Testimonials

Interview

1) What has been your career path so far?   

My name is Pedro Lima and I am currently Superintendent Projects in the Technical Department of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs. I’ve already had the opportunity to talk about my experience at my beginnings in LDA, and I’m delighted to be doing so again – actually I’ve come a long way since then!     

As a reminder, I joined the Group in January 2019, as an intern in the MID “Marine Industrial Division” as part of my Masters specialising in Renewable Marine Energies. Next to my internship, I joined the EPI department as a Project Engineer, dealing with preliminary engineering projects for the fleet.   

In April 2021, I started working on cable vessels conversion projects. The same year, in November I left for Poland (Gdansk) to follow the conversion of the Île d’Yeu from the field, until the end of the project in February 2023. Even in my professional dreams, I never imagined that I would learn so much from the teams. They have been extremely supportive during this project which dealt with huge technical challenges.    

At the end of the project, I went aboard the Île d’Yeu to follow up its transit from Gdansk to Dunkerk. At my back to the office, after a well-deserved holiday, I joined the technical department as Superintendent Projects. Recently I had the honour of taking on the superintendence of a ship in addition to my activities.  

2) Could you tell us more about your current role and missions?   

My current role is to monitor specific projects involving the mobilisation of equipment, technical shutdowns or the monitoring of technical developments. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, we have to ensure the safety of our activities, manage the interfaces between on-board, suppliers and customers, and anticipate all the constraints and surprises that lie ahead. 

3) What do you like the most in your job?  

On land, as a ‘beginner’ in my current position, I’m lucky enough to be part of an extremely competent team, which brings me new concepts, new problems and new solutions every day. And some great stories also!   

From the sea side, I was able to be in contact with the crew during the IYU conversion project. This hands-on experience enabled me to learn a lot about the technical side of things, and to witness the tenacity of the sailing teams when they come up against a problem (and there is a lot!). I’m always delighted to see members of the crew at head office or on board again, to discuss our challenges and remind the good memories we have in common, which I’ll never forget.    

Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to receive people seconded ashore from the technical department to help us with plough mobilisation projects. This undeniably smoothes the interface and collaboration between ship and shore. 

4) Could you list 3 must-have qualities for this job?  

Be resilient, capable to listen to colleagues and be curious.  

5) What does the new LDA tagline, “We sail for the next generation”, inspire you?  

To me, this tagline means that LDA is committed to innovative approaches, especially thanks to the diversity and ambition of its Business Units. LDA takes into account the safety of our teams, the challenges of the maritime industry and the environmental challenges involved in our present and future generations. 

6) Family, Driving, Pioneering or Teams Spirit: which one of LDA values seems to be yours? Why? 

All of them are important, but I would choose ‘Team Spirit’. I could give the IYU Conversion as an example: the ship was supposed to be scrapped by its previous owner, but thanks to our team, it was able to set sail again after a year and a half of work. And it will be sailing soon around the world! As we hear in the corridors, ‘everything is possible’ with the teams we have. 

7) If you could give some advice to who is wishing to pursue its career in the maritime industry, what would it be? 

Personally, I joined the maritime industry after my first work placement in 2014, and I’ve never left. It’s a world I’m passionate about, where there’s a lot of collaboration, challenges and exceptional people, rich in experience and always ready to listen. Needless to say, I want to continue my career here!  

A word of advice: stay tuned to innovations in this learning and innovative environment. And if you choose to take part in the maritime world, it should be from LDA! 

8) What is your motto?  

Greetings and smiles are free: share them!  

We’re excited to share a new video testimonial from Emma PEDUCASSE, a Human Resources Officer apprentice at LDA.

In this video, Emma reveals her day as a HR apprentice at LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS!

Discover the challenges and responsibilities that make our HR department a dynamic and stimulating environment. Would you like to find out more about our working environment and the opportunities we have to offer? Then this video is for you!

Explore our job offers and join us for a maritime experience!  Discover the opportunities we offer at LDA!

Interview

1) What has been your career path so far?

After completing a degree in computer science in Algiers, I joined the University of Paris-Saclay for a master’s degree in MIAGE (Computer Science Methods Applied to Business Management), comprising two years of work experience, one of which was with LDA. Then I joined the group as a software project manager. My current role involves managing IT projects aimed at improving or implementing software or solutions for the company’s various departments.

