Fri 21 May 2010, 10:36 GMT

Oiltanking appoints new Managing Director


Asia-Pacific MD to take over from Gust Spaepen in August 2010.



After almost 14 years at the company, Gust Spaepen, the current Managing Director of Oiltanking GmbH, has decided to leave the company for private reasons. Rutger van Thiel [pictured] has been appointed as his successor.

At the end of 2004, Spaepen assumed the position as Oiltanking GmbH’s Managing Director. Since then the Oiltanking Group has expanded its business activities, increasing its total capacity from 10.9 million cubic metres (cbm) in 2004 to a current volume of 17.2 million cbm. The group's capacity is spread over 69 terminals in 21 countries.

Rutger van Thiel, the present Managing Director of Oiltanking Asia-Pacific, has worked in global chemicals, oil and gas logistics for more than 20 years and has extensive knowledge in the fields of management, sales and business development.

Since 2000, van Thiel has held several leading positions with Oiltanking. In his capacity as Managing Director of Oiltanking Asia-Pacific he successfully expanded the company’s business in Southeast Asia since 2004, making Singapore one of the largest profit centres within the Oiltanking Group.

Rutger van Thiel will take over the management of Oiltanking GmbH on August 1, 2010.


O Bunkering and Marafi Services merger ceremony. O Bunkering and Marafi Services announce merger  

Omani firms join forces to accelerate growth and improve operational efficiency.

Order ceremony for LNG dual-fuel container vessels. OOCL orders twelve 13,600-teu LNG dual-fuel container vessels from Chinese shipbuilder  

Hong Kong-based carrier’s first LNG-powered vessels mark entry into alternative fuel segment.

Lucia Cosulich vessel. Cosulich launches second methanol-ready bunker vessel at Chinese shipyard  

Lucia Cosulich is the second of four sister vessels being built for alternative fuel bunkering.

LNG bunkering vessel render. Wärtsilä Gas Solutions secures order for LNG systems on four bunkering vessels  

GSX Energy orders systems for vessels being built at Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific.

Guo Si ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation. Chimbusco Pan Nation delivers 2,500 mt of B100 biodiesel in China’s largest single bunkering  

Hong Kong operation claims 89% greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared with conventional marine fuel.

Caroline Yang, Diana Mok and Francois-Xavier Accard, IBIA. IBIA appoints three new members to Asia regional board  

Caroline Yang, Diana Mok and Francois-Xavier Accard join the board following unanimous approval.

Reimei vessel. MOL achieves 98% methane slip reduction in LNG-fuelled vessel trials  

Japanese shipping company exceeds target in demonstration trials aboard coal carrier operating between Japan and Australia.

Seaside LNG logo. Seaside LNG expands C-suite with four industry veterans  

Houston-based firm appoints new leadership team as LNG bunkering market projected to reach $15bn by 2030.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters. ICS calls for swift adoption of global regulatory framework  

Secretary general notes MEPC discussions were constructive, but that many member states were still not in a position to adopt the framework without further changes.

WSC quote on maritime discussions. WSC welcomes 'constructive engagement' on global emissions reduction measure  

The liner industry has invested $150bn in dual-fuel ships, but emissions reductions depend on a global framework, notes WSC CEO.