KPI OceanConnect, a provider of marine energy solutions, has announced the inauguration of its new office in Tokyo, Japan, as part of its strategy to enhance its regional presence and better serve local clients. This new office marks KPI OceanConnect’s fifth location in Asia, underscoring its commitment to strategic expansion in the region. As a key player in the maritime industry with the third largest merchant fleet, Japan represents a significant market for KPI OceanConnect’s growth efforts.
The new Tokyo office, headed by Ken Kobayashi, Head of Japan, is set to assist both current and prospective clients in managing the growing complexities in the marine energy sector, including emerging alternative fuels and stricter environmental regulations. This development comes on the heels of KPI OceanConnect’s recent announcement of strong financial results for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, highlighting the company's ongoing dedication to fostering robust partnerships across the global marine fuels value chain.
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.
The inauguration of the new office was marked by a celebratory opening reception on September 10. The event was graced by the presence of Nina Østergaard Borris, the group’s owner, and the Executive Management team of KPI OceanConnect, including CEO Anders Grønborg, COO Dorthe Bendtsen, and Jesper Sørensen, Global Head of Alternative Fuels and Carbon Markets. Held at the XEX Tokyo restaurant, located just steps from the new office in the Burex building, the reception featured a musical performance by DJ Yumi.
Anders Grønborg, CEO of KPI OceanConnect, said: “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. 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”.
Ken Kobayashi, Head of Japan, KPI OceanConnect, said: “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”.