Employees throughout Pacific Basin are encouraged to get involved in the communities in which they work and reside, and to participate in groups and associations that are engaged with aspects of shipping industry or support the welfare of seafarers. We also encourage employees to participate in activities that promote physical health and well-being. From sponsored races to participating in committees and acting as ambassadors to good causes, Pacific Basin raised HK$131,000 in 2012 for such causes that benefit those around us.

Within the shipping industry, Pacific Basin takes an active role in speaking out about areas of legislation, regulation and operational changes where we believe we can affect the right kind of change. In addition to being members of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA), in 2013 we were appointed to the European Committee of The Safety and Loss Advisory board of Standard P&I Club. Crew standards and navigational excellence were just two of many issues we emphasised in these forums in 2012.

In 2012, we funded a second scholarship at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, bringing to two the number of students currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Shipping and Transport Logistics under our sponsorship.

In January 2013, we signed up to the Fair Winds Charter, the first of its kind in Asia, through which we and other ship operators undertake to switch to low-sulphur (0.5%) fuel when our ships are berthed in Hong Kong. The charter is expected to result in reduced sulphur emissions in Hong Kong while also prompting government efforts to further improve emissions control in Hong Kong and in the Pearl River Delta. Although our ships do not call into Hong Kong regularly, we are proud to participate in this community and environmental initiative which stands to directly benefit our Company's home town of Hong Kong.