Sabrina Chao has taken over the reins as chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowner’s Association (HKSOA).

Chao, chairman of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, succeeds Kingsley Koo of Valles Steamship, who has served as chairman of the association for the last two years.

Speaking at a cocktail reception following the HKSOA’s AGM Chao said: “I regret to say the state of the market is one area I will not really be able to assist you with during my time as chairman. What I do intend to do over the next two years is to assure that the Hong Kong Shipowners Association continues to be a globally respected voice of the Hong Kong shipping community and continues to promote Hong Kong as the best place in Asia from which to run a shipping company.”

Chao noted the stronger relationship that has evolved with the Hong Kong government. “We have a much higher recognition within the Hong Kong government than we have had previously but this needs to be built on further.”

She also paid tribute to the hard work of the secretariat of the HKSOA headed by managing director Arthur Bowring.

Meanwhile Seatrade received a certificate for 30 years of membership and support of the association (pictured below).