History

Glory Maritime was formed by John Koo, also the Group Chairman and third generation member of the Koo shipping dynasty family in Hong Kong. His father was the shipping magnate, Koo Kou-Ming (KM Koo), who founded the bulker and tanker company Valles Steamship Company (“Valles”). KM Koo was also the last elder figure of the Koo Tun-Peng shipping dynasty, which is linked to some of the region’s most famous shipping names, including Tai Chong Cheang Steamship (“TCC”), Orient Overseas Container Line, Island Navigation and Chinese Maritime Transport.

The initial months following the launch of Glory Maritime in both Hong Kong and Vancouver were marked by a period of aggressive, but cautious growth. Four ships – three bulk carriers and one tanker – were brought under management in quick succession, and all were backed by long-term charters. These ships provide a firm foundation for future expansion that will continue the aggressive, but cautious approach already adopted by Our Chairman.

The vessels are fixed to several leading European charterers, a move which reflects his desire to provide quality ships to quality charterers. John Koo has a strong maritime heritage that stretches back to Shanghai more than 75 years ago when their grandfather, Mr C.S. Koo, was a noted and respected customs broker. Originated as a customs broker, Mr C.S. Koo launched the Koo families’ shipping legacy after he acquired three secondhand steamships and operated under the name of Tai Chong Cheang Steamship. Soon, Koo-owned cargo and passenger vessels were plying the Yangtze River and north and east China coast.

Moving to Hong Kong in 1949, Mr C.S. Koo helped set up Valles Steamship with his son, John Koo’s father, Koo Kou-Ming. The Valles Steamship Company was registered in Hong Kong in the early 1950’s headed by Koo Kou-Ming.

Benefitting from Hong Kong’s unique global position as both a gateway to China and Asia, the Koo family has established strong associations with international charterers and maritime players. John Koo later joined his father’s firm where he was Managing Director of Valles Steamship in Hong Kong during 1992-2002.

Under John’s leadership at Valles, the company disposed of its older tonnage and placed new building orders with major Japanese shipyards; putting the ships on long term charters to various oil majors including Exxon Mobil, AGIP, Chevron Texaco, Total, Teekay and Shell. By the time the Koo brothers left Valles to pursue their dream of launching a shipping business in their own rights the Valles Group was operating a large and modern fleet with an average age of less than four years.

Under our chairman’s leadership, Glory Maritime will continue the tradition of developing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with well-known and established charterers. John has already been tipped by FairPlay magazine, the international shipping journal, as one of the rising stars amid the new generation of shipping industry personalities.

The passions of the shipping industry and the dream of establishing his own shipping empire have always been in John Koo’s blood. Having been thoroughly groomed to run a shipping business for over 15 years, John Koo realised his childhood dream when Glory Maritime was established in 2012 with a mission of building up a fleet of 25-30 vessels.

Glory Maritime now employs a team of marine professionals whose specialties cover all aspects including ship finance, newbuildings, chartering, fleet management and operation.