American shipping company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1964 by James Si-Cheng Chao

Foremost Group is a privately held American shipping company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1964 by James Si-Cheng Chao and his wife Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, the company operates globally, chartering vessels to companies in the dry bulk shipping industry. Some of its notable clients include Bunge, Cargill, Dreyfus, MOL, and NYK Line1.

Here are key points about Foremost Group:

Commercial Operations:
Foremost Group builds its fleet in shipyards in Asia with financing from major American, Taiwanese, and European banks.
Instead of directly contracting for cargo movement, it charters its vessels to major agricultural companies and other dry bulk commodities shippers.
Approximately 72% of the freight its ships carry on behalf of its charterers is shipped to China, with its ships operating primarily in the region from Korea to Australia but also worldwide.
Iron ore, bauxite, and other bulk dry goods are the principal cargoes carried by its charterers, who choose the routes and cargoes1.
Humanitarian Shipments:
Early in its history, Foremost shipped rice to Vietnam under contract with the U.S. government during the Vietnam War.
The United Nations contracted with Foremost to deliver humanitarian cargo to Bangladesh during its war for independence in 19711.
Fleet and Environmental Focus:
Foremost’s fleet incorporates more efficient and lower-emission designs and technology in new vessels.
Its ships are registered under the flags of Liberia and Hong Kong.
SUNY Maritime College lauds its fleet as "one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly fleets in the world"1.
In summary, Foremost Group stands as one of the most respected dry cargo shipping companies globally, combining business acumen with environmental consciousness