The China Navigation Company launches new specialist project division to provide shipping services to energy, resource & infrastructure sector

13 October 2020, Singapore: The China Navigation Company (CNCo) today announced it is expanding its project cargo business and has launched Swire Projects to provide specialist  shipping services to the energy, resource and infrastructure sector. Swire Projects will be working closely with the various marine service activities of the Swire group to develop an independent global strategy in the MPP & Heavylift segment. The Projects division will be led by Namir Khanbabi, General Manager of Swire Projects, based in Singapore and will have global coverage. Swire Projects has also hired three senior project managers: Matthias Kremser, Global Head of Chartering, and Nicki Schumacher as Head of Europe, both based in Hamburg; and Rufus Frere-Smith, Regional General Manager, who will lead the Americas team that will be based in Vancouver and Houston.

“By bringing together trade routes, fleet, and expertise across the Swire Group’s marine activities, Swire Projects is set to lead a smart network
of resources, enabling highly efficient, trusted and flexible shipping solutions to service clients in the project logistics sector, particularly project forwarders, EPCs, Heavy Civil and offshore energy construction players,” said Khanbabi.

Working closely with Swire Bulk, a leader in bulk transport and logistics solutions, global project parceling services can be offered to the sector particularly for wind cargo components, tubulars and heavy civil infrastructure material.

Swire Bulk’s global network will also enable the Projects team to participate in early works infrastructure requirements where bulk construction materials are required for civil and marine infrastructure. This includes offering trans-shipment solutions in order to access draft restricted or undeveloped facilities.

In addition to utilising CNCo’s fleet of 180 vessels operating in a global dry-bulk network as well as dedicated MPP services, Swire Projects will also operate specialised tonnage tailored to specific project requirements.

For offshore projects, Swire Projects is uniquely positioned to offer fully integrated ocean transportation solutions working in close alliance with Swire Pacific Offshore.  

“For nearly 150 years in the marine business, CNCo has stood the test of time by always looking ahead and taking the right decisions for the long term. Sustainability and safety are as critical as ever and continue to be at the forefront of our business through our divisional and group wide SwireTHRIVE directives and our long-standing safety directive, to operate within Zero Harm,” said Khanbabi.

For business or projects-related enquiries, please contact our Swire Projects representatives at projects@swirecnco.com

About The China Navigation Company (CNCo)

The China Navigation Company (CNCo) is the wholly owned deep-sea ship owning and operating division of the multinational Swire Group. CNCo was founded in 1872 in Shanghai and started its operations trading on China’s Yangtze River. Since then, the company has expanded globally while its primary operational focus remains in the Asia-Pacific region. The company operates a global network of multipurpose liner services for the transportation of containerised, breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargoes in addition to providing dry bulk and bulk logistics services on a worldwide basis through its business divisions – Swire Shipping, Swire Bulk and Swire Projects. For more information, please visit www.swirecnco.com.

Media Contacts:

Eleanor TAN
Global Head, Corporate Communications
The China Navigation Company Pte. Ltd
Mobile: +65 8399 4019
Email: eleanor.tan@swirecnco.com 

Stella CHOO
Assistant Corporate Communications Manager
The China Navigation Company Pte. Ltd
Mobile: +65 9126 2595
Email: stella.choo@swirecnco.com