Crewmembers aboard the LNG Saturn, an LNG carrier managed by MOL Global Ship Management Pte. Ltd., have received a Letter of Commendation under the International Maritime Organization’s Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea programme.
The recognition is the first in this category involving a vessel owned, managed or operated by a Japanese shipping company, according to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL).
The IMO announced the commendation on 21 July as part of its 2026 awards. It relates to a rescue operation carried out in the Strait of Malacca in November 2025 after the cargo ship KM Limadai 8 sank.
The LNG Saturn joined the search for survivors as daylight declined and sea conditions worsened. Its crew continued the operation for more than six hours.
The IMO recognized the crew’s ship-handling skills during the operation. Six people were brought to safety while the crew operated the 288 m LNG carrier in confined waters.
Established in 2007, the Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea programme recognizes people and organizations involved in saving lives at sea or protecting the marine environment. Recipients are selected by the IMO Council following recommendations from IMO committee chairs and international maritime organizations.
More than 50 nominations were submitted for the 2026 awards. The IMO selected one recipient for the Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, two recipients for Certificates of Commendation and 11 recipients for Letters of Commendation.
