Pacific Basin, a leading player in the dry bulk shipping sector, has long demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation in maritime operations. Veson Nautical’s 9+ year partnership with them is rooted in a shared drive to advance the industry and address the unique challenges of global trade. A recent visit to Pacific Basin’s Vancouver office—and an unexpected opportunity to board one of their vessels—brought this collaboration to life in a truly unforgettable way. 

Building a foundation of trust 

My personal experience collaborating with Pacific Basin began in 2023, with a focus on their Atlantic chartering teams in London, Dubai, and Stamford, CT. As part of Veson’s Customer Success (CS) team, my goal was to gain a deep understanding of their operations and the elements crucial to them in maintaining their competitive edge. We worked together to identify opportunities to optimize their workflows within their suite of Veson solutions, specifically Shipfix. 

The result was a tailored solution: custom email setups, interactive maps, and market screens designed to make trading faster and more efficient. These enhancements not only met Pacific Basin’s immediate needs but also strengthened our relationship, demonstrating our genuine investment in their success. By September 2023, Pacific Basin had become one of Shipfix’s most active users, with employees regularly sharing feedback that helped shape features now used by other Shipfix clients worldwide. 

Taking client engagement to the next level 

While the Atlantic team’s adoption of Shipfix flourished, we identified opportunities to drive greater engagement in the Pacific regions. Working closely with Nikolaj Petersen, Pacific Basin’s Head of Digital, we expedited a strategic plan to reinvigorate adoption, dispatching consultants to key locations including Hong Kong, Melbourne, Vancouver, and virtually in Japan. 

For me, the Vancouver visit was intended to focus on side-by-side training and support. But it quickly transformed into an eye-opening experience that brought the essence of our work full circle. 

Stepping aboard the Indian Ocean 

On the second day of my visit, Peter Amat, Pacific Basin’s General Manager, invited me aboard the Indian Ocean, one of their handy-size vessels discharging 20,000 metric tons of sugar. Though I’ve spent years working closely with chartering teams and their operational needs, this was my first time stepping onto a vessel. Seeing it in person was both humbling and inspiring. 

Raj Vesselvisit Blog Collage (1)

From the immense scale of the ship to the intricate discharging process, every detail underscored the complexities of maritime operations. The vessel’s crew, including the Captain and Chief Controller, shared stories of resilience—particularly during COVID-19, when prolonged time at sea separated them from their families. Hearing these accounts brought a new depth to my appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice that keeps global trade moving. 

Climbing atop the hatches, I watched front loaders maneuver massive quantities of sugar for grabbers to discharge. Balancing on the edge, careful not to drop my phone into the mountain of sugar below, I felt a newfound connection to the very heart of our industry. 

More than a vendor 

This visit reinforced the impact of our partnership with Pacific Basin. Beyond delivering software solutions, I’ve become deeply invested in their processes, challenges, and successes. Witnessing firsthand the outcomes of our collaborative efforts was a powerful reminder of why I do what I do. 

At Veson, partnerships like these are built on trust, shared innovation, and a commitment to helping our clients thrive. The Indian Ocean experience will stand out as a distinct career moment for me, illustrating how our work connects the office to the open ocean, enabling meaningful progress for our clients and the maritime industry at large. 

Looking ahead 

As Pacific Basin continues to leverage Shipfix and other Veson solutions, we remain dedicated to empowering their teams and advancing their goals. Together, we’ll navigate the evolving landscape of dry bulk shipping—not just as a vendor, but as a true partner in their success. To hear more from Pacific Basin about our partnership, visit the Client Stories page below and check out the ‘Pacific Basin – IMOS Video,’ an interview with Head of Digitalization, Nikolaj Petersen.