NOL melds Asia operations into 2 regions

 NOL, the Singapore-based parent of liner carrier APL, is restructuring its Asian operations.

   Beginning Jan. 1, NOL's Asia-wide container shipping business will be coordinated through two, rather than the current three, regions within Asia. Under the new structure, the China region will be combined with the company's Japan and Korea operations -- currently part of the Asia-Middle East region -- to form a new North Asia region. Ken Glenn, NOL's South Asia president, will take on the role of president of North Asia.

   Jim McAdam, president of NOL抯 Asia-Middle East region, will be president of the South Asia region, which will encompass company activities across Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Australasia. Dan Ryan, who has been president of NOL's China region since August 2006, is to take up a key role with the company in the United States.

   Despite the current depressed market environment, Asia will continue to be a cornerstone of world trade, said Ron Widdows, NOL Group chief executive officer, in a statement. The structuring of our Asian operations around two key regions will support efforts to place NOL's cost base on a more sustainable footing, while enabling closer coordination of activities in adjacent countries. This will ensure we continue to provide the highest standards of service to our many customers whose supply chains touch Asia.

Source: American Shipper