Business

Singapore: Helmsman celebrates firm’s strategic transformation with formation of five new practice groups

‘When you think of Helmsman on the next occasion, think of us as lawyers with expertise in various fields. Come to us before a problem develops. It’s the process that matters,’ says Tang Chong Jun, Executive Director.

Published

3 years ago

November 8, 2022

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International law firm Helmsman LLC celebrated the firm’s strategic transformation last week at the National Gallery Singapore to mark its progress from a specialist shipping and commodities firm to a multidisciplinary services firm, the firm said on Tuesday (1 November).

The event, Helmsman Redefined: A Celebration, gathered industry professionals, clients, and leaders together for the celebration.

At the event, Helmsman formally announced the formation of new practice groups – commercial disputes, employment, and corporate, banking and finance – in addition to the existing shipping and commodities practice groups.

The celebration concurrently unveiled the Head of each Practice Groups:

Ms. Maureen Poh, Head of Shipping
Mr. Chen Zhida, Head of Commodities
Ms. Lynette Koh, Head of Corporate, Banking and Finance
Ms. Una Khng, Head of Commercial Disputes
Mr. Matthew Teo, Head of Employment

Special mention was also given to Mr. Jonathan Tan, an Associate Director of the Firm, who this year made it to Asian Legal Business’s 40 under 40s list.

Managing Director, Mr. Ian Teo who shared his view on the evolution of the firm, said: “Leaving aside our firm’s outstanding performance on the legal rankings over the past few years, what struck me most are the clients’ comments published in the legal rankings – they are all consistent – ‘practical advice’, ‘commercial minded’, ‘user friendly’ and ‘approachable’.”

“My personal favourite was ‘cheap, fast, good and on the ball’ and ‘fit-for-purpose advice, commercially minded and helpful and friendly,’ and will continue to be known for our plain, practical advice.”

Executive Director, Mr. Tang Chong Jun, who further described the Helmsman Identity with the audience at the celebration, said: “We are not just here as lawyers fighting in court or arbitration for you. Sure, we can do that. But more than that, we are here to help you avoid disputes, to lend guidance when a problem crops up, and to nip the problem in the bud when we can.”

“When you think of Helmsman on the next occasion, think of us as lawyers with expertise in various fields. Come to us before a problem develops. It’s the process that matters.”

Helmsman LLC was founded in 2019. The firm has since grown to become one of the leading law firms in Asia. Helmsman will provide international level multi-disciplinary legal services as part of the firm’s global strategy The firm routinely acts for clients in varied and high value commercial transactions and disputes across the world from their offices based in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Manifold Times previously reported Helmsman announcing the firm’s official transition into a multi-disciplinary law firm servicing clients and partners throughout the Asia Pacific, Greater China and further afield.

Photo credit: Helmsman LLC
Published: 8 November, 2022

Biofuel

NYK to launch Japan’s first antioxidant for biodiesel bunker fuel in August

When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

Published

15 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Japan’s first antioxidant by NYK for biodiesel bunker fuel set to release in August

Nippon Yuka Kogyo (Nippon Yuka), an NYK Group company specialising in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, on Wednesday (21 May) announced the upcoming release of BioxiGuard, the Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel, from 10 August.

NYK said compared with conventional petroleum-based fuels, biofuel contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Once oxidised, the biofuel can produce acidic substances and sludge, adversely affecting vessel fuel efficiency by reducing the fuel’s calorific value.

Developed by Nippon Yuka based on property analyses of the biofuel used in NYK-operated vessels, BioxiGuard is specifically formulated to enhance the oxidation stability of biodiesel. When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows the progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

According to laboratory tests conducted by Nippon Yuka researchers, the addition of BioxiGuard at a concentration of 1 part per 500 resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of biofuel degradation compared to untreated biofuel.

This significant improvement underscores the potential for vessel operators to not only extend the useful life of biofuel on board but also maintain more stable and cost-effective vessel operations.

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 22 May, 2025

Wind-assisted

Dealfeng to equip Singapore-based Hung Ze’s chemical tankers with rotor sails

Project marks Chinese firm Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology which entails equipping a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng Rotor Sails.

Published

15 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Singapore-based Hung Ze chemical tankers to be equipped with Dealfeng rotor sails

Dealfeng, a Chinese provider of wind-assisted propulsion systems, on Tuesday (20 May) said it has assigned a cooperation agreement with Singapore-based shipowner Hung Ze Shipping.

The partnership will equip a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng® Rotor Sails.

Each vessel will feature a 5m x 24m Dealfeng Rotor Sail installed on its forecastle deck. Collaborating with maritime software leader NAPA, the project will utilise route optimisation systems to maximise the efficiency of wind-assisted voyages, further enhancing fuel savings and emissions reduction while improving overall energy performance.

“The first vessel in the series is scheduled for delivery with the rotor sail system in the fourth quarter of 2025. Preliminary calculations indicate that the technology will achieve approximately 8% fuel savings on the vessel’s trading routes,” the company said in a social media post.

The project marked Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Dealfeng, a clean energy technology company specialising in the R&D, manufacturing, and EPC services of shipborne energy-saving systems, has long focused on developing Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Its core product, the Rotor Sail, harnesses wind energy via the Magnus effect to provide auxiliary propulsion for vessels.

Tailored to different ship types, the system offers fuel and carbon emission reductions of 5%–25%, with even greater efficiency under favorable wind conditions. Dealfeng’s Rotor Sail technology has obtained certifications from multiple classification societies and has been successfully deployed across numerous vessels, accumulating years of operational experience that validate its safety, reliability, and effectiveness.

Hung Ze operates a diverse fleet ranging from 5,000 DWT vessels to MR product tankers.

Photo credit: Dealfeng
Published: 22 May, 2025

Newbuilding

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

The 9,100 CEU “Höegh Sunrise”, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

Published

15 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil.

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.