Singapore shipping boutique Helmsman and Hong Kong’s Tang & Co have entered into a formal association.

The two firms share close ties – they were both co-founded by shipping lawyer Tang Chong Jun. Tang set up Tang & Co in Hong Kong in 2018, and co-founded Helmsman with commodities and shipping specialist Ian Teo in 2019.

Both Teo and Tang were previously at Rajah & Tann. Teo spent 18 years at Rajah & Tann prior to Helmsman; he was also previously at Ince. Tang was an associate at Rajah & Tann until 2013, after which he moved to Hong Kong to join Hill Dickinson.

According to a press release, the formal association will help the firms expand their businesses in both jurisdictions. They will focus on commodity derivatives and regulatory restrictions, marine insurance, shipbuilding and ship-repair, and exploration and mining.

Helmsman currently has two directors (Tang and Teo), an associate director, two consultants and three associates. 

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