Norway-headquartered Gard P&I, the world's largest P&I club, has opened an office in Singapore, joining several other P&I clubs in establishing a presence in the Southeast Asian maritime hub. John Martin, Gard managing director, told IHS Maritime: "The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore encouraged Gard to set up an office in Singapore. "We have been considering opening a Singapore office and we feel it's the right time to do so. Gard obtained insurance licences in Singapore for its two main risk carriers, Gard P&I (Bermuda) and Gard Marine & Energy." The Singapore office will start with nine staff. Of these, five are locals, one is from India, and three will be deployed from overseas. It will take responsibility for tonnage operated by Southeast Asian clients, and Martin expects the office to be fully functional by the end of this month.
展开▼
