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KLPL and SMF Sign MOU to Reinforce Strategic Partnership to Support Maritime Talent Development

October 2, 2025
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KLPL to sponsor two scholarships per year from 2025 to 2027 and support internship; SMF to spearhead the marketing and outreach to the tertiary talent pool

SINGAPORE, 2nd October 2025 – “K” Line Pte Ltd. (KLPL), a Singapore-based subsidiary that is wholly owned by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) have reaffirmed their shared vision of cultivating future leaders in the maritime sector through the signing of a 3-Year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This strategic collaboration further reaffirms KLPL’s commitment to continuously support the industry’s talent pipeline development since 2007.

As part of the MOU, KLPL will strengthen its enduring partnership with SMF by sponsoring two (2) MaritimeONE scholarships per year from 2025 to 2027, as well as support the MaritimeONE Internship Programme. The administration and promotion of the scholarships and internships will be overseen by SMF, with candidate selection conducted jointly by both organisations.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Tsurukawa Takahiko, President & CEO, “K” Line Pte Ltd and Ms. Tan Beng Tee, Executive Director, Singapore Maritime Foundation.

“Since 2007, KLPL has provided scholarship sponsorship to 22 students to date, empowering students to pursue educational and professional aspirations within the maritime industry. Through this strong collaboration with SMF, the company reaffirms its dedication to cultivating a highly skilled workforce, reinforcing the long-term advancement and success of the maritime sector,” said Mr Tsurukawa Takahiko, President & CEO of “K” Line Pte Ltd.

KLPL has been a steadfast partner of SMF by contributing to the MaritimeONE scholarship since its inception in 2007. We highly appreciate this long and fruitful partnership, and look forward to doing more together as part of this MOU and beyond,” said Ms Tan Beng Tee, Executive Director of the Singapore Maritime Foundation.

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About “K” Line Pte Ltd (KLPL)

Established in 2001, “K” Line Pte Ltd now operates a fleet of 100% Singapore Registered Bulk carriers and Tankers, which will continue to fulfil the global demands for transportation of raw materials. For details, please visit www.klpl.com.sg.

About the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF)

Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) fosters public-and-private sector collaboration, promotes Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC), and nurtures a talent pipeline to position Maritime Singapore for continued growth. For details, visit www.smf.com.sg.

Media Contacts

David Lee
davidlee@sgmf.com.sg
+65 9119 8044

Soh Zheng Xun
sohzhengxun@sgmf.com.sg
+65 8120 2276

Siow Kim Bok
siow.kimbok@klpl.sg.kline.com

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Prior to joining PIL, Mr. Kastrup was CEO of NOL/APL, and subsequently assumed the role of Executive Vice President, Strategy and M&A at CMA CGM Group. A veteran in the global shipping industry with over 30 years of experience, Mr Kastrup’s other roles include Executive Vice President of Assets at CMA CGM Group heading up CMA Terminals, CMA Ships, Container Logistics as well as regional carriers such as MacAndrews, OPDR and Mercosul; as well as Vice President at AP Moller-Maersk.
Mr. Kastrup complemented his tertiary education with leadership and management training at Penn State University and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Angeline Teo

MANAGING DIRECTOR & HEAD, GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION & OFFSHORE, OCBC BANK

Ms. Angeline Teo is the Managing Director and Head of Global Transportation and Offshore, Global Corporate Banking at OCBC Bank which focuses on the maritime, aviation, land & port ecosystems.
Ms. Teo has spent over three decades in maritime finance. Prior to OCBC, Ms. Teo was working at ING Bank, ABN Amro and DnB in Singapore focusing on maritime and offshore.
Ms. Teo graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Business Administration.

Mr. John Martin

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Mr. John Martin began his career in London in 1989 with Richards Hogg Lindley Average Adjusters, and qualified as a Fellow of the UK Association of Average Adjusters in 2000.
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Mr. Cyril Ducau

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