Laurence Odfjell (Chairman, Odfjell SE), Torger Trige (VP Maritime Personnel), Captain Remigio Zamora (President, Odfjell Philippines, Inc.) and Agnes Enesio (VP-Head of Crewing) presented the certificates of recognition and tokens of appreciation to the following seafarers:
Able Seaman Dennis N. Adona
Captain Armando A. Antenor
Chief Engineer Samuel L. Arabang
Captain Luisito G. Cantona
Bosun Rino B. Gasataya
Bosun John L. Hernandez
Pumpman Juhan B. Hontoria
Able Seaman Edwin G. Molina
Pumpman Roy R. Nidoy
Second Officer Lyndon A. Olegario
Third Engineer Erwin F. Paulo
Second Officer Norlando M. Ramos
Chief Engineer Oswaldo D. Salazar
Pumpman Emmanuel D. Villamin
In his inspirational message, the Chairman talked about safety, what everyone can learn from the awardees, the Odfjell fleet, and the company's future.
Laurence Odfjell opened his speech asking everyone present to take a moment of silence for Pumpman William Ambrosio, the seafarer who suffered a fatal accident last year.
"The only way we can give proper tribute to him is by improving even further on our safety performance."
Laurence Odfjell
The Chairman also acknowledged the improvements in the company's safety culture brought about by the seafarers' hard work at sea in combination with good support on shore.
He viewed life at sea as a school, where the seafarers learn as they do their jobs, and at the same time, serve as mentors for the less experienced colleagues.
The Chairman looked back to 2018 as a transformational year for the company with all the ship changes that took place. He found these necessary as we put behind what was also a difficult year for the company and face the future with a positive outlook.
"We have the most competitive fleet in the world, with the best team on board — you, guys — so I am optimistic. To quote my father: We are not in this game to participate; we are here to win. And to win, we need to continue our tradition of innovation. Our daily tasks must be performed with operational excellence. We must also be capable of finding smarter and more efficient ways to work."
Laurence Odfjell
Ernilyn Reunir, wife of Second Engineer Arnold Reunir who received the loyalty award in 2016, paid tribute to the awardees through a very touching speech.
“There are people who enter your life and make it a bit crazier, make you laugh a little louder and who shine a little brighter - you are that person for us and we cannot trade you for anyone else.”
Ernilyn Reunir
The awardees in return surprised their wives with a bouquet of flowers — a scene that warmed the hearts of the crowd.
On behalf of the 14 awardees, Captain Luisito Cantona thanked the company, the people he has worked with, and his family for their support. He also paid tribute to his fellow awardees through a simple yet moving description of how they have all lived the past 25 years of their lives.
“I think we are not solely honored for staying with the same company for significantly numerous years. I think loyalty also means that we have been consistent: consistent in doing our utmost, consistent in prioritizing quality, consistent in utilizing our abilities to perpetually improve in service for Odfjell, in service of transporting essential cargo that can allow a father to attend to his daughter's school play because the gasoline to his car was delivered on time to oil companies.”
Captain Luisito Cantona
"Your loyalty to the company is so much appreciated, you should never doubt that," said Global Head of Ship Management Geirmund Drivenes as he summed up the evening, and the past three days. Drivenes also took the opportunity to reiterate the company's strong commitment to safety.
“The very best contribution you, loyal seafarers, can come up with, is to stay safe. Stay safe for the sake of yourself, your family, your future.”
Geirmund Drivenes
Photos by Chief Officer Ralph Tolentino
