SWIRE Shipping is changing the names of its vessels. It said the move was in line with its purpose of enriching lives by connecting customers with communities in the Pacific.
In a notice, the company said the name changes would “deepen Swire Shipping’s brand association with the Pacific and strengthen our commitment to the region”.
The vessel names will be standardised to include the term “Chief”, in what the company says is a celebration of its history in Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, as the company will be celebrating its 150th anniversary next year.
“The term … signifies a strong standing in the communities where we operate and highlights Swire Shipping’s dedication to be a leading provider of shipping solutions in the Pacific,” the company said.
The changes are to be reflected in weekly schedules.
Export bookings and bills of lading will be issued against the export vessel name and voyage at the time of sailing.
For cargo loaded prior to the name change, Swire Shipping will co-ordinate with customers for import formalities to be completed accordingly.
Several vessels will take existing names of other vessels.
For example, Noumea Chief (currently on the North Asia Express [NAX] service) will be renamed Nadi Chief, while the vessel currently named Soochow (currently on the North Asia [NAT] service) will be re-named Noumea Chief.
Likewise, the vessel Lae Chief (on the NAX service) will be renamed Lautoka Chief, while the vessel currently called Changsha (currently on the South East Asia [SEA] service) will take the name Lae Chief.
And, the vessel Honiara Chief will be renamed Fiji Chief.
For the complete list of Swire Shipping vessel name changes, see the company’s recent announcement.
