AS ONE of the oldest steam-operated maritime vessels in Brunei’s history, SS Bebatik will have her last cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) loaded into her hull for her final voyage.
To mark the event, Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) and Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn Bhd (BST) held a farewell ceremony at the Brunei LNG Plant in Lumut yesterday.
The B-Class vessel, previously named Gardinia, was one of the seven LNG tankers transferred from Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd to BST.
SS Bebatik is the oldest, having been launched in 1972, making her over 46 years when she is retired this month.
Guest of honour at the event Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry Dato Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw was welcomed onboard by BST and BGC Managing Director John Douglas Cook, and SS Bebatik Master Captain Mario Lacconi.
Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato, French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Christian Ramage, Shell Country Chair and Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP) Managing Director Dr Ceri M Powell, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Patrice Girard, Mitsubishi Corporation General Manager (Brunei Liaison Office) Masaki Fujiwara as well as top officials from Brunei Shell Joint Venture Companies, government officers and the SS Bebatik crew were also in attendance.
The guest of honour toured the vessel, before heading to the vessel’s bridge for the farewell ceremony.
John Douglas Cook in his speech highlighted the collective effort that has enabled the SS Bebatik to deliver safe, reliable and efficient LNG shipping service.
After the sounding of the horn, the national flag was lowered and a Doa Selamat recitation was conducted.
SS Bebatik was also given a salute with the use of water cannons to signal her last voyage, as well as to celebrate her years of service.
SS Bebatik is slated to deliver her last cargo to Sodegaura Terminal in Japan before being decommissioned. Crew members will be reassigned to other vessels operated by BST.Borneo Bulletin