GROWING A BALANCED FLEET

Sea Pioneer Shipping Corporation plans to remain a small-to-medium operator, with a desire to hit a capacity of 16 vessels in the next few years – maintaining a good balance between dry and wet operations

“Staying relatively modest in size means that we keep agile for clients and sustain excellent communication channels with them. That is key to our longevity in the industry,” explained Technical Manager Leon Kallergis.

The diligent dozen

The balanced fleet at Sea Pioneer consists of six tankers and six bulk carriers, thanks to additions over the past year. The current tanker fleet enjoys a total capacity of over 333,000m³, with every vessel 50,000DWT or larger.

This arm of Sea Pioneer’s operation was boosted by the acquisition of two new product/chemical tankers. Built at DAE SUN Shipbuilding and Engineering, in South Korea, the IMO 2 and 3 product

Deploying over 50 years’ experience, is a long-time in carriers are fitted with modern ballast water treatment systems.

MT Modesty was delivered in October 2022, with her first sailing the following day. Sister ship MT Reliability was delivered in January 2023, again sailing the next day. Both vessels carry the Liberian flag.

“Joining our previous tankers named Clarity, Dignity, Honesty and Tenacity are these two new builds,” Mr Kallergis said. “Modesty and Reliability both entered service as soon as they were delivered.”

In turn, Sea Pioneer’s bulk carrier fleet has similar capabilities, consisting of six vessels with a total cargo capacity of over 565,000m³. This roster composes MV Bravery, a Panamax bulk carrier with a loading capacity up to 90,740m³, and five Kamsarmax bulk carriers averaging 97,000m³ capacity.

The latest addition to this arm of the Sea Pioneer fleet was the Kamsarmax bulk carrier MV Longevity, which also joined the company in October 2022. Previously named MV Majestic Sky, the Longevity now serves Sea Pioneer globally in the spot market sector.

Green sailing

Shipping remains the most efficient method of global transport. Sea Pioneer is now part of a transitioning world, one more aware, sensitive and minded to its environment and social responsibility. The company continues to research and develop new procedures and equipment as part of its continued efforts to reduce emissions and the impact on the environment. Decarbonisation stands as a priority in all of Sea Pioneer’s operations.

These operations involve the strict management of safety procedures and processes for environmental protection in the fleet. Sea Pioneer’s investment strategy aims at building a modern fleet with the gradual employment of innovative energy-efficient technology to optimise operations, and minimise actual and potential adverse environmental impacts.

“We have also installed ballast water treatment systems on all our vessels,” Mr Kallergis explained. “So, we are IMOcompliant, and we are continuing to implement other digital projects within the office to ensure we have state-ofthe-art tools to enhance and monitor fleet performances.”

Sea Pioneer is also looking at efficiency technologies that can be applied to the vessels to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the overall decarbonisation of the fleet.

“The aim is to make the existing fleet more environmentally friendly,” continued Mr Kallergis. “There is an ongoing dialogue with the company owners regarding whether we need to change fuel types, continue with fuel oil or change to natural gas, ammonia or hydrogen. Many options are on the table to drive future efficiencies.”

The company has also installed new computer software, upgrading its cybersecurity across the fleet to safeguard its IT infrastructure against hackers.

A safe family

Alongside these environmental goals, Sea Pioneer’s ESG strategy includes a focus on the welfare and safety of its crews. The success of the company relies on the work and dedication of all the talented people that constitute the Sea Pioneer family.

Sea Pioneer also fosters social responsibility through regular financial contributions to various non-profit, social welfare organisations, philanthropic foundations and NGOs. Beneficiaries include the Krikos Zois charity association and the Hara non-profit association, specially recognised as a charity for people with special needs. Other supported initiatives include, among others, local community contributions, volunteering activities and educational institution initiatives and sponsorships.

Internally, the company promotes an equal, diverse, and inclusive working environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. All members of the team are encouraged to develop themselves professionally. Sea Pioneer recognises that the workforce is its greatest asset. Therefore, Sea Pioneer considers the team’s health and safety of utmost importance.

Sea Pioneer is justifiably proud of being certified a Great Place to Work ® in Greece for 2022-23.

“We are glad for the recognition of the company’s efforts, and its commitment to safety on board the fleet being its top priority,” said Mr Kallergis. “This is an essential part of our company’s culture.

“We’d like to thank our Masters, Officers and Crew for their efforts and commitment in achieving our company’s goals, and for maintaining the Sea Pioneer name at such a high level.”

A growing fleet

In order to maintain this level of performance, the company is expanding its fleet I n February of this year, Sea Pioneer signed contracts for the construction of three 81,800MT Kamsarmax bulk carriers, to be built in Japan by Oshima Shipbuilding Co Ltd. All three of these vessels will be delivered in 2025.

Operating out of Athens, the office-based team help to maintain the fleet predominantly crewed by Filipino seafarers. Sea Pioneer has carried over 88 million metric tonnes of cargo between 102 countries. The company’s vessels are usually offered to clients on the spot market and rarely operate beyond six-month contracts.

To improve the vessels’ reliability and efficiency, Sea Pioneer has a monitoring system to collect data and analyse fleet performance.

“We will be able to record the vessels’ efficiencies, including cargo control room operations, from a screen at the office,”

Mr Kallergis said. “We are steadily transitioning towards digitalisation.”

Sea Pioneer continues placing enormous importance on long-lasting partnerships with clients based on quick decisionmaking, trust, transparency and staying in regular contact.

“The size of our company is essential to us, as it enables us to keep in touch with clients by talking to them regularly,” Mr Kallergis concluded. “Our agile team can easily build close contacts, whereas a big company may not even talk to a client face-to-face.

“Moving forward, Sea Pioneer will remain steadfast with a foot in both the wet and dry sectors. Striking a balance means we can enjoy the highs of one, while accommodating the lows of the other.” n