The Concordia Maritime Shipping Group (CMS) this week celebrated the opening of its newly renovated office in Bermuda, and the expansion of its international business.

The company plays a vital role in the registration and operation of some of the world’s safest and most efficient oil tankers.

Eight of Concordia Maritime’s 10 P-MAX tankers are registered under the island’s flag, with the Bermuda Shipping Register.

Angelique Burgess, general manager of Concordia Maritime (Bermuda) Ltd, oversees the day-to-day business of these ocean-going heavyweights.

Standards

She said the expansion of the Bermuda office at the Belvedere Building in Hamilton marks a new chapter in the company’s history.

“In order to grow the business further the company felt it necessary to have a more prominent presence in Bermuda,” said Mrs Burgess.

“That was one of the primary reasons for the office renovations.”

The office is the main point of contact for the flag administration and legal representatives in regard to ownership and corporate matters of the CMS Group.

Conyers, Dill & Pearman are the company’s on-island legal representatives.

Mrs Burgess joined Concordia Maritime in April, 2010, after 13 years’ experience with the Bermuda Shipping Register.

As the Bermuda Registrar she registered many of the company’s vessels over the years, and so has a familiarity with these vast ocean-going tankers.

Mrs Burgess said Bermuda represents “a quality flag” to international companies seeking to register their vessels.

“Bermuda has a strong legal structure, as well as the corporate expertise within the local law firms,” she said.

“We have high safety standards and that’s what a shipping owner looks for.

“They want qualified people for all the ‘flag’ responsibilities. These are some of the primary reasons why Bermuda was chosen for the Concordia Maritime fleet.”

The CMS Group has had a presence in Bermuda for almost 20 years.

The huge P-MAX tankers are built in Croatia and then registered with the Bermuda Shipping Register.

Mrs Burgess said: “Once the ships are registered they can engage in international trade. They are leased long-term to oil companies or as charters to shipping companies.

“These charters can be a long-term agreement or a ‘spot (on-the-spot) charter, for example, if there is a particular voyage a company needs done.

“We are the office which liaises with our corporate entity Conyers, Dill & Pearman, but we assist in all matters related to the vessels.”

Concordia Maritime partners with international shipping business Stena for its operational side, for example, export, cargo and delivery.

The company prides itself above all, on the safe and cost-efficient transportation of oil and petroleum products around the world.

“P-MAX vessels are unique as they focus on cost-efficient transport with the highest safety standards,” said Mrs Burgess.

“Concordia Maritime operates on the principle that oil should always travel first class.”