KMA Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence and Welcomes New Beginnings at Fellowship Night

Klaveness Maritime Agency, Inc (KMAI) marked its 40th anniversary on November 6, 2024, with a memorable Fellowship Night held at Lanson Hotel, MOA Complex, Manila. The evening honored KMA’s past achievements and embraced new beginnings.

The event was attended by 150 guests, including KMA Board of Directors, employees, business partners, colleagues from affiliated companies, volunteers from the Seaman’s Wives Association of Klaveness (SWAK) and 39 maritime officers of Klaveness Ship Management AS, along with some of their family members. Distinguished attendees included executives and managers from Torvald Klaveness, Ara Marine, Del Rosario Law Office, Klaveness Combination Carriers, Klaveness Ship Management AS, Klaveness Dry Bulk, OSM Thome, Norwegian Training Center, the Norwegian Embassy and Tapulanga Foundation.

The program commenced with an invocation and national anthem of the Philippines and Norway. KMA President, Ms. Chona Villanos, delivered the opening remarks. This was followed by an audio-visual presentation that recounted KMA’s 40-year journey.

Speeches from notable guests, including Mr. Trond Harald Klaveness – Chairman of the Board of Torvald Klaveness; Mr. Finn Amund Norbye- CEO of OSM Thome and His Excellency, Christian Halaas Lyster-Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines, highlighted the significance of KMA’s milestone and shared their visions for the future.

In keeping with tradition, maritime officers, employees and volunteers of the Seaman’s Wives Association of Klaveness (SWAK) were recognized for their dedication and loyalty. Six seafarers were honored for their milestones of 10, 15, 20, 30 years. 1AE Reynante Bernales shared a heartfelt testimonial after being recognized for his 30 years of service in the vessels of Klaveness. Additionally, Ms. Analyn Fernando, KMA Crewing and Training Officer, was honored for two decades of committed service.

Nine volunteers from various provincial chapters of Seaman’s Wives Association of Klaveness (SWAK) were acknowledged for their unwavering support of KMA’s activities and programs for the crew families. They were: Fe Bernales, Mary Grace Flores, Jeanelica Sanchez, Jacqueline Deniega, Mary Ann Castro, Nireza Custodio, Jocelyn Aspacio, Ma. Rita Eupeña and Cherry Ann Cortez.

The evening was further enlivened by performances from the talented students of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas and the awarding of Certificate of Donation for college scholarship to a less-fortunate student supported by Tapulanga Foundation.

A poignant message from our VP of Maritime Personnel, Mr. Torbjorn Eide, transitioned the program to the closing remarks and ceremonial toast led by Mr. Ernst Meyer, CEO of Torvald Klaveness. The toast marked the culmination of a chapter and the beginning of a new one.

The program was hosted by KMA’s pioneer employee, Ms. Amanda Uy and Francisco Tejares, KCC Operations Manager. Joam Collado, KMA Admin Officer, led the invocation. The guest of honor and speakers were introduced by Ms. Judith Jarabelo, KMA’s General Manager. The seafarer awardees were presented by Jenny Rovillos, Crew Coordinator while the SWAK and employee awardee were presented by Elgene Eusebio.

This successful fellowship night was organized by the committee composed of KMA management, Joam Collado, Jacquelou Madueno – KSSI HR and Administration Manager, Rose Simounette Ponce – KSSI HR Generalist and Kenneth Salvador – KMA IT Coordinator.