IRI opens new offices in Vancouver and Qingdao

International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) opened offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Qingdao, China on 1 March. international

The Vancouver Office will be led by Annie Ng, Head of Asia and Managing Director, The new office in Qingdao will facilitate inspections and better serve clients in Northern China.

With over two decades of experience in Hong Kong and throughout Asia, Annie Ng will remain the Head of Asia connecting the two regions. international

Annie Ng says it was the international shipowners in Asia with whom the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry works who encouraged the opening of a Canadian office. “Asian shipping companies have a growing presence in Vancouver, and the number of flag State inspections in Canada has risen for the past two years,” she said, adding, “so this new office will be an essential bridge between North America and Hong Kong, and the rest of Asia.” international

Annie Ng has expanded the Registry’s services and presence throughout Asia and noted that having a second office on the west coast of North America will allow IRI to handle an increasing number of inquiries regarding the RMI corporate and maritime services in local time.

“Vancouver, like all IRI offices, is full service. We can provide technical and corporate support, and handle flag State inspections in British Columbia,” she said.

The Registry’s focus on strengthening client service in Asia includes the newly opened Qingdao office, staffed with inspection resources to provide enhanced client service.

“Northern China has several busy ports where RMI vessels regularly trade. Being able to provide inspections via our Qingdao office is a most welcome benefit for RMI vessels calling these ports,” said Annie Ng.

Captain Ming Chen, IRI’s Country Head – China, and based in Dalian, is excited about the new office openings in Vancouver and Qingdao. “The use of the RMI Registry has grown significantly in Asia since I joined the company in 2006 and it is clear that Asia will remain a shipping powerhouse as most of the manufacturing countries are in Asia.”

Captain Ming Chen, who has over 24 years of maritime experience, including several years as a Master, added, “both of these offices will be of tremendous support for Asian owners and operators; Vancouver is a natural and historical link between North America and Asia.”