Raffles Lease appoints a New Sales Manager in Europe : Kai ZOBEL

Raffles Lease appoints a New Sales Manager in Europe to Strengthen Its Growing Presence in the Tank Container Leasing Market

A New Chapter for Raffles Lease in Europe

With a fleet of over 38,000 tank containers and offices spanning Singapore, Hamburg, Shanghai, Rotterdam, Dubai and Houston, Raffles Lease has established itself as a global leader in the intermodal tank container leasing industry.

The appointment of a dedicated Sales Manager in Europe, reinforcing the existing team, marks a new milestone in the company’s expansion strategy.

Based in Hamburg – Germany, this role is designed to deepen client relationships, develop new business opportunities and reinforce Raffles Lease’s position as a trusted partner for transport companies, tank operators across the continent.

Three Years at ONE: Learning from a Global Leader in the shipping industry

Kai Zobel brings a solid background in the global shipping and logistics sector. After completing his A-levels (Abitur) in Germany in 2020, he began a three-year apprenticeship as a shipping agent in the liner carrier sector — a rich experience that included extended stays in Helsinki, Gdansk, London and Singapore, giving him a truly international perspective on trade and logistics.

He then joined ONE (Ocean Network Express), one of the world’s largest container shipping lines, as a Sales / Key Account Specialist. Over three years at the Japanese carrier, he developed strong expertise in customer relationship management, commercial negotiation and international container shipping operations.

The Logical Next Step: Tank Container Leasing

The move from ocean container shipping to tank container leasing is a natural yet ambitious evolution. Tank containers represent one of the fastest-growing segments in intermodal transport, driven by increasing demand for the safe and efficient movement of bulk liquids — from chemicals and food-grade products to gases and pharmaceuticals.

For someone with Kai’s profile — international, commercially sharp, deeply rooted in the container ecosystem — the tank container industry offers the perfect blend of technical complexity and commercial opportunity.

A New Mission: Driving European Growth

Now based in Hamburg, one of Europe’s most strategic logistics hubs, Kai takes on the role of Sales Manager in Europe at Raffles Lease, reporting to Michael Heinkel. His mission: to build and strengthen client relationships across the continent, identify new business opportunities and bring a fresh, customer-centric approach to the European market.