Capt. Wei follows a long succession of influential maritime industry leaders as Commodore. The Award will be presented to Capt. Wei on March 25, 2009 at the Gala Dinner marking the conclusion of the annual Connecticut Maritime Association conference and trade exposition.

The Award is given each year to a person in the international maritime industry who has contributed to the growth and development of the industry.

Capt. Wei Jiafu, president and CEO of COSCO Group assumed his position in November 1998. Prior to that, he had been the senior executive in many subsidiaries of COSCO both at home and abroad. He had supervised COSCO’s asset operations and management. During his tenure as the president of COSCO (Singapore) Ltd., he had managed to turn it into a public listed company in 1993, marking COSCO’s first entrance into the international capital markets.

With over ten years of seafaring experience and as a well-experienced captain, Capt. Wei has a rich knowledge in international shipping management and operation. He is a senior engineer with a Doctorate in Ship and Ocean Structural Design and Manufacture and a Master’s Degree in Shipping.

Beth Wilson-Jordan, president of the CMA, upon making the announcement stated, “Today, as the world deals with unprecedented economic and trade challenges, the CMA is delighted to have as our Commodore someone actively involved in the growth and development of world trade. With the Board’s choice this year of Capt. Wei we continue the tradition of recognizing excellence. It will be an honor to have the leader of one of the world’s largest shipping companies accept the CMA Award”.

Former CMA Commodores include: Ole Skaarup, Jacob Stolt-Nielsen, George Livanos, Phil Loree, Thomas Moran, Gregory Hadjieleftheriadis, Helmut Sohmen, Gerhard Kurz, William O’Neil, Richard du Moulin, Per Heidenreich, Mark Saverys, Frank Tsao, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Peter Georgiopoulos, C. Sean Day, Torben Jensen, Morten Arntzen and John Fredriksen.

The 2009 Commodore Award will be presented to Capt. Wei at the March 25 Dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut.

As a maritime professional I can only say, mark your calendars for the CMA’s 2009 Conference and Exposition to be held March 23, 24 & 25 2009 at the Hilton Hotel, Stamford, Connecticut, USA:

For more information about the following topics of this great event contact:

• The Exposition
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Conference Program
• Advertising & Marketing Opportunities

Lorraine Parsons, CMA Event Director at

T. +1.203.406.0109 ext. 3717 | D. +1.203.406.0110

Email: conferences@cmsconnect.com OR

visit at www.shipping2009.com