The ceremony of IMO awards 2019 took place virtually for the first time, recognizing the contributions of a long-standing maritime industry chief and presenting its highest bravery accolade to two maritime pilots from Brazil and an off-duty seafarer from the Philippines.
The event, which premiered on 7 April, saw Mr. Peter Hinchliffe, former Secretary-General, ICS, receiving the prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2019.
In addition, the 2020 IMO Awards for Exceptional Bravery at Sea were awarded to Mr. Marcio Santos Teixeira and Mr. Fabio Rodrigues Alves de Abreu (Brazil), for averting a major oil spill event at the Terminal Almirante Barroso in São Sebastião Port; and to Mr. Ralph Ofalla Barajan (Philippines), who saved the lives of all those onboard the sinking passenger vessel Siargao Princess.
International Maritime Prize 2019
The International Maritime Prize is awarded annually by IMO to the individual or organization, judged to have made a significant contribution to the work and objectives of the Organization. The 2019 prize was awarded to Mr. Peter Hinchliffe, OBE, former Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
He ensured that the interests of shipowners were always promoted whilst recognizing the need for change and advancement in the environmental and safety aspects of shipping,
…IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said for Mr. Hinchliffe.
IMO Bravery Awards 2019
The annual IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea recognizes those who, at the risk of losing their own life, display outstanding valor in attempting to save life at sea or attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment.
In 2020, a total of 31 nominations were submitted by 18 Member States and two non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO. Ten individuals or groups received letters of commendation; four received certificates of commendation; and three recipients received the highest award.
Mr. Marcio Santos Teixeira and Mr. Fabio Rodrigues Alves de Abreu, members of the São Paulo Pilots, were recognized for their actions in averting a major oil spill event at the Terminal Almirante Barroso in São Sebastião Port, after safely maneuvering two oil tankers that had gone adrift during a ship-to-ship operation, in extreme weather conditions. Brazil also thanked the crews of all ships involved in the rescue.
I am proud and humbled to be among such a group of people, many who are never seen or recognized. Receiving this award only reinforces my commitment to represent these courageous men and women. It also reinforces my particular commitment to Brazilian Pilots, to their valor and to their fortitude,
…Mr. Teixeira said.
Being recognized by the IMO with such a prestigious award was tremendously humbling, but to have succeeded in managing that challenging event in the best way possible: helping to avoid economic losses and environmental devastation – and being able to avoid the loss of further human lives was in itself an immense personal and professional achievement [that] I am proud to have attained,
…Mr. Alves de Abreu said.
Also receiving the highest recognition was Petty Officer, Second Class, Mr. Ralph Ofalla Barajan of the Philippine Coast Guard, who helped to save the lives of all 62 people onboard the sinking passenger vessel Siargao Princess, on which he was also a passenger.
