SELECTING the best of best is never an easy task, especially in Asia Pacific where a stellar cast of our industry’s most outstanding companies and projects are located.

Following a 12% increase in entries last year, the number of applicants for the 2019 Lloyd’s List Apac Awards has reached a new record high. And the volume was matched by the quality.

From boutique start-ups to multinational conglomerates, entries of impressively high standard reported by our judges, once again demonstrated that the maritime professionals in this region have never stopped forging ahead and pushing the boundaries of innovations, despite an increasingly uncertain future weighted by geo-political challenges.

Now, our independent panel of industry experts have reviewed all the contenders and are ready to reveal the finalists.

While being selected to appear on the finalist list is an achievement to be proud of, the next focus is on who will hold up the top prize trophies this year.

The Lifetime Achievement award has been bestowed to Xu Lirong, chairman of China Cosco Shipping Corporation, for the recognition of his long and distinguished career, in which he had successfully orchestrated two major consolidations in the industry and expanded China and Asia’s influence in the global shipping arena.

Capt Xu will accept the prize at a gala dinner at the awards night on October 17 at Singapore’s Shangri La Hotel, where more winners will be announced. Book here to attend.

On the morning of the same day, Lloyd’s List will host Asia Trade Outlook Forum: How to Plan for a Future of Flux. Macro economists, maritime trade analysts, industry executives and Lloyd’s List Intelligence will weigh scenarios for energy, commodity and container trades and the impact on ports in the region.

Congratulations to all our finalists and good luck on the night.

Company of the Year

• Eastern Pacific Shipping
• Fleet Management
• Maersk
• Orient Overseas Container Line

Deal of the Year

• BNP Paribas $40m green loan to Quantum Pacific Shipping
• Bocomm Leasing orders of 10 eco capesize bulkers
• MOL Chemical Tankers acquisition of Nordic Tanker
• Rizhao Port Jurong IPO

Excellence in Bunker Supply

• Fratelli Cosulich
• FueLNG
• Monjasa
• Sinanju Tankers Holdings

Excellence in Container Shipping

• CMA CGM
• COSCO Shipping Holdings
• Maersk 
• Ocean Network Express
• Orient Overseas Container Line

Excellence in Data and Technology Innovation

• ABS FCI Cyber Risk Model
• Claritecs – BunkerMaestro
• DNVGL - Remote Surveys
• Orient Overseas Container Line
• SeaMiles
• Wilhelmsen Ships Service - Timm Smart Ropes

Excellence in Dry Bulk Shipping

• Berge Bulk Singapore
• Fleet Management
• Pacific Basin Shipping
• Sandigan Ship Services

Excellence in Environmental Management

• ABS Global Sustainability Centre
• APL
• Berge Bulk Singapore
• CMA CGM Asia
• Orient Overseas Container Line
• Yang Ming Marine Transport

Excellence in Maritime Law

• Clyde & Co
• HFW APAC Shipping practice
• Ince Shipping & Maritime Team, Asia
• Norton Rose Fulbright Asia Shipping Team
• Stephenson Harwood

Excellence in Maritime Services/Ship Management

• Fleet Management
• Pacific Basin Shipping
• Synergy Marine Group
• Thomas Schulte Ship Management
• Thome Group

Excellence in Offshore Support

• Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering
• POSH Kerry Renewables
• Swire Pacific Offshore

Excellence in Port Management and Infrastructure

• Jawaharlal Nehru Port
• Kerry Siam Seaport
• Port of Tanjung Pelepas
• PSA Singapore
• Victoria International Container Terminal

Excellence in Safety and Training

• BHP
• Fleet Management
• Magsaysay
• Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training 
• Uniteam Training

Excellence in Supply Chain Management

• Cargo Smart
• GAC
• Kerry Logistics
• Rizhao Port Jurong
• Wilhelmsen Ships Service, 3D Printing for marine parts