Its newly constructed HQ building in Pudong’s Expo B area - where it will house a cluster of Chinese and overseas maritime companies - was officially inaugurated in mid-September, coinciding with the first ever Shanghai International Shipping Week organised by Ben Zhang, its chairman. 

Guest of Honour at the MFE Center opening was Lord Mountevans, Lord Mayor of the City of London and chairman of UK professional services body Maritime London, while Baltic Exchange ceo Jeremy Penn was also in attendance.

The MFE Centre concept is based on close ties with the UK capital because of the latter’s wealth of shipping services expertise. Indeed, the new building contains a shared lounge area which is modelled on one of London’s 17th century Coffee Houses that gave birth to the modern Lloyd’s marine insurance and Baltic shipbroking markets.

The idea is proving a great success, with the 23-floor building fast filling up, explains MFE Center CEO Jackie Woo, who is attending SMME along with client service manager Rocky Chen. Some 15 to 20 Chinese shipping companies and establishment have already signed up, he says, as well as international clients comprising the likes of the Baltic Exchange, Braemar ACM, Graig Shipping and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

In all some 28 corporate office blocks have been built on Expo Area B, he adds, making it Shanghai’s latest industrial zone with a pronounced maritime and transport theme.