2) Could you tell us more about your current role and missions?

 My role as software project manager involves supervising and coordinating IT projects within the company. This role encompasses leading teams, setting goals, allocating resources, and liaising with diverse stakeholders. My responsibilities extend to evaluating project needs, crafting strategies, steering the development process, overseeing quality assurance, and executing software deployment. I also provide support assistance to internal users for existing software applications.

 3) What do you like the most in this job?

 What I particularly like about my job is the problem analysis phase. It allows me to work in a team, interact with my colleagues and find creative solutions to IT challenges. I also enjoy being able to see how the solutions we develop improve the company’s processes and efficiency.

 4) Could you list 3 must-have qualities for this job?

 The three qualities needed to do my job well are the ability to work in a team, technical skills as well as good communication skills. Collaboration is essential to complete successfully complex projects, technical skills are a requirement to design effective solutions while communication is crucial to coordinate teams and interact with stakeholders.

 5) What does the new LDA tagline, We sail for the next generation, inspires to you?

 “We sail for the next generation” is an inspiring tagline that reflects the LDA Group’s commitment to a sustainable future. It refers to the idea that our actions have an impact on future generations, and it resonates with my vision of a world where IT can contribute to sustainable solutions.

 6) Family, Driving, Pioneering or Teams pirit: which one of LDA values seems to be yours? Why?

 As part of the LDA Group’s values, the one that suits me better is “Team Spirit”. I value teamwork, collaboration, and discussions with my colleagues to achieve our common goals. This is what drives me every day.

 7) If you could give some advice to a woman wishing to pursue her career in the maritime industry, what would it be?

 My advice to those who would like to start a career in the maritime world would be: “Be bold and determined. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges and remember that diversity and inclusion are valuable assets for the maritime industry.”

 8) Whats is your motto?

My personal motto is quite simple, but powerful: keep smiling!

We’re excited to share a new video testimonial from Simon ROQUE, drafter at LDA.

In this video, Simon shares his experience working at LDA Group, including what he loves about his job, the challenges he has faced, and the opportunities he had.

Inspired by Simon’s story? Check out the opportunities we offer at LDA!

Interview

Pauline SEMEY, Chief Engineer – LDA

1) What has been your career path so far?

With a monovalent machine training course, I made my first maritime navigation on board chemical tankers of Maersk Tankers as a student, then as a 3rd engineer. Following a redundancy plan, I continued my career in various positions (from 3rd to chief engineer) within the company Louis Dreyfus Armateurs on ro-ro ships (transport of parts for Airbus) and mainly cable ships (repair of submarines communications cables).

2) Could you tell us more about your current role / your missions?How did your position evolve in the Group?

As chief engineer, I am responsible for the operation and technical maintenance of the entire vessel.

I joined LDA in 2014 as 3rd engineer. After a few years, I replaced second engineers before being stabilized in this function in 2018. Since 2021, I have now held the position of chief engineer.

3) What do you like the most in this job?

Diversity at all levels: the type of ship, the different equipment on board, the places of navigation, the multi-cultural crews… no boarding is ever the same.

4) Could you name 3 must-have qualities for this job?

Adaptability, perseverance, open-mindedness.

5) What is your motto?

There are no men or women on a ship, only seafarers!

6) If you could give some advice to a woman wishing to pursue a career in the maritime industry, what would it be?

Choosing to become a seafarer is more than choosing a job, it is choosing a way of life. Given the life it implies, it is not possible to do it out of spite; you have to be ready to be away from your loved

ones for several months, without having access to the same means and facilities of communication you would have onshore. Even if today, thanks to the internet, things have progressed.

You must succeed in exceeding the many prejudices suffered by the industry, historically known as a hard profession and reserved for men. This is not always easy, as at present the vast majority of positions of responsibility on board are still occupied by men who can be very conservative.

It is then necessary to persevere and keep your self-confidence, not to let yourself be destabilized. It’s a job where you have to be prepared to do a bit of everything, to show great adaptability due to the diversity of the equipment, the situations encountered, the multi-cultural crews with whom you work, but also the type of navigation. You also have to stand being the only woman on board, even if it is increasingly rare, it still happens regularly. In the vast majority of cases, the men appreciate the presence of women on board and readily admit that the atmosphere and the discussions are much better when we are there.

