KPI OceanConnect opens new office in Japan

September 13, 2024

From left to right: Kenji Kashiwa - Key Account Manager, Ken Kobayashi - Head of Japan, Dorthe Bendtsen - COO, Ryo Furuya - Senior Consultant, and Anders Grønborg - CEO, at the launch of KPI OceanConnect's new office in Tokyo, Japan credit:KPI Ocean

Tokyo office opening expands KPI OceanConnect’s local presence to strengthen partnerships and support customers in the marine energy transition

KPI OceanConnect, a leading global marine energy solutions provider, has announced the opening of its new office in Tokyo, Japan, to strengthen its regional presence and support to local customers. The office is KPI OceanConnect’s fifth in Asia, reflecting an increasing commitment to strategic growth in the region.

Japan is a leading innovator in the maritime industry, operating the third largest merchant fleet and is an important market for KPI OceanConnect. The new office, led by Ken Kobayashi, Head of Japan, will help existing and new clients navigate increasing operational complexity in the marine energy sector, from new alternative fuels to tightening environmental regulations.

The announcement follows KPI OceanConnect’s recent publication of robust financial results for the year 2023/2024 and demonstrates its continued commitment to investing in building strong partnerships across the marine fuels value chain worldwide. The expansion of the local team in Japan will enable KPI OceanConnect to actively engage with Japanese buyers and suppliers on a daily basis to exchange knowledge and expertise to support the development of innovative energy transition strategies for its clients.

Nina Østergaard Borris, CEO and co-owner of United Shipping and Trading Company (USTC) – KPI OceanConnect’s parent company – speaking at the launch of the new office in Tokyo, Japan.

The launch of the new office was celebrated with an opening reception on 10th September. The event was attended by the group’s owner, Nina Østergaard Borris and the Executive Management team of KPI OceanConnect, including Anders Grønborg, CEO, Dorthe Bendtsen, COO, and Jesper Sørensen, Global Head of Alternative Fuels and Carbon Markets. To celebrate this milestone, KPI OceanConnect hosted an opening reception at the XEX Tokyo restaurant, just steps away from its new office in the Burex building. The event also featured music by DJ Yumi.

“KPI OceanConnect has worked closely with clients in Japan for a very long time. As a key market for our sector and our business, this new office allows us to be closer to our customers and other important local stakeholders,” said Anders Grønborg, CEO of KPI OceanConnect. “It is a time of transformation in the maritime value chain, and we are ready to work with our partners to identify opportunities for further collaboration and innovative solutions. We believe that our values of decency, good governance, transparency and long-term sustainability resonate well in this market.”

The launch of KPI OceanConnect’s new office was celebrated with an opening reception on 10th September 2024 at the XEX Tokyo restaurant.

Ken Kobayashi, Head of Japan, KPI OceanConnect, added: “KPI OceanConnect is here to support its clients in turning today’s challenges and future uncertainties into opportunities for growth and innovation. From new fuels to new regulations, our network of experts is focused on delivering tailored, value-adding services to clients to future-proof their decision making, no matter the complexity.

“With a partnership-driven approach, we’re enabling greater transparency and innovation and are helping rewrite the bunkering playbook to support clients through the energy transition.”