The following seafarers were honored for working at Odfjell for at least 25 years, and were presented with a plaque and gold watch by VP Maritime Personnel Svend Foyn-Bruun, Odfjell Philippines, Inc. president Captain Remigio Zamora, and VP-Head of Crewing Agnes Enesio:
Basilio Alambra
Able Seaman
Edwel Cobrador
Chief Cook
Andy Cortiguerra
Bosun
Roderick Demaisip
Captain
Joseph Dizon
Messman
Angel Lepardo
Chief Cook
Rafael Miciano
Third Engineer
Fidel Nava
Messman
Reynaldo Noveno
Captain
Roy Ordonio
Able Seaman
Joselito Quintano
Messman
Glicerio Rafael
Chief Officer
Carlo Rubio
Chief Cook
Benjamin Tacad
Able Seaman
Alvin Jens Varga
Fitter
Roberto Villasis
Fitter
The awarding ceremony, held May 27 at Citadines Bay City Manila, was the first in-person event hosted at Odfjell in the Philippines (OiP) in more than two years. That the intimate gathering served as a reunion of sorts for the crew and OiP personnel made it extra special.
VP Maritime Personnel Svend Foyn-Bruun formally opened the ceremony, welcoming the awardees and their wives, and the employees. He also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the loyal seafarers by alluding to his own mariner roots.
Global Head of Ship Management Torger Trige, who was on travel at the time, through a video message congratulated the awardees and reminded them of their important role in the company and in the society:
“As a former Odfjell seafarer, I see these events as a celebration of our profession, a testament to a seafarer’s professionalism and dedication, and your contributions to the company, to the industry, and to our society. Seafaring is all about service.
...Our most obvious role is to transport clients’ cargoes on spec and on time, bringing income to the company. Through the service that we provide, our clients are able to make products that improve daily life. In the greater scheme of things, we are of service to every individual who benefits from any product made from any of the chemicals we transport.”
In another recorded message, CEO Harald Fotland congratulated the awardees and thanked them for the other type of loyalty that they have shown during the pandemic:
“As the past two years have shown, there is another facet of this loyalty. When the pandemic swept the world in the beginning of 2020, our biggest challenge was crew change. Due to national lockdowns and port restrictions, seafarers on board were not able to come home, and those at home were stuck on vacation.
During these unprecedented times, you stood by the company and you made sacrifices: you extended your contracts when needed, you shortened your vacation when needed, and when called for duty, you stood up. You were all patient when our efforts fell short. Such loyalty is something every one of us should be proud of.”
Captain Remigio Zamora, Odfjell Philippines Inc President, offered a toast to the awardees for the impressive milestone in their career.
Throughout their career, seafarers are away for long periods of time. They mostly rely on a partner to look after the family and run the househould for them, oftentimes, their wife. Dra. Nallyn Demaisip, wife of awardee Captain Roderick Demaisip, delivered a heartwarming message to acknowledge the sacrifices of these seafarers’ heroes.
Captain Roderick Demaisip meanwhile delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of the awardees, expressing gratitude to fellow awardees, colleagues from sea and shore, and to Odfjell management for all the support they have received throughout their career.
The event was formally concluded by VP – Head of Crewing Agnes Enesio, who also expressed her delight in having been able to be again in the same room with seafarers, their wives and shore colleagues.
