The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) has named Asian shipping veteran Esben Poulsson as its new president, succeeding Evergreen’s Patrick Phoon.
“I am honored and humbled to be appointed president of this active and vibrant organization, consisting in excess of 470 member companies,” Poulsson said. “And as the SSA turns 30 years old, I would like to pay tribute to the work of the many members who have served tirelessly on the council and standing committees over the years, and, in particular, to my predecessor Patrick Phoon, who has served on the council for no less than 24 years, the last four as president."
"His boundless energy, enthusiasm and sheer passion for our industry is there for all to see and stepping into his shoes will be a huge task for me – albeit he leaves the association in good shape, and ready for the many challenges ahead. It is almost impossible to exaggerate his massive contribution to the SSA over so many years," he added.
“I hope, during my tenure, to justify the faith the council and membership has placed in me, I look forward to helping to represent our members’ interests to the best of my ability, and to continue our constructive relations with government agencies and other industry partners in Singapore and overseas in promoting and maintaining Singapore’s position as a leading International Maritime Center.”
Poulsson continued, “I feel our hard working secretariat, ably led by executive director Michael Phoon, stands ready to help drive current initiatives forward, and to implement new initiatives introduced by the council.”
Outgoing SSA president Patrick Phoon said, “Over the past four years, I have received tremendous support from all my fellow council members, who have selflessly committed their time and effort towards furthering the objectives and interests of the SSA. Their dedication, drive and hard work, often went beyond the call of duty, of which I am most grateful for. After 24 years in the council, I leave with a touch of sadness, but am happy that the association has grown in stature into a force to be reckoned with. I am proud to hand over a thriving association to the new SSA president. I hope you will give Esben the same enthusiastic support that you have given me.”
Before assuming the office of president of SSA on July 1, 2015, Esben Poulsson has served as a member of the council for the past eight years, four of which have been spent as honorary secretary of the association. Concurrently, he also represents Singapore on the Board of London-based International Chamber of Shipping where he holds the position of vice chairman.
Poulsson is chairman of Enesel Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based commercial management and ship wing entity, managing 14 large modern container vessels all under the Singapore Flag. Poulsson has worked in the maritime industry for over 40 years. He spent 20 years with Torm A/S in a variety of senior management positions in Hong Kong, London, Copenhagen and, most recently, as president and CEO of Torm Singapore Pte. Ltd before he stepped down in December 2009.
