Page 42 - 2021 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

OUR MARITIME FAMILY Work Life in Rotterdam

Capt. Athanasopoulos Ioannis, Marine Superintendent – North West Europe,
and Maria Sotiriou, Head of Environmental Compliance of Minerva Marine Inc.,
describe their daily work life in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a port that demands your respect

It is a big responsibility to represent a to interact with shore personnel when implementing the port/terminal restrictions. Liv-
great company like MINERVA MARINE INC. ing among the Dutch and experiencing their standards, mentality, procedures, and way
and earn the trust of the Minerva Marine of life, one gets to adopt their lifestyle, which changes how one views day-to-day life. The
management and family by living up to experience gained is processed, and by talking about it, it is transferred to the vessel.
their expectations. As a marine superin- Understanding port operation procedures and the mentality of the personnel in-
tendent, you have the opportunity to make volved in their implementation and respecting these procedures certainly help meet
a contribution by sharing your experience port requirements.
and knowledge in performing SMS audits The Minerva Marine management and family are next to the vessels 24/07, ready to
and adopting safe practices and proper assist with their needs. I see that vessel personnel understand this, and this feeling
safety procedures. You also get to pass is reinforced by the presence of the marine superintendent at Rotterdam Port. As a
back to the vessels the knowledge you result, the management of the vessel feels better and safer when calling Netherlands
have gained by observing various crew & Antwerp, a feeling that actually promotes safety and security.
management practices and maintenance
procedures.

by Capt. Athanasopoulos Ioannis
Marine Superintendent – North West Europe,
18/03/2021 – Attendance onboard M/T Minerva
Minerva Marine Inc.
Alice during her cargo audit
Getting to know more of your colleagues,
understanding them better, communicating
effectively to resolve issues, and the advan-
tage of the tools provided by an efficient
Safety Management System that covers all
the needs and emergencies anticipated on
board a vessel, are all part of a two-way pro-
cess where both sides win.
Rotterdam, which we seamen have probably
called at numerous times, is a port that de-
mands all your strength, focus, preparation,
management & coordination skills. Rotter-
dam is a port that demands your respect.
Compliance with port regulations and high
safety and security requirements are also 21/01/2021 – Attendance onboard M/T Minerva Olympia at
essential for shore-side personnel. While sta- EuroTank Terminal (ETT), Rotterdam, for her Flag State inspection
tioned in Rotterdam, one has the opportunity

40 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 16 / Q2 2021