Success! 2015 Asia Challenge

Over the course of four exciting days, two Berge Bulk teams tackled the mighty 2015 Asia Challenge – climbing Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia, to raise funds for the Sailors’ Society.

The Sailors’ Society, one of the world’s largest seafarer support charities, operates globally to enhance seafarers’ well-being, both in port and while at sea. Mount Kinabalu is ranked 20 in the list of the world’s most prominent mountains and is also the name patron of Berge Bulk’s 177,173 dead-weight tonnage vessel Berge Kinabalu.

The two Berge Bulk teams, “Berge Sherpas” and “Berge Cliffhangers”, arrived in Borneo on Friday, 17 April. Following an extensive safety briefing and an overnight stay at Kinabalu National Park basecamp, they commenced their climb of Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, racing against 45 teams of industry executives to the Laban Rata Lodge at 3,272 metres. The day ended with a beautiful sunset, and the team headed for an early night.

At 2am on Sunday morning, they began their final ascent to the summit, equipped with warm clothes, headlights and gloves.

“It was a very special feeling to be climbing the pure rock surface in the dark, with stars above and views of a thunderstorm flashing over the coastline in the distance.” reported the participants.

Both teams reached Mount Kinabalu’s Low’s peak at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) at around 5.30am, just in time to witness nature’s beauty as the sun slowly lit up the sky. The group then tackled the long descent back and reached basecamp safely in the afternoon – tired but extremely happy.

As well as the great sense of achievement on conquering Mount Kinabalu, Berge Bulk is proud to contribute USD 17,600 to the Sailors’ Society. An incredible USD 570,000 was raised collectively through this event, and it will be used to support the Society’s “Gift of Education” fund – providing education, computers and transport for seafarers’ children, as well as the “Gift of Welfare” fund – which strives to improve connectivity for seafarers’ families.

Our gratitude extends to the following companies who have supported Berge Bulk’s fundraising initiatives with their sponsorships – a big THANK YOU to all of them!