Interview

1) What has been your career path so far?   

My name is Pedro Lima and I am currently Superintendent Projects in the Technical Department of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs. I’ve already had the opportunity to talk about my experience at my beginnings in LDA, and I’m delighted to be doing so again – actually I’ve come a long way since then!     

As a reminder, I joined the Group in January 2019, as an intern in the MID “Marine Industrial Division” as part of my Masters specialising in Renewable Marine Energies. Next to my internship, I joined the EPI department as a Project Engineer, dealing with preliminary engineering projects for the fleet.   

In April 2021, I started working on cable vessels conversion projects. The same year, in November I left for Poland (Gdansk) to follow the conversion of the Île d’Yeu from the field, until the end of the project in February 2023. Even in my professional dreams, I never imagined that I would learn so much from the teams. They have been extremely supportive during this project which dealt with huge technical challenges.    

At the end of the project, I went aboard the Île d’Yeu to follow up its transit from Gdansk to Dunkerk. At my back to the office, after a well-deserved holiday, I joined the technical department as Superintendent Projects. Recently I had the honour of taking on the superintendence of a ship in addition to my activities.  

2) Could you tell us more about your current role and missions?   

My current role is to monitor specific projects involving the mobilisation of equipment, technical shutdowns or the monitoring of technical developments. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, we have to ensure the safety of our activities, manage the interfaces between on-board, suppliers and customers, and anticipate all the constraints and surprises that lie ahead. 

3) What do you like the most in your job?  

On land, as a ‘beginner’ in my current position, I’m lucky enough to be part of an extremely competent team, which brings me new concepts, new problems and new solutions every day. And some great stories also!   

From the sea side, I was able to be in contact with the crew during the IYU conversion project. This hands-on experience enabled me to learn a lot about the technical side of things, and to witness the tenacity of the sailing teams when they come up against a problem (and there is a lot!). I’m always delighted to see members of the crew at head office or on board again, to discuss our challenges and remind the good memories we have in common, which I’ll never forget.    

Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to receive people seconded ashore from the technical department to help us with plough mobilisation projects. This undeniably smoothes the interface and collaboration between ship and shore. 

4) Could you list 3 must-have qualities for this job?  

Be resilient, capable to listen to colleagues and be curious.  

5) What does the new LDA tagline, “We sail for the next generation”, inspire you?  

To me, this tagline means that LDA is committed to innovative approaches, especially thanks to the diversity and ambition of its Business Units. LDA takes into account the safety of our teams, the challenges of the maritime industry and the environmental challenges involved in our present and future generations. 

6) Family, Driving, Pioneering or Teams Spirit: which one of LDA values seems to be yours? Why? 

All of them are important, but I would choose ‘Team Spirit’. I could give the IYU Conversion as an example: the ship was supposed to be scrapped by its previous owner, but thanks to our team, it was able to set sail again after a year and a half of work. And it will be sailing soon around the world! As we hear in the corridors, ‘everything is possible’ with the teams we have. 

7) If you could give some advice to who is wishing to pursue its career in the maritime industry, what would it be? 

Personally, I joined the maritime industry after my first work placement in 2014, and I’ve never left. It’s a world I’m passionate about, where there’s a lot of collaboration, challenges and exceptional people, rich in experience and always ready to listen. Needless to say, I want to continue my career here!  

A word of advice: stay tuned to innovations in this learning and innovative environment. And if you choose to take part in the maritime world, it should be from LDA! 

8) What is your motto?  

Greetings and smiles are free: share them!  

We’re excited to share a new video testimonial from Emma PEDUCASSE, a Human Resources Officer apprentice at LDA.

In this video, Emma reveals her day as a HR apprentice at LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS!

Discover the challenges and responsibilities that make our HR department a dynamic and stimulating environment. Would you like to find out more about our working environment and the opportunities we have to offer? Then this video is for you!

Explore our job offers and join us for a maritime experience!  Discover the opportunities we offer at LDA!

Interview

1) What has been your career path so far?

After completing a degree in computer science in Algiers, I joined the University of Paris-Saclay for a master’s degree in MIAGE (Computer Science Methods Applied to Business Management), comprising two years of work experience, one of which was with LDA. Then I joined the group as a software project manager. My current role involves managing IT projects aimed at improving or implementing software or solutions for the company’s various departments.

