Westwood Shipping Lines, which specialises in trade between the Pacific Northwest and Northeast Asia, is rebranding as Swire Shipping.
Swire Shipping acquired Westwood in June 2022 as part of its strategy to expand its liner network in North America. The integration of Westwood Shipping Lines reflects the company’s continued investment and expansion in the North Pacific, explained Ben Pike, chief operating officer of Swire Shipping.
Swire Shipping will continue to operate its Puyallup, Washington, office as the regional hub for its North America operations. Seven vessels from the Swire Shipping owned fleet will operate on the Westwood service within the expanded global network, with four vessels retaining their existing Westwood name and green hulls.
Harry Stones, newly appointed president of Swire Shipping North America, said: “The Westwood service will complement Swire Shipping’s other services in North America with the Sun Chief Express Ocean service and the US West Coast – Pacific Islands service.”
To strengthen its presence in the Japanese market, meanwhile, Swire Shipping has established an office in Tokyo. This move allows Swire Shipping to consolidate its agency representations in Japan – previously held by Ben Line Agencies (Japan) and Senwa Maritime Agency – in house. To maintain strong customer relationships and ensure continuity, staff from Ben Line Agencies and Senwa Maritime will be transferred to the new Swire Shipping branch office.
