Isle of Man registry appoints surveyor in Asia

Hutcheon will be based in Singapore to cover the statutory requirements for ISM/ISPS/ILO and Flag State Inspections (FSI) on merchant vessels predominantly in the Asia Pacific region, but may also cover other geographical areas as and when required. This is the first such appointment for the Isle of Man Ship Registry, and means that owners based in Singapore and other Asian markets will now have prompt access to an Isle of Man flag surveyor without the problems associated with travel from the Isle of Man base. The registry is currently appointing a second contracted surveyor to be based in Manila.

The Isle of Man has recently added new tonnage from owners and operators in Asia and claims to be one of the world’s fastest growing ship registries, with the third youngest fleet.

Hutcheon is also the head of Idwal Marine Services Singapore operation, with more than 20 years of management experience, including extensive various technical superintendent roles and project management of the new-building supervision of container vessels. Prior to this appointment, he was a chief engineer Class 1 (Motor) and served at sea for fifteen years. He has also headed up shipbuilding supervision operations as project manager in China, Vietnam and Germany. He is a Member of IMarEST and has a MBA (Fin).

Dick Welsh, director of Isle of Man ship registry, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Geoff onboard our team. We are sure that with his strong technical knowledge and know-how in ship management, he will be an excellent addition to our team. This appointment is a natural step forward for us, which is in line with our vision to operate an international ship registry which will be economically beneficial for our ship owners and operators. With Geoff’s appointment, we will be able to provide inspection services in strategic locations, thus reducing survey travel costs for ship operators. He will act as the Isle of Man surveyor when carrying out his duties and will be exclusive to the Isle of Man flag for all statutory shipboard inspections.”

Hutcheon commented: “I am glad to be part of the Isle of Man expansion plans into Asia and I believe that this will strengthen the Isle of Man’s offer to owners in the region. Furthermore, having been in Asia for 21 years, I understand the needs of our Asian clients.”

To ensure consistency in scheduling and survey, owners and operators still need to arrange the work through the Isle of Man ship registry. The registry will then send the most conveniently located inspector to the relevant port.