OUR HISTORY
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Mr. F.G. Ritchie Esq
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Mr. David Bisset |
The roots of firm Ritchie and Bisset was actually put down in Singapore in 1866 after a British sailing ship foundered in the South China Sea and one of the survivors Charles Fitock, ship's carpenter reached Singapore. Whilst awaiting passage to England, Charles Fittock was approached by the Representive Agents of several insurance companies (who had been suffering heavy losses) to effect surveys on their behalf and advise them on the various crafts trading locally.
Charles Fittock commenced surveying under the name " Chas, Fittock, Shipwright Surveyor ". As far as can be ascertained from records, Fittock was the first permanent resident ship surveyor in Singapore, examining ships beached at Tanjong Rhu and Tanjong Pagar Dockyard, then in 1868 Victoria Drydock opened followed by Abert Dockyard.
In 1869 Charles Fittock was appointed by the Underwriters of Iron Ships as their ship surveyor in Singapore and in the following year, appointed non-exclusive surveyor by Llyod's Register of Shipping. Local Shipowners used the services of Fittock extensively to survey their ships, so that based on his survey reports merchants could achieve reduced cargo insurance rates.
When steam was replacing sail in 1880 Mr. EC. Billows (who had been employed on several machinery surveys by Fittock) was appointed as Lloyd's Register of Shipping non-exclusive engineer surveyor for Singapore. Fittock remained surveyor to Llyod's Register until 1893.
Fittock continued as Ships Surveyor in Singapore, without home or local leave until 1912, when after 43 years and over 70 years of age, he decided to retire. Prior to this, in June 1912, Thomas Adam, Chief Engineer of the s.s "CHARON" had bought into the business forming "Fittock & Adam".
On 2nd October 1914, George Ritchie joined the firm and shortly took over after Adam's death. Ritchie was appointed surveyor to British Corporation and Det Norske Veritas.
In mid 1916 David Bisset joined the firm and in july 1918 was made equal partner with Ritchie and the firm became "Ritchie & Bisset Consulting Engineers & Marine Surveyors" and their names survive to this day.
The Firm from small beginnings developed into the most prominent Surveying Company in Singapore and opened offices in Penang and Port Kelang. Over the years with Singapore's development to the largest port of the world and Classification Societies opening their own offices there have been some inevitable changes of representation and direction, but the Company's prominence continues.
In early 1982 the Firm was reconsituted to form "Ritchie & Bisset (Far East) Pte. Ltd." and became part of the P & O Group on 1st June 1982.
On 1st october 1983, 'Ritchie & Bisset marine Services Sdn. Bhd." was formed in Malaysia and in 1986 an office was opened in Pasir Gudang.
On 1st July 1995, OMIC & Associates Ltd of Hong Kong (previously known as Wood & Browne), acquired Ritchie & Bisset Organisation from the P&O Group. Ritchie & Bisset in Singapore & Malaysia, continued to run under the existing Management & Staff.
In December 2003, OMIC & OMIC International Ltd became the Shareholders of Ritchie & Bisset Organisation after acquiring the shares from a retired Shareholder of Ritchie & Bisset.
On 31st March 2004, the Shareholder's of Ritchie & Bisset decided that the firm to go regional into Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Mynamar, India, South Korea, Indonesia and China.
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