Page 29 - 2024 - Q3 - Minerva in Focus

MINERVA IN FOCUS A look into Minerva’s Newbuildings

The construction of Minerva's new vessels will
embody the company's DNA and “know-how”

An interview of As a member of the Minerva Marine fam- the top marine transportation companies
Capt. Georgios A. Politis, ily since the beginning of my career, I am globally.
Master Mariner excited about the opportunity to be part One of the biggest challenges in shipbuild-
of a newbuilding vessel’s delivery team. ing projects is making the right choices in
Such projects require dedication and hard order to achieve a balanced coexistence
work, but they offer invaluable experience of well-known constructors who will ensure
and knowledge for the future to all involved reliability and technical support while pro-
personnel. viding longevity and prosperity to our new
A newbuilding program is an essential vessels. Moreover, teamwork and cooper-
step in achieving the company’s desired ation between staff and crew are crucial
development. The experience and knowl- to driving the entire project to success.
edge gained over the past years will benefit Finally, as a mariner, I expect operators and
Minerva Marine in its shipbuilding proj- technicians to always follow the techno-
ect. The construction of its new vessels, logical developments and engineering ad-
which will embody the company’s DNA and vancements in the maritime industry. From
“know-how” will mark the beginning of a our side, we must provide the necessary
new era in energy-efficient technology and reliability and expertise to ensure the suc-
establish Minerva Marine’s position among cess of these developments.

The delivery of the forthcoming newbuildings will be a
unique and demanding experience

Can you please introduce yourself? training, drills, extensive studying, and prac-
My name is Georgios Vranas, and I am from tice is essential. Understanding the opera-
Neapolis Voion, Laconia, where I was born, tion of the new equipment and its limitations
raised, and still live with my family. Coming is another critical step.
from a traditional seafaring family, I started Additionally, preparing the vessel with all
An interview of working on board ships at the age of 16, and required documents is a demanding stage
Capt. Georgios P. Vranas, since then, I have been in active service as that cannot be overlooked. Ensuring the
Master Mariner a seafarer. proper operation of equipment and the
I have been with Minerva Marine for 20 years, availability of spare parts is crucial, as is the
starting as a 2nd Officer in 2004, then be- creation of guarantee claims when failures
coming Chief Officer, and currently serving occur. To further enhance safety, I believe
as a Master. For me, Minerva Marine is not integrating weekly Hazard Hunts into the
just a shipping company – it is a family. I have company’s safety culture is vital for miti-
prior experience in delivering newbuildings, gating the risk of accidents.
both as a member of the site office team and These new ships will be governed under the
as a crewmember onboard the Minerva Sym- new IGF Code, which provides mandatory
phony, Minerva Georgia, Minerva Marina, and criteria for the arrangement and installation
Minerva Alexandra. However, the delivery of of machinery, equipment, and systems to
the forthcoming newbuildings will be a unique minimise risks to the ship, its crew, and the
and demanding experience, as they are being environment.
constructed using entirely new technology,
requiring highly trained personnel with spe- Do you believe that being part of the de-
cialised knowledge and strong soft skills. livery team of a new vessel could help
advance your career, and in what respect?
What challenges are involved in the de- The benefits of such an experience will be
livery of a newbuilding vessel? enormous. As long as knowledge remains
First of all, the human element is of utmost central to the maritime industry, we should
importance. Building a strong team through never stop learning and studying.

29