Columbia Shipmanagement Shanghai has signed a Ship Management Agreement with Dihai Qitai (Shanghai) International Shipping Co. Ltd, formalising a new partnership in oil and chemical tanker management. Under the agreement, CSM Shanghai will oversee technical and operational management of Dihai Qitai’s tankers, integrating global best practices with local expertise to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

Terence Zhao, executive chairman of CSM Shanghai, characterised the agreement as representing more than a business partnership, describing it as a commitment to raising operational and safety standards within China’s growing tanker sector. He expressed pride in supporting Chinese shipowners with world-class management systems and tailored local solutions.

Dihai Qitai chairman Bi Daojun (left) and CSM Shanghai chairman Terence Zhao.Photo: CSM

Under the agreement terms, CSM Shanghai will provide professional Chinese ship management aligned with international benchmarks; enhanced Flag State Compliance to strengthen Chinese-flag performance and reputation; specialised training and career development for Chinese seafarers operating in oil and chemical trades; and global standard management systems ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and safety across the fleet.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in the relationship between CSM Shanghai and Dihai Qitai, reinforcing both companies’ shared focus on excellence in energy transportation and sustainable growth in China’s maritime industry.

Mark O’Neil, CEO of Columbia Group, stated that China represents an increasingly important player in global shipping, with partnerships like this central to Columbia Group’s long-term strategy. He noted that by combining global expertise with Dihai Qitai’s strong local capabilities, the partnership helps empower Chinese shipowners to operate at highest international standards.

The signing ceremony, held in Shanghai, was attended by senior representatives including Mr. Bi Daojun, chairman of Dihai Qitai; Mr. Lu Jun, general manager of Dihai Qitai; Mr. Terence Zhao, executive chairman of CSM Shanghai; Mr. Bei Bingliang, general manager of CSM Shanghai; and Ms. Alicia Tian, assistant commercial manager at CSM Shanghai.

The partnership addresses China’s expanding role in international maritime trade, particularly in specialised sectors including oil and chemical tanker operations requiring sophisticated management capabilities, stringent safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. CSM Shanghai’s global management systems combined with understanding of Chinese operating environments and regulatory frameworks provide advantages for Chinese shipowners seeking international credibility whilst maintaining local operational effectiveness.

Flag State Compliance enhancement addresses perceptions regarding Chinese-flag vessel standards, with improved performance supporting Chinese shipowners’ competitiveness in international markets where charterers and port states evaluate vessels based on safety records, inspection histories, and flag state oversight quality. Elevating Chinese-flag performance benefits individual owners whilst contributing to broader industry reputation.

Seafarer training and career development components address workforce requirements for specialised tanker operations handling petroleum products and chemicals requiring advanced technical knowledge, safety awareness, and emergency response capabilities. Professional development pathways support crew retention and competency advancement benefiting both seafarers’ career progression and operational safety.

Columbia Shipmanagement’s global network and experience managing diverse vessel types across multiple jurisdictions provides systems, procedures, and technical expertise that Dihai Qitai can access through the partnership. Third-party ship management enables owners to focus on commercial operations and fleet development whilst leveraging specialised management capabilities without maintaining extensive in-house technical organisations.

The oil and chemical tanker sector requires specialised expertise addressing cargo compatibility, tank cleaning, safety systems, pollution prevention, and regulatory compliance with MARPOL Annex II requirements governing chemical transport. CSM Shanghai’s experience in this sector provides Dihai Qitai with proven operational frameworks and technical support.

China’s growing tanker fleet reflects the country’s expanding energy imports, domestic distribution requirements, and shipowners’ increasing participation in international petroleum and chemical trades. Professional ship management supporting operational excellence and safety performance enhances Chinese owners’ competitiveness, attracting quality charters from international energy companies and traders.

The partnership exemplifies trends toward collaboration between international ship management companies and Chinese owners pursuing global operational standards whilst maintaining Chinese registry and operational characteristics. These relationships support Chinese maritime industry development through technology transfer, skills development, and integration with international maritime standards and practices.

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