Singapore’s shipping community turned out in force last week as the top brass from UK-based P&I mutual NorthStandard swept into town to celebrate the recent ‘marriage’ of North P&I and the Standard Club.

Joint managing directors Jeremy Grose and Paul Jennings may not be destined for a career as TV’s next top double act. But they appeared to be at ease in each other’s company as they explained the rationale for the merger to the assembled guests.