MICHAEL Allwood has taken over as chairman of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association (HKLSA) from Sunny Ho of Swire Shipping Agencies, who ended his two-year term last month.

Mr Allwood is managing director of Hapag-Lloyd in Hong Kong.

The HKLSA said in a statement: 'The new appointment reflects carriers' increasing interest in developing and promoting the HKLSA's objectives in Hong Kong.' The HKLSA wished to establish itself as a more pro-active force representing the interests of all liner shipping users in Hong Kong, it said.