Hong Kong | December 8, 2025 – In a definitive move to navigate the tightening net of global maritime emissions regulations, dry bulk powerhouse Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, has announced the transformation of its traditional bunker department into a specialized Sustainable Energy Solutions team.
The strategic overhaul, announced on December 8, 2025, signals a shift from purely procurement-focused operations toward a multi-faceted energy strategy. The new unit is tasked with spearheading the company’s decarbonization efforts, focusing on compliance, alternative fuel monetization, and carbon trading.
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Leadership Transition: A New Captain for a Green Era
The formation of the new team coincides with a significant leadership change. Rakesh Sharma, who has led Pacific Basin’s bunker team for 15 years, will retire in the summer of 2026. Under Sharma’s tenure, the company solidified its reputation as a disciplined and efficient fuel purchaser in the volatile dry bulk sector.
To lead the new Sustainable Energy Solutions division, Pacific Basin has tapped Henrik Røjel, a veteran in the decarbonization space. Røjel joins from DS Norden and brings a specialized pedigree to the role:
- Future Fuels Expertise: Deep experience in the operational and commercial rollout of alternative bunker fuels.
- Monetization Strategies: Proven track record in “Book & Claim” systems and carbon credit trading.
- Regulatory Navigation: Expertise in managing compliance with IMO, EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime mandates.
- Industry Influence: Røjel currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.
Røjel is set to officially take the helm in February 2026, working alongside the existing bunker team to fast-track the company’s transition.
Beyond Procurement: The “Sustainable Energy” Mandate
For a company that operates a fleet of over 250 vessels, the shift from “Bunkering” to “Sustainable Energy Solutions” reflects the growing complexity of the marine fuel market. The new team will move beyond simple fuel supply to manage:
- Regulatory Compliance: Optimizing the fleet’s approach to regional and global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets.
- Service Monetization: Offering value-added services such as carbon-offsetting and alternative fuel solutions to Pacific Basin’s 600+ customer base.
- Future-Proofing: Preparing the infrastructure for the company’s incoming dual-fuel Ultramax vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029.
“The formation of our Sustainable Energy Solutions team marks a significant milestone in our wider journey,” said James Chesman, Director of Operations. “Henrik’s experience will enable us to unlock new opportunities and enhance Pacific Basin’s position as a leader in the maritime energy transition.”
Market Context: Dry Bulk and Decarbonization
The dry bulk sector has faced increasing pressure to modernize. Unlike the container segment, where green premiums are more established, the fragmented dry bulk market requires sophisticated commercial tools like Book & Claim to make alternative fuels viable.
By integrating carbon trading and decarbonization services into its core bunker operations, Pacific Basin is positioning itself to capture “first-mover” advantages as the cost of carbon becomes a permanent fixture in shipping’s balance sheet.
Pacific Basin at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
| Fleet Size | 250+ dry bulk ships (107 owned) |
| Ship Types | Handysize, Supramax, Ultramax |
| Future Fleet | 4 dual-fuel Ultramax vessels (2028–2029 delivery) |
| Global Footprint | 14 offices; 4,300+ seafarers; 400 shore staff |
About Pacific Basin Shipping Limited
Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (2343.HK) is a global leader in the ownership and operation of modern Handysize, Supramax, and Ultramax dry bulk vessels. Supported by an elite in-house fleet management team, the Company is dedicated to sustainable shipping, prioritizing seafarer wellbeing, safety, and responsible environmental investment. By focusing on performance optimization and carbon efficiency, Pacific Basin delivers best-in-class freight services to over 600 customers worldwide. The Company operates a diverse fleet of more than 250 ships,107 of which are owned, and maintains a robust global presence through 14 offices and a workforce of over 4,700 shore-based and sea-faring professionals.
Committed to a low-carbon future, Pacific Basin’s fleet growth strategy includes an active order for four dual-fuel methanol-ready ultramax vessels. Currently under construction in Japan, these ships are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, representing a key pillar in the Company’s long-term decarbonization roadmap. Through its integrated approach to technical excellence and commercial agility, Pacific Basin continues to set the benchmark for reliability and innovation in the dry bulk maritime sector.
Source: Pacific Basin Shipping