Pacific Basin Revamps Bunker Team to Embrace Sustainable Energy

Reorganisation of the Bunker Division

Pacific Basin Shipping has announced a significant restructuring of its bunker operations. The company will replace its existing bunker division with a new Sustainable Energy Solutions team. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate decarbonisation and optimise its service offering in an evolving maritime landscape.

Leadership Transition

The reorganisation arrives at the same time as the announcement that Rakesh Sharma, who has led Pacific Basin’s bunker business for 15 years, will retire in the summer of 2026. Sharma’s departure marks the end of an era for the company’s bunkering operations.

Henrik Rojel has been named Head of Sustainable Energy Solutions and will take up the role in February 2026. Rojel joins from DS Norden and brings a background in future fuels and decarbonisation services, positioning him to steer the new team toward emerging market demands.

Strategic Focus of the New Team

The Sustainable Energy Solutions team will concentrate on two primary areas:

• **Emissions compliance** – helping clients meet tightening environmental regulations through tailored solutions.
• **Energy‑related services** – developing new offerings that support customers in adopting cleaner fuels and technologies.

According to James Chesman, director of operations, the formation of this team represents a key milestone in Pacific Basin’s journey to deliver sustainable shipping solutions. The initiative reflects the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive support as the industry transitions to lower‑carbon operations.

Fleet and Market Context

Pacific Basin operates a fleet of 253 vessels, of which 107 are owned and the remainder are chartered on both long‑ and short‑term bases. The reorganisation is aimed at enhancing the company’s competitiveness as bunkering and maritime markets evolve, particularly with the increasing focus on sustainable fuels and regulatory compliance.

While the announcement does not disclose specific pricing or market data, the shift underscores the growing importance of sustainability in the bunkering sector. Companies are increasingly required to adapt to stricter sulphur limits and emissions targets, and Pacific Basin’s new structure is designed to meet those challenges.

Implications for Customers

Clients of Pacific Basin can expect a more focused approach to emissions management and the introduction of new energy services. The Sustainable Energy Solutions team will work closely with shipping operators to identify suitable fuel options, optimise fuel usage, and ensure compliance with international regulations.

The transition also signals to the market that Pacific Basin is positioning itself as a forward‑looking bunker partner, ready to support vessels that are transitioning to low‑sulphur fuels, LNG, or other alternative energy carriers.

Looking Ahead

With the appointment of Henrik Rojel and the retirement of Rakesh Sharma, Pacific Basin is poised to strengthen its role in the bunkering market. The company’s new focus on sustainable energy solutions aligns with global trends toward decarbonisation and offers customers a pathway to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, Pacific Basin’s reorganisation is a timely step that reflects the growing demand for environmentally responsible fuel solutions and the need for specialised expertise in emissions compliance.

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