China: Pacific Basin Shipping Ltd Wins Two Lloyd’s List Awards

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, today announced that its Captain Zhu Qianchun was named “Seafarer of the Year” at the Lloyd’s List Awards, Global 2011 event on 20 September. The Company received the Environment Award at the same event.

Sponsored by Lloyd’s Register, the prestigious “Seafarer of the Year” award is a welcomed acknowledgement of the exemplary seamanship and leadership that Captain Zhu demonstrated when his Handysize bulk carrier was embroiled in the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on 11 March.

The “Port Pegasus” was berthed at Onahama – 112 miles from the epicentre – when the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck. After watching the dock and a terminal building collapse, and with a shore-side unloader still deep in one of the ship’s cargo holds, Captain Zhu and his crew had to battle the subsequent tsunami without the support of tugs, pilots, port control or linesmen. An 8-metre swell submerged the dock and, for 18 hours, Captain Zhu and his crew worked the vessel’s propulsion and steering to manoeuvre the ship, often at full power, to fight the extraordinary currents and keep the ship at berth with the unloader still embedded in hold no.4 and only two of twelve mooring lines still holding.

Throughout, Captain Zhu focused on keeping his crew safe, calm, confident and organised, with constant communication within the team ensuring that the crew’s often very physical and speedy work was coordinated to best cope with the continually changing situation.

For their admirable and successful efforts, the Master and his crew saved the ship and re-secured her once the tsunami subsided, all along avoiding any injury, pollution and damage affecting the ship’s seaworthiness.

After accepting the award on behalf of Captain Zhu, Pacific Basin’s Chief Operating Officer Jan Rindbo said: “Captain Zhu showed great leadership and skill on that devastating day, as well as tremendous maturity for a young man who had been promoted to Master only one month prior to the event. Captain Zhu started his career with Pacific Basin ten years ago, and we are immensely proud of him and thankful for his exemplary service under pressure. We are also thankful to Lloyd’s List, the panel of judges and the award’s sponsor Lloyd’s Register for recognising Captain Zhu’s achievement.”

Other Lloyd’s List Awards in 2011

At the same Lloyd’s List event, Pacific Basin won the RightShip-sponsored Environment Award for the Company’s efforts to reduce its impact on the marine environment. These range from a programme of fleet renewal focusing on new ships with the latest innovative fuel-efficient hull designs and machinery, to other technical enhancements and operational practices to reduce outputs, and policies and measures to promote environmental awareness across the Company both at sea and ashore.

Pacific Basin was shortlisted for other awards including Ship Operator, Safety, and Company of the Year.

The Company is also shortlisted for a number of award categories at the upcoming Lloyd’s List Awards, Asia 2011, including Ship Operator, Ship Manager, Training, Safety, Environment, and Seafarer of the Year. Winners will be announced at an event in Hong Kong on 26 October.

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Source: Pacific Basin Shipping, September 21, 2011.