NYK, a renowned name in the maritime industry, has joined hands with leading Chinese shipping and energy companies to establish a new ship-management entity in Hong Kong. The collaboration birthed OPearl LNG Ship Management Company Limited (OPearl), officially founded in December 2023.
The initiative saw NYK teaming up with CMES LNG Shipping Company Limited (CMLNG), a subsidiary of China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd. (CMES), a prominent shipping conglomerate in China, and CETS Investment Management (HK) Co., Ltd. (CETS), a subsidiary of the CNOOC Group, a major player in the energy sector in China.
A significant milestone was marked on April 18 as NYK, CMLNG, and CETS inaugurated the Hong Kong office, signaling the operational commencement of OPearl. This venture stands as NYK’s sixth ship-management company for LNG carriers, synergizing with existing entities in Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, and Taiwan.
OPearl’s primary objective is to oversee the management of LNG carriers, including six vessels chartered to CNOOC Gas and Power Singapore Trading & Marketing Pte. Ltd. Through this collaboration, NYK aims to deepen its ties with CMLNG and CETS while contributing to global energy stability and carbon emission reduction through the secure transportation of LNG.
Masami Okubo, General Manager of NYK LNG Group Said “We are delighted that the three companies have jointly established this ship-management company, and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with CMLNG and CETS. Through OPearl, together with our partners, we will contribute to the stable transportation of LNG around the world.”
Wang Yongxin, President at CMES Said “OPearl has recently been established, but its mission is of great importance. It marks a new phase of cooperation between CMES, NYK and CETS and represents a significant step forward in the field of LNG. OPearl should leverage the knowledge and experience of all shareholders complete industrial chain to continuously enhance its capabilities. The company is encouraged to view this ceremony as a new starting point. With the joint support of all parties, we will work together to build another new feat, with the goal of becoming a world-class shipping enterprise.”
Zhou Yuliang, Manager of CETS – CTLNG Said “OPearl is a beautiful pearl combines all advantages of CMLNG, CETS and NYK and rises three parties cooperation into a higher level. With the background of decarbonization, our ships will connect seven seas by providing LNG and Opearl will play significant role in LNG shipping with all shareholders’ great support.”
Source NYK Line