Our seafarers share their experiences of working aboard Mærsk Minder, as we enter into the Norwegian spot market. Mærsk Minder was recently reflagged to the Norwegian colours and is one of the most energy efficient vessels in the Maersk Supply Service fleet, with a hybrid battery due to be installed in spring 2022.
Emilie Øvsthus, AB (Able Seaman)
“Regardless of whether you are the youngest or the oldest, sailing for 30 years or 3, you can be sure that everyone CAN and WANTS to help make each other better sailors.”
How long have you worked at Maersk Supply Service and what was your starting position?
I have been employed by Maersk since October 2021 and my first and current position is as an AB!
And what are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to going “abroad”, it will be exciting to operate in the British sector for the first time! And hopefully I will eventually see the world through the job. That’s the big dream!
What excites you the most about your role?
Being a sailor on an AHTS is exciting in itself. It is great to be part of a large crew and at the same time very exciting to collaborate with other ships, rigs, companies etc.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your time with MSS? How did you manage this?
Perhaps the biggest challenge has been to be away for so long. So far in my career I have only sailed 2-2 and 3-3, so I could feel the extra week to begin with. Another challenge has probably been the size of the ship. I have become much better at planning all the small and large operations and tasks I perform during the course of a day, so hopefully I won’t have to take so many trips up and down the stairs.
If you had some advice for new seafarers joining MSS, what would that be?
Join the ride and bring your training clothes. The crew on board are usually a lively and social group. Otherwise I would say you have to take a deep breath. There are always some with a lot of experience, some with little and some in between. And regardless of whether you are the youngest or the oldest, sailing for 30 years or 3, you can be sure that everyone CAN and WANTS to help make each other better sailors.
Name: Emilie Øvsthus
Title: AB
Nationality: Norwegian
Name: Kristian Bjerkan
Title: Captain
Nationality: Norwegian
Captain Kristian Bjerkan
“Show up with some good spirit, a will to learn and a positive mindset – and we will give you the time of your life with the best colleagues there are!”
How long have you worked at Maersk Supply Service?
I joined Maersk Supply Service in early September 2021 as Captain onboard the Mærsk Minder, as part of the reflagging of the vessel to the Norwegian flag and the process to enter the Norwegian spot market.
What have you enjoyed most during your time with MSS so far?
Meeting new and friendly colleagues and being a part of a highly professional team, as well as the chance to operate such a fine new vessel as Minder.
And similarly, what are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to completing the process of forming the “new” team – we already have a great crew in place but are still missing a few in our deck department. We have received excellent training from the previous crew, so we have no worries.
What excites you the most about your role?
Right now, it’s being able to take a part in the process for some of the transformations we are undergoing in order to meet the requirements in the Norwegian market.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your time with MSS?
There are always some challenges when joining a new company and vessel, and adapting to the new procedures and “how to do” things. Luckily, that part went well since we were able to work “shoulder to shoulder” with highly experienced MSS crew.
If you had some advice for new seafarers joining MSS, what would that be?
Show up with some good spirit, a will to learn and a positive mindset – and we will give you the time of your life with the best colleagues there are!
Captain Lars Heltne
“It’s been great to be a part of an amazing team and a supportive organisation, while getting familiar with an amazing vessel and learning its ins and outs.”
How long have you worked at Maersk Supply Service?
I started in October 2021, as a Captain onboard Mærsk Minder.
What have you enjoyed most during your time with MSS so far?
It’s been great to be a part of an amazing team and a supportive organisation, while getting familiar with an amazing vessel and learning its ins and outs.
And similarly, what are you most looking forward to?
I’m especially looking forward to getting the team trained together and increasing the vessel’s track record.
What excites you the most about your role?
It’s a real privilege to work together with Maersk Supply Service and to lead my team onboard a new vessel.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your time with MSS?
It was definitely a challenge to adjust into a whole new system at MSS and that required a lot of training and exercises.
If you had some advice for new seafarers joining MSS, what would that be?
Do it. Be a part of an excellent organisation, working on high-quality vessels in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Name: Lars R. Heltne
Title: Captain
Nationality: Norwegian
“Supporting vessel dockings onsite has allowed me to experience procurement on a whole new level – it is definitely where the real action is!”
“It is interesting to work as a leader because I’m able to support the development of others and follow their progress”
“The most interesting aspect of my job is probably the mix of building relations with our clients and understanding their needs, all while gaining an understanding of our regional markets.”
“Every time our team concludes a project, I feel I am directly contributing to the development of our Company, the local economy and the world.”
“The most interesting part of my job as a Chief Officer is being in direct contact both with the operational aspect and the management team being able to contribute with practical decisions of the vessel.”
“What I love most about Maersk Supply Service is the feeling of shared purpose held by all employees. It makes my work life very meaningful to be able to connect with my colleagues sharing one common goal – to make Maersk Supply Service a leader in solving the energy challenges of tomorrow.”