WAH Kwong Maritime Transport executive chairman Hing Chao has been appointed to the board of the Global Maritime Forum, the influential industry group announced on Thursday.

The move boosts Asian representation within the Copenhagen-based non-profit organisation, which was established in 2017 to promote sustainable seaborne trade.

GMF chief executive Johannah Christensen welcomed Chao‘s “extensive experience” and regional insights from his numerous Hong Kong industry roles.

As well as leading one of Hong Kong’s oldest family-owned shipping company, Chao co-founded the Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping and convenes the Greater Bay Maritime Forum.

The new director also heads classification society Bureau Veritas’ Global Marine and Offshore Advisory Council and Rina’s Asia Decarbonisation Committee.

Chao is also one of the most active advocates pushing Hong Kong to develop into a bunkering and trading hub for green marine fuels.

“Hing’s leadership in Hong Kong, a key maritime hub, and his perspective on the region’s potential role in green energy markets will be important as we explore new opportunities to drive sustainability in the industry,” Christensen said.

Chao pledged to harness innovative partnerships and “collective wisdom” to aid the non-profit’s decarbonisation efforts.

“The world stands at a crossroads and the challenges we face require the collective knowledge and wisdom of everyone to work together,” he said.

GMF’s board of directors consists of 10 senior figures from the shipping industry and academia, chaired by Jan Dieleman, president and group leader of Cargill Ocean Transportation.