VP Maritime Personnel Svend Foyn-Bruun, VP - Head of Crewing Agnes Enesio and IT Support Administrator Jethro Quiambao went on board for a visit, taking advantage of the eased Covid-19 restrictions in the capital. Odfjell ships have diverted to Manila solely for crew change since July 2020, but it was the first time a vessel was able to receive visitors from the office.
Foyn-Bruun and Enesio engaged with every one of the crew, asking for any concerns they may have, listening to their stories, and just hearing how they have been the past few months. They also met with the crew during a general meeting, where the VP Maritime Personnel presented the latest updates from the company, Ship Management, and OiP.
Quiambao meanwhile checked the vessel's IT equipment to fix any issues.
While in Manila, 28 crew members received Covid-19 vaccination. A doctor and two nurses boarded the vessel to administer the vaccines: 14 crew members received their first dose, while the other 14 received booster shots.
Last month, the Bow Gemini crew also received vaccination upon arriving in Manila, and were the first to have been vaccinated at the said port. As of Week 10, 98% of total crew pool have been vaccinated, while 46% have received booster shots.
Thirteen of Bow Cecil’s total crew signed off in Manila, all of whom had extended contracts. While they have all been so eager to finally come home, the goodbyes were not without tears, especially for Deck Cadets Zimvo Alizwa Lugadlalala and Lungisile Portia Mbutho, who have grown close with the colleagues they have considered as brothers and mentors.
"You could see from their reactions that they had good relationship on board, and that it was a tight-knit ship," shared Foyn-Bruun, who was deeply touched by the rather emotional moment.
Photos by Jethro Quiambao and Joffer Sumalinog
