LARS Kastrup today (1 July) was named the new CEO of Pacific International Lines
Mr Kastrup has been in the role of co-president and executive director since March 2021. He is a shipping industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. He has held leadership positions including CEO of NOL/APL and various senior positions in CMA CGM and Maersk.
PIL executive chairman S. S. Teo said: “since Lars joined us in July 2020, first as senior advisor followed by co-president and executive director, he has kickstarted various commercial and operational initiatives that have enabled the company to benefit from the strong market.
“He was instrumental in the restructuring, streamlining and optimisation of our trade network and vessel deployment aimed at transforming PIL into a strong and efficient shipping line.”
“Looking ahead, the board and I are confident that Lars will be able to continue to drive improvements at PIL which would provide to us a sturdy shield against possible volatilities arising from future industry cycles,” Mr Teo said.
Mr Kastrup said he was honoured that the board entrusted him with this expanded role.
“I will continue to work with the board, executive chairman, and all the great teams at PIL, on shore and at sea, to position PIL to become even more competitive and agile, and to excel at anticipating and meeting the needs of our customers,” he said.
“We will push ahead to strengthen our connectivity, and deploy and renew our assets optimally and efficiently, all supported by further digitalisation. I am also excited at being able to help bring PIL towards achieving our target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
PIL also announced the retirement of Gan Chee Yen, co-president and executive director. He joined PIL as senior advisor in July 2020 before becoming co-president and executive director in March 2021.
Alphaliner lists PIL as the 12-largest container line in the world by TEU capacity. Its 90-ship fleet has a total capacity of 288,700 TEU.
