New office establishment in Japan by NorthStandard
NorthStandard Expands Operations in Japan with New Office in Imabari
Global marine insurer, NorthStandard, is making a significant move in the Asian market by opening a new office in Imabari, Japan. The office, scheduled to commence operations in September 2025, will strengthen NorthStandard's presence in the region and provide tailored services to the local market [1][4].
Nobuhiko Sakamoto, P&I Claims Director for Asia-Pacific, will manage the new office. Sakamoto emphasized NorthStandard's aim to provide robust support to members in the complex modern maritime landscape [6]. The strategic move is in response to growing local demand for NorthStandard's marine insurance services and is an additional investment in Japan's expanding maritime industry [7][8].
Imabari, home to around 70 ocean shipping companies that collectively control a third of the entire Japanese fleet, offers a strategic location for NorthStandard's new office [9]. The city hosts the Bari-Ship Imabari Maritime Fair, a significant event that attracts approximately 20,000 industry professionals [10].
The new regional office will focus on providing localised support to Japanese shipowners in Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures. David Roberts, Head of Asia-Pacific at NorthStandard, stated that this move strengthens claims support for members in the region [5]. Japan's top-three status in ship-owning by value, gross tonnage, and deadweight makes it a pivotal market for NorthStandard's P&I, FD&D, and specialty lines [3].
NorthStandard is committed to delivering exceptional local service in Japan and believes that sustained growth in the Japanese market is fostered by tailored service provision and strong relationship-building [2]. The new office in Imabari is a testament to this commitment and reaffirms NorthStandard's dedication to serving its clients in the region.
- The new office in Imabari, Japan, will allow NorthStandard to offer finance and business solutions tailored to the local maritime industry, strengthening its position in the expanding Japanese market.
- With the Bari-Ship Imabari Maritime Fair attended by about 20,000 industry professionals annually, NorthStandard's new office in Imabari positions them to engage with key players in the global technology, finance, and business sectors that are relevant to the marine industry.
