Isle of Man Flag Appoints Raja Ray as BDM, Singapore

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has appointed Captain Raja Ray as business development manager in Singapore.

The senior appointment is aimed at strengthening the flag’s position in the growing shipping markets of Asia Pacific.

Captain Raja is a senior maritime professional who spent almost 20 years working for American Eagle Tankers (AET) as master and then ashore in Singapore and London in Health, Safety, Security and the Environment (HSSE) positions and also as their Designated Person Ashore (DPA). His most recent posting was Head of AET’s Atlantic fleet in Houston.

The Isle of Man registry has contracted him to promote the flag to the industry in Singapore and Asia.

His remit is to liaise with Singapore’s growing pool of owners/operators to nurture relationships and build the flag’s profile further.

He will also carry out survey and audit work on behalf of the registry as it continues to spread its global coverage of surveyors based in important shipping regions providing survey, audit and certification services.

Isle of Man Ship Registry Director Dick Welsh said today: “This is another important step for the Isle of Man Ship Registry in the region. We plan to open a representative office in Singapore providing services to the industry in the near future with Captain Raja at the helm.

“In the last five years our flag has grown, both in size and influence, as word spreads of the benefits of ship and yacht registration in the Isle of Man and of its customer-focused approach to registry and regulation,” said Mr Welsh.

Capt Raja added: “I am delighted to be working with the Isle of Man ship registry, a flag which already has a great reputation among many Singapore based owners and managers . Interest in the flag among Asian owners is high and I aim to seek further growth for the flag in the region.”

The Isle of Man flag has built a strong client base in Singapore, with Asian-controlled tonnage on the register now standing at more than 40% of gross registered tonnage.

This growth in tonnage from Asia has boosted the flag’s position in the world rankings to its current position at number 14 in the world, with this rise through the world rankings set to continue.

The Isle of Man’s gross registered tonnage now stands at 16.6 million GRT and the register comprises some 450 ships and 100 super yachts; with a portfolio of clients such as Berge Bulk, BW, Masterbulk, Pioneer, Hanjin, MOL, Synergy, and Thome Group.

To continue to provide the speed and quality of service to clients, the register has expanded its network of surveyors in the region to include: Singapore; Hong Kong; Shanghai; Manila; and Brisbane.