Asao Shirai to lead new Ecochlor office in Japan

Focused on providing a local solution for shipowners with their ballast water management system (BWMS) regulatory challenges, Maynard, Mass., headquartered Ecochlor has appointed Asao Shirai to lead a new office in Japan as Regional Business Development Manager.

Shirai has a 35-year proven record of facilitating long-term business relationships with the most prestigious shipowners in Japan, including NYK Line, Mitsui OSK Lines, Kawasaki Kisen, JX Ocean, Kumiai Senpaku, andYamamaru Kisen ─ and he has built up a substantial network of leaders within the industry.

“As an investment toward compliance, shipowners here are looking for a company that they can trust in delivering a reliable treatment system,” says Shirai. “Ecochlor’s 95% record of operable systems worldwide will give them that assurance. Additionally, they will welcome the opportunity to outfit their ships with a BWMS that they know will be serviced twice a year while the Ecochlor service technicians are on board during chemical resupply.”

Japanese owners have fleets that contain ships with some of the highest carrying capacities in the world, making Japan animportant market for Ecochlor, whose system offers great benefits and cost advantages for vessels that have very high ballast flow rates.

“Japan is a key strategic location for Ecochlor and we are pleased to have someone of Mr. Shirai’s background and experience working with us,” said Andrew Marshall, Ecochlor’s Vice President of Business Development recognized.”As our new Regional Sales Manager, he will help increase our coverage in Japan by providing the best technical information and logistical solutions to shipowners and managers.