Billionaire shipping investor Wilbur L Ross has revealed little about potential conflicts in his maritime or general holdings heading into his confirmation hearing as the new US secretary of commerce.

Incomplete ethics paperwork forced the delay of Ross’ confirmation hearing — originally scheduled for Thursday — to 18 January, it emerged at TradeWinds’ deadline.

Ross, the 79-year-old chairman of WL Ross & Co, is also chairman of New York-listed Navigator Gas and of privately held tanker owner Diamond S Shipping of Connecticut.