The Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA) has appointed Yuichi Sonoda as its new Secretary-General effective on May 1.

In a statement, the association said Sonoda is already thoroughly familiar with the role as he already previously held the position between 2010 to 2014.

"Involving in the work of ASA since its inception in 1992, Sonoda had been tirelessly supporting and promoting ASA's vision and missions," ASA noted.

Sonoda has been in the industry for a long time. In 1996, he was appointed as the Secretary of Shipping Economics Review Committee, one of the five Standing Committees of ASF. He had also served as the Vice-Chairman of Maritime Transport Committee of Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 

Since Sonoda is still unable to make his trip to Singapore for the time being due to travel restrictions as part of international efforts to contain the spread of COVID19, ASA said it decided to name him as Secretary-General designate until he lands in Singapore with the proper documentary filings to the Registrar of Societies in Singapore.