The night commenced with a warm welcome from VP MPS Svend Foyn-Bruun who reflected on the long history of Odfjell with Filipinos:
“It is always a privilege to host Awardee Dinners, and it speaks volumes about how many people enjoy working with us. To give you some perspective: the first 25-year Awardee Dinner took place in 2011, recognizing those Filipino sailors who joined us as early as 1986. That was 26 years after the very first group of Filipino seafarers came aboard Odfjell ships on December 7, 1985.”
He added, “Our first Filipino captain joined Odfjell on November 1, in 2001, onboard Bow Apollo. He is now 70 years old. Meanwhile, the youngest member of our crew pool is just 19 years old. This range of experience and commitment is a testament to the strength of Odfjell.”
In his address, Chief Technical Officer Torger Trige, representing Odfjell’s executive management, reflected on the dedication of the awardees and their embodiment of Odfjell’s values of professionalism and excellence at sea. He highlighted the significance of the company’s 110-year history in the maritime industry, stating:
“We are at a remarkable milestone in our company’s history — 110 years of excellence in the maritime shipping industry. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and cost-efficiency.”
He emphasized how Odfjell has grown into an industry leader thanks to the dedication and hard work of our people, adding,
“Our history has been marked by numerous challenges, but it is our strong traditions and values that have guided us through.”
Crewing Manager Eva Storeide led the toast, acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and loyalty demonstrated by the awardees over the past 25 years:
“It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to congratulate and salute you on behalf of Odfjell, and I am humble and grateful for this opportunity. You have spent Christmas away many times. Things others take for granted are your reality and loss. Your sacrifice is huge, and we are grateful. Grateful for your time and effort on board. I am grateful for all the hard work. Grateful for you being on top of everything.”
Atty. Queennie Ebal, daughter of Captain Vincent Joy Ebal, delivered heartfelt words of gratitude, recognizing the significant contributions these seafarers have made to Odfjell’s continued growth:
“It is essential to recognize that the success of a seafarer is often a shared journey. The sacrifices made by the wives and families directly contribute to the seafarer’s mind-conditioning. And the company’s continued efforts to make sure that our seafarer’s are well-trained, safe, and thriving contribute to the overall success of the organization.”
Chief Engineer Joereylan Baterna, one of the awardees, spoke on behalf of his peers, sharing reflections on their collective journey with Odfjell:
“Reaching this milestone of 25 years with the company has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable experiences. It is not just about the years spent at sea but about the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the strong sense of camaraderie that Odfjell has fostered. This award reflects the mutual trust and commitment between the company and its people. I am proud to have contributed to Odfjell’s legacy and look forward to continuing this journey alongside such a remarkable team.”
VP Fleet Management Knut Erik Fredriksen delivered the closing message, highlighting the importance of loyalty, teamwork, and professionalism:
“I want to congratulate all the awardees for the time and dedication they have given to the company. Their loyalty and professionalism have been essential to Odfjell’s success. It is a privilege to celebrate with all of you, and I look forward to many more years of shared success.”
Here are our 11 awardees of the night:
“These 11 seafarers have each contributed immensely to Odfjell's operations, helping to uphold the values of safety, professionalism, and teamwork that define who we are as a company. Their dedication is a testament to the strength and resilience of our global team, and we are deeply grateful for their 25 years of exceptional service,” said Odfjell in the Philippines General Manager Agnes Enesio.
