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Wilhelmsen Ships Service, The world's leading maritime service network, has appointed Frederic Fontarosa as Business Director of their Ships Agency and Bunkers Division.

Frederic has held senior management positions in Wilhelmsen Ships Service during the past 14 years in Sales and Operations which the company says has given him a unique insight into the strengths and reach of the network.

"My new role will be a great challenge," says Frederic. "The reduction in world trade as a result of the economic downturn has reduced the demand for ships agency and bunkers, but it has also opened up possibilities. Some of these opportunities lie in doing things better and more efficiently, but it also opens doors to new concepts. It is a very exciting prospect, and I will aim to bring new dimensions to the way Ships Agency and Bunkers is conducted."

"Wilhelmsen Ships Service's integrated worldwide network will ensure that there is always a seamless contact through Customer Service to access the Ships Agency and Bunkers service offers, which, like all the company's services, operates using standardised processes and documentation, achieving time savings both pre-arrival and post departure as well as during port operations," the company said.

Andrew Stephens, Senior Vice President International Operations, added: "We are very aware that there is a huge demand for trusted, standardised and comprehensive agency and bunker services around the world, but so far we have only just scratched the surface of the market potential. We believe that Frederic has the background and leadership qualities to drive us forward in this market, and dramatically increase our market share."