The loyalty and service of Pumpman Diego Nepunan was honored during the Crew and Allottees Conference in Iloilo held in Seda Atria Hotel in Iloilo City on October 6th. Odfjell seafarers and family members cheered as the loyal Pumpman received his plaque and token of appreciation for being with Odfjell for 27 years.
Nepunan first sailed with Odfjell as an Ordinary Seaman on board Bow Star Old 1 in October 1991. Colleagues remember him as someone who is easy to work with and who always displays a positive attitude.
The traditional Awarding Ceremony Dinner took place at the historic Terminus Hotel on October 3rd. Captain and Officers, Technical and Marine Superintendents, Ship Operators and other guests from Ship Management and Odfjell Tankers suited up and joined the celebration of this year’s awardee: Arne Solheim.
Arne Solheim started his seafaring career in 1979, joined Odfjell in February 1998, and is today Pumpman at Bow Fortune. He received the Norwegian Ship Owners’ Association’s Gold Medal for his 30 years of service to the maritime industry, of which 20 continuous years with Odfjell.
In his speech before the award ceremony for long services in Bergen, COO Harald Fotland drew the lines back to the eighties, and highlighted the many significant changes that Odfjell has gone through since then. This includes the introduction of Philippine seafarers, several new vessel classes, various joint ventures, and our investments in the terminal business. Harald Fotland pointed out that change is not possible without a strong foothold:
"To step into unchartered territory you need a solid platform as starting point. In Odfjell, this platform is above all represented by our loyal and competent colleagues. Our long term employees represent history and continuity, and their experience and competence provide the necessary protection to make significant investments, to try out new concepts or to venture into new business areas.”
Harald Fotland, COO
