The Otago Bay (IMO 9782015, MMSI 477023600, Call Sign VRQK3) is a Supramax dry bulk carrier built in 2017 by Oshima Shipbuilding in Japan. It sails under the Hong Kong flag and is part of the owned/core fleet of Pacific Basin Shipping, the same Hong Kong-listed operator as the Imabari Logger.
Pacific Basin specializes in modern Handysize and Supramax bulkers optimized for versatile trades, including logs, grains, and other dry bulk commodities.
Key Specifications
- Type: Supramax Dry Bulk Carrier (often log-fitted).
- Built: 2017, Oshima Shipyard, Japan.
- Dimensions: LOA 189.99–190 m, beam 32.26 m.
- Tonnages: Gross Tonnage ~31,863; Deadweight (DWT) ~55,092–55,175 tons.
- Cargo Gear: Typically equipped with 4 x 30-ton cranes, 5 holds/hatches. Grain capacity around 71,287 m³ / bale ~69,510 m³ (per fleet data). Features often include ice-class, log fitting, and other modern equipment for flexible trading.
- Trading: Global but active in Asia-Pacific routes (e.g., recent calls involving logs from North America/New Zealand to China).
It is a relatively young, efficient vessel in Pacific Basin’s Supramax segment.
Crew Life on Board
Pacific Basin uses in-house fleet management and crewing, with a strong emphasis on safety culture (“22 Crew, 22 Owners”), training, welfare, and diversity. They maintain crewing centers and have received industry awards for crew welfare.
- Crew Size: Typically 20–24 crew per vessel (Master, Chief Engineer, officers, ratings, and often cadets/trainees).
- Nationalities: Diverse, with seafarers from around 10–41 nationalities across the fleet. Common nationalities include Filipino, Chinese, and others from Asia and beyond. Officers and ratings reflect this mix; the company actively supports female seafarers (dozens across the fleet, including officers). One past Master listed was Capt. Ciperlino L. Apil (suggesting Filipino background).
- Contract Lengths and Rotations: Standard seafaring contracts for bulk carriers—often several months (commonly 4–9 months depending on rank and nationality), followed by home leave. The company promotes long-term careers with training and shore support.
Daily Life: Involves navigation, cargo handling (loading/discharging with onboard cranes), maintenance, engine watches, safety drills, and housekeeping. Supramax vessels like this handle varied bulk trades, sometimes with longer sea passages.
Modern amenities help, but the lifestyle includes time away from family, irregular port stays, and the physical/mental demands of the sea. Pacific Basin emphasizes proactive safety, quick issue reporting, and crew empowerment.
For real-time position, check MarineTraffic or VesselFinder. Crew details can vary by voyage, but the company maintains consistent high standards across its fleet. Pacific Basin’s website has careers sections if you’re interested in more details or opportunities.