Tech-driven marine fuel trading company Shipergy on Tuesday (13 May) announced the appointment of two seasoned industry professionals to strengthen its global presence and enhance its service capabilities. 

Kingsley Chan joins the company’s operations in Hong Kong, while Michael Bergendorff takes on a key role in New York, marking significant steps in Shipergy’s ongoing expansion strategy.

“We are delighted to welcome Kingsley and Michael to our growing team,” said Michael Stig Nielsen, CCO of Shipergy. 

“Their extensive industry experience and regional knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint and deliver exceptional value to our clients across key maritime hubs.”

Bergendorff has over 17 years of experience in the shipping, logistics, and bunkering industry to Shipergy. Most recently serving as Managing Director and Partner at The Bunker Firm, where he oversaw operations in the Americas and APAC regions, Bergendorff’s expertise in developing effective strategies that optimize operations and enhance customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with Shipergy’s client-focused approach.

Chan joins Shipergy with 20 years in sales, account management, and business development. Previously a Bunker Trader at Baseblue, Shipergy said Chan’s experience in the Hong Kong market and understanding of marine products and services will strengthen the company’s presence in the Asian region.

The company has its proprietary technology platform, The Wave, which uses real-time data, AI, and machine learning to provide visibility into fuel quality, availability, and decarbonisation potential.

Photo credit: Shipergy
Published: 13 May, 2025

Global provider of marine energy solutions KPI OceanConnect on Tuesday (6 May) announced it has appointed Dorthe Bendtsen as its CEO, after she assumed the role on an interim basis in December 2024. 

Prior to her appointment as interim CEO in December, Bendtsen was Chief Operating Officer at the company, and has played a key role in the organisation’s development and success over the past 16 years. 

The company said Bendtsen has been an integral part of the company’s executive management team and instrumental in the development and execution of its strategy and M&A activities during her time with KPI OceanConnect. 

Bendtsen commented: “At what is a critical time of change for the marine energy sector and the wider maritime industry, I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at KPI OceanConnect. I am especially excited to continue working with our talented teams to bolster KPI OceanConnect’s commitment to excellence and drive for innovation, and to deliver tangible value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Anders Grønborg, previously the CEO at KPI OceanConnect and currently CCO at Bunker Holding, expressed confidence in the company’s future under the new leadership. 

“I have no doubt that Dorthe Bendtsen, with her track record of strategic thinking, inclusive leadership and dedication to organisational growth, will successfully steer KPI OceanConnect in the ever-changing landscape of our industry. I wish her and the entire team every continued success.”

In a global economy complicated by geopolitical challenges, KPI OceanConnect is uniquely positioned to guide and support business partners in selecting the optimum fuelling strategy. Together with KPI OceanConnect’s highly experienced leadership team, Bendtsen will focus on fostering resilience, agility, and innovation, with an emphasis on adapting to market shifts and driving strategic growth. 

Bendtsen continues: “We aim to empower our teams to respond to challenges innovatively, and to maintain a customer-centric approach in everything we do. Adding our robust governance structures, cutting edge sustainability strategy and drive towards a more inclusive and competence-driven culture we are confident that we will deliver long-term success for all our stakeholders.”

In addition to an MA in Management and a BA in International Relations and Economics, Bendtsen is also a Chartered Corporate Governance Professional.

The company has nearly 150 employees across 15 offices worldwide and delivers 12 million tonnes of marine fuel to its clients annually.

Related: KPI OceanConnect appoints Dorthe Bendtsen as interim CEO

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 7 May, 2025

Copenhagen-based independent not-for-profit organisation Global Maritime Forum on Tuesday (29 April) announced that Hing Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, has joined its Board of Directors. 

Wah Kwong is a third generation, family-owned shipping company based in Hong Kong. The organisation said as a respected leader in the maritime sector, Hing brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing sustainability, collaboration, and innovation in global shipping. 

He is also the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping, and a former member of the Global Maritime Forum Advisory Council. 

Hing plays a pivotal role in driving international and regional cooperation across the maritime industry. He serves as Chairman of the Bureau Veritas Global Marine and Offshore Advisory Council and of RINA’s Asia Decarbonisation Committee. He is also the founder and convenor of the Greater Bay Maritime Forum and a committee member of the Consultative Committee on Guangdong-Hong Kong Co-operation (Guangzhou Nansha). 

“We are excited to welcome Hing Chao to our Board of Directors. His extensive experience in the maritime industry will provide valuable insights as we continue our efforts towards a more sustainable future for global seaborne trade,” said Johannah Christensen, Global Maritime Forum CEO. 

“Hing’s leadership in Hong Kong, a key maritime hub, and his perspective on the region’s potential role in green energy markets will be important as we explore new opportunities to drive sustainability in the industry.” 

“The world stands at a crossroads, and the challenges we face require the collective knowledge and wisdom of everyone—across geographies and industries—to work together. I believe we possess more abilities, resources, and execution power than we realise,” said Hing said. 

“To cross that tipping point, innovative and progressive partnerships like the Global Maritime Forum are crucial. I look forward to serving on the Board and working towards our collective goals.” 

Global Maritime Forum said Hing’s appointment reflected its ongoing commitment to inclusive, high-impact leadership that drives meaningful change across the maritime industry. 

Photo credit: Global Maritime Forum
Published: 5 May, 2025