CELEBRATING its 150th anniversary this year, Swire Shipping has reflected on its past and is looking toward a sustainable future.

The company is the oldest operating entity of British conglomerate Swire Group.

Established in 1872, Swire Shipping was founded on the banks of the Yangtze River as The China Navigation Company, operating a fleet of paddle steamers.

The company was rebranded and renamed Swire Shipping in October last year.

At the recent re-opening of the company’s Singapore office (following renovations), Swire Shipping chairman Sam Swire paid tribute to its global workforce.

Mr Swire acknowledged the professionalism and sacrifice of the seafarers who had “borne the brunt of the pandemic”.

“I’m proud of how everyone adapted and there has been no discernible drop in safety standards,” he said.

Mr Swire also acknowledged the conflict in Ukraine and expressed concern for Ukrainian colleagues and their families.

“The company has a substantial number of Ukrainian colleagues and is supporting them as much as possible during these difficult times.”

Looking ahead to the next 150 years, Mr Swire said the company intends to prioritise decarbonisation.

“As a member of the global shipping community, we are keenly aware of the need to work with like-minded organisations and partners in developing safe and sustainable solutions,” he said.

Last year, Swire Shipping announced its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions footprint, ideally reaching net zero before 2050.

The company is aiming to drive change to support the communities it services in the Pacific, which are directly impacted by global warming.

In October last year, Swire Shipping’s parent company John Swire & Sons signed a partnership agreement with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.

Under the agreement, it has committed to long-term strategic collaboration around the development of safe and sustainable decarbonisation solutions for the maritime industry.

The re-opening of the company’s Singapore office coincides with the landmark anniversary and was renovated with sustainable features in mind.

“We hope that the new amenities will provide colleagues with a great place to work and collaborate in,” said Swire Shipping managing director James Woodrow.

Materials were sourced sustainably, and office equipment was re-used where possible.