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Thome Group News

Nothing short of a grand Bollywood premier – that was experience Back onshore we prepared to leave. I could sense one more

generated by the gamut of emotions, excitement and enthusiasm as MV surprise in the offing. Suddenly, hundreds of flags were distributed
Mika Manx was launched from the Tsuneishi Yard.
and we heard the ship’s horn blaring.

The vessel’s proud owners, M/s LT Ugland Management Ltd, have The staff on board the ship – yes my own staff – had gathered on
had five vessels rolled out of Tsuneishi Yard, with two more still in the deck in groups and were throwing reels and reels of coloured

pipeline and the respect shared between the senior board members of ribbons from the main deck. They had planned this surprise and I do
Tsuneishi and Sir Lars T Ugland, the CEO of LTU Management Ltd not know when they got the time to rehearse their arrangement,

was clear throughout this memorable ceremony.
particularly as right up to the last minute I had been driving them
crazy with my pre-delivery checklists and storage of items.
Our day began early with an hour-long journey to the Delivery

Ceremony along winding, hilly roads through the scenic Cebu Miles and miles of coloured ribbons went flying in the air,
mountain range. We were all dressed in traditional Filipino Barang, descending on us below like flower petals. The tugs stationed
which is a mix between casual and formal dressing.
behind started pulling MIKA MANX slowly away from the jetty and

Reaching the yard at 0930 hrs, after formal introductions we were suddenly huge speakers blared the tune “I am sailing,” the
taken to the ceremonial dais where our beautiful lady MIKA MANX traditional departing song, and the emotional moment brought tears

was dressed immaculately for the occasion.
of joy to the eyes of every single person standing below. We were all
At the launch jetty, a crowd of more than 100 school children swaying crazily with flags in our hand, as if bidding farewell to our

welcomed us with a splendid dance performance. As the music played beloved and crying in anticipation for the great times ahead!!
all around, the enthusiastic and smiling school children swayed to a It was sheer emotion all around and this is something I had never

well-rehearsed dance ballet.
seen before in more than ten years ashore and after attending
countless deliveries. It was an unbelievable feeling and an equally After the traditional speeches from the dignitaries on the dais,

unbelievable moment.
MIKA MANX was officially named by Mrs Liv K Ugland, who is both
the company’s Sales Manager/Consultant and also daughter of Sir The ship was then taken out on to the high seas and we kept

Lars, to thunderous applause and celebration.
waving until our hands got tired and eyes strained.
Following a photo session we then stepped in to an elevator car to As we boarded the vehicles taking us to the Official Lunch in the

be lifted by crane on to the vessel. While we were in the air, suddenly yard hotel, I noticed Sir Lars affectionately putting a hand on his
all the school kids standing below gave another round of dance daughter, Mrs Liv’s, shoulder as they watched the ship move

performance and it looked heavenly to see from above.
gracefully into the ocean. Their sense of pride was clear as they sent
their ‘baby’ off to sea.
The crane put us on the main deck and we were received on board

by the ship staff led by Captain Ruperto Leque and Chief Engineer The Luncheon was perfect with great speech by Mrs Liv, Mr
Jose Tanigue. The staff was equally well dressed with the top four Claes, our own Thome President, and of course the vessel’s owner
officers in full ceremonial blue while the crew wore clean trademark Sir Lars who thanked everyone who worked on the project. The

LTU boiler suits.
mutual respect between Tsuneishi and LTU was clear and we have
also done our best to create a similar association between THOME It was a sight to behold and I felt proud to be Superintendent of the

and LTU.
vessel. My ship was shining and my crew was making it all happen so
well. There were even tears – something which is unusual in shipping.
As a Superintendent, I feel proud to be associated with LTU

Vessels and Sir Lars. While we are always extremely professional in We showcased the vessel to the owners and the dignitaries from
our approach towards ship management, the relationship with LTU THOME. Mrs Liv was particularly keen to see the galley where the

is particularly close and the LTU vessels are cherished by every food is cooked for the crew. This did not surprise me as LTU’s care for
seafarer on board.
the well-being of its crews is legendary.

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Issue 36: March 2014