Norstar Hires Grünitz as Managing Director

Singapore-based manager Norstar Ship Management (NSM) has appointed Lars Grünitz as its new Managing Director, replacing Christopher Kirton.

Grünitz was most recently Head of Vessel Management and Process improvement for Berge Bulk and was previously Managing Director for Thome Ship Management. He holds a doctoral degree in naval architecture and started his career in building naval submarines before moving into various technical and commercial leadership roles with Germanischer Lloyd.

Norstar Shipping (Asia) Managing Director Tom Bonehill said, “We feel confident that Lars possesses the right mix of maritime industry experience, management and leadership skills to take Norstar forward into our next phase of development.

“With Lars’ appointment we will continue our focus on engaging with strategic partners in our different areas of activity across the group. We have always seen NSM as a unique platform with an owner’s approach to ship management. Our technical management is a resource to be shared with partners in the industry with an absolute focus on safety and the control of cost and quality. Lars will also work closely with the Norstar Japan office’s representative Ken Hasui to develop the group’s business in that market.

“Whilst our focus has been on tanker management we will now look to diversify into the management of other ship types including dry cargo where we see increased regulation more in line with the tanker market which has been heavily regulated for many years now.”

NSM manages tankers on time charter to oil majors and is looking to replicate the same standards in other sectors as it diversifies its managed fleet, he added.