

Research has demonstrated that a diverse workforce in an inclusive organisation will enhance creativity, adaptability, and problem solving, says firm.
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Global marine energy solutions provider KPI OceanConnect on Monday (7 March) launched its ‘Women in Shipping’ initiative ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8 following an internal research program.

The initiative is based on diversity, equality and inclusion research that KPI OceanConnect conducted in Q1 2022; the aim being to raise awareness for the issue, and generate insights that can be deployed internally to influence policy and strategy in order to attract more women into the company, as well as enhance retention and job satisfaction.

KPI OceanConnect’s research has demonstrated that a diverse workforce in an inclusive organisation will enhance creativity, adaptability, and problem solving – qualities that can help to navigate the next market transformations in the shipping industry.

The findings are further supported by research from organisations, such as the Bank for International Settlements, that shows how diversity within organisations can have a significant impact in combating climate change and decarbonisation, where women in managerial and leadership roles have the personality traits and skillsets to be more adept at solving these challenges.

While gender diversity in the shipping industry is improving, KPI OceanConnect recognises that there remains a lack of gender parity. This is especially acute at senior levels, which in turn can make it difficult for women to identify strong role models and career paths.

To help remedy this gender imbalance, KPI OceanConnect is taking measures to enhance its employees’ wellbeing and encourage an enhanced work-life balance that will further advance inclusivity and diversity.

This includes encouraging a healthier lifestyle; implementing flexible working methods; supporting employees with childcare, commuting assistance and financial planning; and the creation of a committee to ensure the company has a truly inclusive, supportive and innovative environment where its people thrive and grow.

“As a global organisation in a male-dominated industry, we recognise that we have an important role to play increasing diversity across our offices. We are committed to raising awareness, inspiring change, and attracting more women to a career in shipping,” said Søren Høll, CEO at KPI OceanConnect.

“By connecting our female workforce to empower change, we are also setting ourselves on a path towards enhanced sustainability and innovation. I am proud to be launching this ‘Women in Shipping’ initiative as we celebrate International Women’s Day, and look forward to seeing a marine fuels industry that’s more diverse and inclusive.”

Victoria Freeman, Chief Financial Officer at KPI OceanConnect said: “This innovative campaign to improve gender diversity is a great example of the KPI OceanConnect’s leadership within the sector. I am proud to work for a company that celebrates the work of women and is actively trying to create more role models for young women to follow. We look forward to seeing more women start their careers in shipping, and welcome anyone to joining us at KPI OceanConnect.”

 

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 8 March, 2022

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Legal

Singapore withdraws remaining 127 charges against Hin Leong founder OK Lim

Lim Oon Kuin, also known as OK Lim, was issued a stern warning and a district court granted him a discharge amounting to an acquittal for these charges on 17 July.

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July 21, 2026

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Founder of collapsed oil trader Hin Leong Trading, Lim Oon Kuin, also known as OK Lim, has had the remaining 127 charges against him withdrawn, according to The Straits Times on Monday (20 July). 

OK Lim was issued a stern warning and a district court granted him a discharge amounting to an acquittal for these charges, including those for cheating, on 17 July. The discharge means Lim cannot be prosecuted again for the same offences.

Lim, 84, is currently serving a 13½-year prison sentence after the High Court reduced his original 17½-year jail term in March 2026. He was convicted in 2024 on two cheating charges and one count of abetting forgery in a case prosecutors described as one of Singapore’s most serious trade finance frauds.

Lim was convicted in May 2024 of two charges of cheating the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and one count of abetting forgery that proceeded to trial out of a total of 130 criminal charges.

He was first charged in court on 14 August 2020, and was subsequently handed further charges in court on 25 September 2020, 30 April 2021 and 24 June 2021 for his role in perpetuating fraud on various financial institutions. 

A total of 130 charges were eventually brought against him for cheating and forgery-related offences.

Related: Singapore: Hin Leong Founder OK Lim gets jail term slashed to 13.5 years

 

Photo credit: Sora Shimazaki
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Winding up

Singapore: Coastal Logistics Pte Ltd to be wound up voluntarily

Coastal Logistics was reportedly affiliated with troubled Singapore bunker player Coastal Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

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July 21, 2026

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RESIZED Drew Beamer

Several resolutions for Coastal Logistics Pte Ltd were made during an extraordinary general meeting held on 14 July, according to a notice in the Government Gazette on Friday (4 July).

The following resolutions were duly passed during the meeting:

As Special Resolution

  • That it has been proved to the satisfaction of the meeting that the Company cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business and accordingly the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 160(1)(b) of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 (No. 40 of 2018);

As Ordinary Resolutions

  • that Mr. Wong Pheng Cheong Martin and Ms. Koay May Yee, both care of FTI Consulting (Singapore) Pte Ltd, One Raffles Quay, #27-10 South Tower, Singapore 048583 be appointed as the joint and several Liquidators of the Company for the purpose of such winding up; and
  • that the Liquidators be at liberty to open, maintain and operate any bank account(s) or account(s) for monies received by them as Liquidators with such bank(s) as they deem fit; and
  • that a Committee of Inspection will not be formed.

Manifold Times previously reported Nicholas James Gronow, director of Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping and Coastal Logistics, filed statutory declarations for both companies stating the firms cannot continue their businesses due to liabilities.

Both companies were reportedly affiliated with troubled Singapore bunker player Coastal Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd. 

In 2019, several vessels owned by both firms entered the sale & purchase (S&P) market in Singapore.

Related: Singapore: Director declares Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping’s inability to continue business
Related: Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping in court over DBS Bank bunker tanker loan
Related: Singapore: Bunker tanker “Coastal Neptune” arrested
Related: Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping, Coastal Logistics tankers enter S&P market

 

Photo credit: Drew Beamer
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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July 21, 2026

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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