2) Could you tell us more about your current role and missions?

 My role as software project manager involves supervising and coordinating IT projects within the company. This role encompasses leading teams, setting goals, allocating resources, and liaising with diverse stakeholders. My responsibilities extend to evaluating project needs, crafting strategies, steering the development process, overseeing quality assurance, and executing software deployment. I also provide support assistance to internal users for existing software applications.

 3) What do you like the most in this job?

 What I particularly like about my job is the problem analysis phase. It allows me to work in a team, interact with my colleagues and find creative solutions to IT challenges. I also enjoy being able to see how the solutions we develop improve the company’s processes and efficiency.

 4) Could you list 3 must-have qualities for this job?

 The three qualities needed to do my job well are the ability to work in a team, technical skills as well as good communication skills. Collaboration is essential to complete successfully complex projects, technical skills are a requirement to design effective solutions while communication is crucial to coordinate teams and interact with stakeholders.

 5) What does the new LDA tagline, We sail for the next generation, inspires to you?

 “We sail for the next generation” is an inspiring tagline that reflects the LDA Group’s commitment to a sustainable future. It refers to the idea that our actions have an impact on future generations, and it resonates with my vision of a world where IT can contribute to sustainable solutions.

 6) Family, Driving, Pioneering or Teams pirit: which one of LDA values seems to be yours? Why?

 As part of the LDA Group’s values, the one that suits me better is “Team Spirit”. I value teamwork, collaboration, and discussions with my colleagues to achieve our common goals. This is what drives me every day.

 7) If you could give some advice to a woman wishing to pursue her career in the maritime industry, what would it be?

 My advice to those who would like to start a career in the maritime world would be: “Be bold and determined. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges and remember that diversity and inclusion are valuable assets for the maritime industry.”

 8) Whats is your motto?

My personal motto is quite simple, but powerful: keep smiling!

We’re excited to share a new video testimonial from Simon ROQUE, drafter at LDA.

In this video, Simon shares his experience working at LDA Group, including what he loves about his job, the challenges he has faced, and the opportunities he had.

Inspired by Simon’s story? Check out the opportunities we offer at LDA!

Interview

Pauline SEMEY, Chief Engineer – LDA

1) What has been your career path so far?

With a monovalent machine training course, I made my first maritime navigation on board chemical tankers of Maersk Tankers as a student, then as a 3rd engineer. Following a redundancy plan, I continued my career in various positions (from 3rd to chief engineer) within the company Louis Dreyfus Armateurs on ro-ro ships (transport of parts for Airbus) and mainly cable ships (repair of submarines communications cables).

2) Could you tell us more about your current role / your missions?How did your position evolve in the Group?

As chief engineer, I am responsible for the operation and technical maintenance of the entire vessel.

I joined LDA in 2014 as 3rd engineer. After a few years, I replaced second engineers before being stabilized in this function in 2018. Since 2021, I have now held the position of chief engineer.

3) What do you like the most in this job?

Diversity at all levels: the type of ship, the different equipment on board, the places of navigation, the multi-cultural crews… no boarding is ever the same.

4) Could you name 3 must-have qualities for this job?

Adaptability, perseverance, open-mindedness.

5) What is your motto?

There are no men or women on a ship, only seafarers!

6) If you could give some advice to a woman wishing to pursue a career in the maritime industry, what would it be?

Choosing to become a seafarer is more than choosing a job, it is choosing a way of life. Given the life it implies, it is not possible to do it out of spite; you have to be ready to be away from your loved

ones for several months, without having access to the same means and facilities of communication you would have onshore. Even if today, thanks to the internet, things have progressed.

You must succeed in exceeding the many prejudices suffered by the industry, historically known as a hard profession and reserved for men. This is not always easy, as at present the vast majority of positions of responsibility on board are still occupied by men who can be very conservative.

It is then necessary to persevere and keep your self-confidence, not to let yourself be destabilized. It’s a job where you have to be prepared to do a bit of everything, to show great adaptability due to the diversity of the equipment, the situations encountered, the multi-cultural crews with whom you work, but also the type of navigation. You also have to stand being the only woman on board, even if it is increasingly rare, it still happens regularly. In the vast majority of cases, the men appreciate the presence of women on board and readily admit that the atmosphere and the discussions are much better when we are there.