New York, NY

Foremost Group is proud to announce its formal recognition as a Designated Owner & Operator (DOO) by Rio Tinto, one of the world’s leading mining and metals companies, also the largest dry bulk cargo shipper. In July, 2025, Mr. Matthew Tan, General Manager Chartering, Rio Tinto, visited Foremost’s headquarters in New York to personally present the certificate of membership.

Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder and Chairman of Foremost Group, graciously accepted the certificate, marking a milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two companies. Foremost vessels have been entrusted with transporting Rio Tinto’s cargo for a few decades, a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by Rio Tinto as a Designated Owner & Operator,” said Dr. Chao. “This acknowledgment reflects our steadfast dedication to safety, crew welfare, and the highest standards of ship management.”

Rio Tinto’s DOO program is a global initiative aimed at uplifting safety and crew wellbeing across its owned and chartered fleet. By joining this elite group of shipowners, Foremost reaffirms its leadership in maritime stewardship and its alignment with the industry’s most rigorous standards.

Foremost Group remains committed to advancing sustainable shipping practices and fostering a culture of care and respect for its seafarers. This recognition by Rio Tinto underscores the shared values and mutual trust that have defined their partnership for decades.

Foremost Group is an American company headquartered in New York. It was founded in 1964, over 60 years ago, and is the premier bulk carrier transportation company known worldwide for its longstanding stewardship of the environment, technological innovations, and partnerships with first class charterers. Its motto is: honor, integrity, and performance, the bedrock of its operational excellence.