APL was again named Asian Container Shipping Line of the Year at the Lloyd’s List Asia Awards ceremony held recently in Singapore, attended by over 450 top industry executives from around the region.

The award is given to the shipping line judged to have been best in class in the provision of on-time and cost efficient container shipping services, as well as innovation in customer service and offerings within Asia.

APL caught the judges' attention due to its flexibility in responding to customers amid the tightest container market in memory.

They took note of the way APL teamed up with its sister business APL Logistics to provide options for customers such as shipping and trucking services that provided an alternative to expensive airfreight services. The introduction of APL’s new US-Vietnam service was also highlighted.

“This award is testament to the teamwork and dedication of our employees. Their focus on serving our customers has earned us this prestigious award for the second year in a row,” said Eng Aik Meng, President of APL.

A total of 18 companies, organizations and individuals were honored at the gala dinner. All but two awards were decided by an independent judging panel drawn from the industry.

“This year has undoubtedly been a challenging year for shipping, and the business world at large, however it is also challenging times that bring to the fore true leaders,” said Lloyd's List Asia editor, Marcus Hand. (EHL)