Employment

VPS appoints Steve Laino as new Americas Managing Director

Laino will apply his experience and knowledge in emerging emissions and alternative fuels to deliver complete value-chain solutions for bunker fuels, lubricants and decarbonisation in the region.

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2024

Admin

VPS appoints Steve Laino as new Americas Managing Director

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

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Oilmar appoints Shawn Ho to senior bunker trading role in Singapore

Ho has been appointed as the Senior Manager, Business Development and Bunker Trading in Oilmar’s Trading Department.

Published

1 week ago

July 14, 2026

Admin

Oilmar appoints Shawn Ho to senior bunker trading role in Singapore

UAE-based marine fuel and petroleum products trader Oilmar on Monday (13 July) announced the appointment of Shawn Ho as Senior Manager, Business Development and Bunker Trading in its Trading Department in Singapore.

Ho has more than 15 years of experience in the petroleum industry, including 11 years at Toyota Tsusho Petroleum and four years at Adani Global. His experience covers bunker trading, operations, market analysis and risk management.

“His extensive expertise in commercial trading, strategic negotiations, and developing strong partnerships with suppliers and customers makes him a valuable addition to our team,” the company said in a social media post.

“As Oilmar continues to expand its global presence and strengthen its position in the marine fuels market, Shawn’s experience, industry insight, and commercial leadership will play an important role in driving our continued growth and delivering value to our customers.”

Photo credit: Oilmar
Published: 14 July, 2026

Business

Seascale Energy hires Soo Yong Koo as Business Development Director in Singapore

In her new role, Koo will focus on supporting customer growth, strengthening commercial partnerships, and helping customers navigate an increasingly complex marine fuels landscape.

Published

1 week ago

July 14, 2026

Admin

Seascale Energy hires Soo Yong Koo as Business Development Director in Singapore

Seascale Energy, a bunker procurement joint venture of Cargill’s Pure Marine Fuels and Hafnia’s Bunker Alliance, on Friday (10 July) announced the appointment of Soo Yong Koo as the Business Development Director of the company.

Based at Seascale Energy’s Singapore hub, Koo has more than 25 years of experience in the maritime and energy trading sectors, with expertise in marine fuels, commercial management, business development and customer relations.

She has held senior commercial roles at Trafigura, Mabanaft and BP, with experience spanning physical bunker operations and global sales.

Koo is an active contributor to the marine fuels industry, having served as a Board Member of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), Asia, a member of the Working Group for Marine Fuels under the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC), and as a member of the Singapore Shipping Association’s (SSA) Marine Fuels Committee.

In her new role, Koo will focus on supporting customer growth, strengthening commercial partnerships, and helping customers navigate an increasingly complex marine fuels landscape.

The company added that her experience across both conventional and emerging marine fuels aligns closely with Seascale Energy’s ambition to deliver transparent, scalable, and future-ready fuel procurement solutions.

“Soo Yong is highly respected in marine fuels, with 25 years of commercial and operational experience and a strong industry footprint across the IBIA, SCIC and SSA. Her appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening how we serve customers in Asia and beyond as the fuels landscape continues to evolve,” said Peter Grünwaldt and Olivier Josse, Co-CEOs, Seascale Energy.

Photo credit: Seascale Energy
Published: 14 July, 2026

Business

Burando Energies taps Paola Prieto as Senior Bunker Trader for Latin America expansion

In her new role, Prieto will lead Burando Energies’ expansion and commercial efforts in the Latin American market.

Published

2 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Admin

Burando Energies taps Paola Prieto as Senior Bunker Trader for Latin America expansion

European marine fuel supplier Burando Energies on Tuesday (7 July) announced Paola Prieto joining its global trading team as a Senior Bunker Trader.

In her new role, Prieto will lead Burando Energies’ expansion and commercial efforts in the Latin American market.

She was a bunker trader with Dan-Bunkering from April 2020 to April 2025.

William Cline, Managing Director of Burando Energies, said: “I am delighted to be working with Paola. She is an exceptional trader who brings great energy, expertise and commercial insight to the team. She knows our business, shares our values and has always placed customers at the centre of everything she does.”

Prieto said: “I am excited to re-enter the bunker industry with the talented team at Burando Energies. I am very happy to bring my experience to an industry I truly enjoy, to strengthen valuable partnerships and to contribute to a market that never stops moving. I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and building new relationships across Latin America and beyond.”

Photo credit: Burando Energies
Published: 8 July, 2026