Testimonials

Interview

Augustin VANDENHOVE, Offshore Solution Manager – LDA

1) Could you summarise your career path and present your current position? If you have evolved within LDA, could you please specify it?

I grew up not far from Dunkerque and the seafaring profession seemed to be an obvious choice.

I started sailing on the bulk carrier Pierre LD in 2009 as a student and, from 2011, on the cable ships as a deck officer, cable officer and sometimes subsea pilot. I was then lucky enough to take charge of the end of the construction of the daughter craft Speed of Change built in La Ciotat, with which I then sailed for a few months around the islands of Port-Cros and Levant. This experience enabled me to become second captain and I therefore returned to the cable ships.

In 2020, I accepted a position on land to work hand in hand with our client ASN. It is a very interesting and rewarding experience that will end in 2022.  I will then start sailing again.

2) What do you particularly like about your job?

The job of a sailor is not for everyone, it is a rhythm of life that has a big impact on the sailor and his family, we are on land for a few months and are completely available then we are not there at all, and often not easily reachable. I really like this rhythm, I appreciate the fact that I have a task to do in a given time and then I can manage my time as I wish. Fortunately, this rhythm also suits my family, who appreciate my availability when I am on holiday.

During this onshore experience, it is totally different, I am available much more regularly but much less often. This allows me to plan events on a long-term basis. As a previous contributor said, during our time at headquarters we have time to enjoy the seasons. I smiled a little when he told me that. A year later, I have come to realise the full extent of this sentence.

3) About your job: would you have an anecdote or an important fact to share?

At sea, there is a lot: an arrival in Sydney, the northern lights, the Atlantic swell that more or less rocks the crew for a few weeks, but also the encounters with all these people around the world who are often happy to receive us and share with us.

On land, the discovery of teleworking, one month after arriving, was not an easy experience but I found my feet.

4) What is your motto ?

A ship that stays in port is not in danger but is not going anywhere.

Interview

Louey JEDER, Administrator and IT Security Project Manager – LDA

1) Could you summarise your career path and present your current position? If you have evolved within LDA, could you please specify it?

Passionate about IT, I decided to attend a school specialized in IT and offering work-study training course in 2018. I then applied to LDA, hope and perseverance were my two allies. I was hired as a systems and networks technician apprentice. I had the chance to evolve during my 4 years of apprenticeship and endorse the role of Network and Database Systems Administrators then IT Security Project Manager. I have carried out numerous missions on the Group’s ships: in Dunkerque, Calais, Singapore, Poland, on the Canary Islands, in Turkey … Louis Dreyfus Armateurs allowed me to acquire a lot of skills such as technical, linguistic and project management. Today, I have the pleasure of joining the group on a permanent contract as Administrator and IT Security Project Manager.

2) What do you particularly like about your job?

I was fortunate to be able to work in the IT support for users, which allowed me to have direct contact with the various collaborators. I was also sometimes among the first people to welcome newcomers and participate in their integration into the company. What I like most about this job is the vast scope of IT, the constant evolution of IT technologies and the maritime world, which is a field that I really liked for its greatness and diversity. Over the past few years, I have been able to participate in the development of several projects on board ships, in particular the implementation of the IT infrastructure of SOV, Wind Of Change, Wind of Hope ships and securing the systems of information on the entire fleet.

3) About your job: would you have an anecdote or an important fact to share?

Most of the time we operate remotely, but it’s really once you’re on board that you understand the needs and our responsibility within the company. I have, on several occasions, put on the work outfit, the helmet and the gloves, and been able to put myself in the same working conditions as the sailors while doing my job as a computer scientist. It is really a chance to be able to participate and especially to witness the various operations of the ships from the front row.

4) What is your motto ?

We all help steer the rudder !

Interview

Bernardo FORTINI, Marine Engineer – LDA

1) Could you summarise your career path and present your current position? If you have evolved within LDA, could you please specify it?

From a young age I have been passionate about ships and the merchant navy. There was something unusual about the maritime industry I was meant to discover. In 2013 I joined the department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). In 2017, I was awarded a scolarship to pursue my studies in France on the same field.

I hold a double degree diploma on Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from ENSTA Bretagne and UFRJ.

Before joining LDA, I worked on the assessment of seaworthiness of offshore O&G platforms at SBM Offshore (Monaco) and with Dynamic Positioning systems at Centrum Techniki Okrętowej (Poland).

I joined the EPI department at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs last November as Marine Engineer. Since then, I have been technically supervising the construction of 3 new Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) for the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm.

2) What do you particularly like about your job?

The thing I appreciate the most about my job is the technical challenges I am led to face daily and the support I have from my colleagues. Moreover, we work with very demanding clients that push us towards innovative solutions. Each day is a new day.

I supervise technically the construction of our 3 CTVs (two of them hybrid) that are currently being built in Fontenay-le-Comte, France. This means I must deliver a vessel suitable to its mission.

I count with the support of more experienced colleagues who share openly their knowledge on both technical and operational matters. This helps decision making and providing a built to purpose boat I will be proud of once it is deployed offshore.

Overall, I feel that few other companies offer this much exposure to young engineers. This is the best part, especially for someone who is willing to make a difference and take responsibilities.

3) A propos de votre métier : auriez-vous une anecdote ou un fait marquant à partager ?

There is still a lot of seas to sail.

I am a junior engineer and I have been working for LDA for less than a year. Even though most of this time we have faced restrictions due to the Covid-19, I had the pleasure of going onboard our cable layer vessels (Ile d’Aix and Ile de Sein), attending the inauguration of the Wind of Hope in Saint-Nazaire and witnessing the activities in the shipyard.

I know there is still a lot yet to come in my journey at LDA. I am interested to see where the wind will take me next.

4) Quelle est votre devise ?

“Don’t give up the ship” – Captain Lawrence

Interview

Richard DEVOS, IT Project Manager – PlenR

1/ What has been your career path so far?

In my first life, I was an electrician, often involved with tasks that interested me little. Then I discovered computer science on a personal level and it was a revelation. I was doing fairly technical projects for leisure and gradually realized that it would be good to make a living out of it. After taking some adult training classes, I realized that going back to school was the best option. I went back with younger people than me and continued on to bachelor’s degree. About twenty years ago, I entered the wind power sector and the field is directly related to electricity and electromechanics. The circle was closed.

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

Being in a small structure, IT is understood in the broad sense. I am a developer first and foremost, but I had to train myself in system administration: servers, linux and application settings.

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

To see a result. I think there are many jobs where you don’t necessarily see the results of your labor, except through numbers or charts. Starting from an idea and the machine does what you imagined, automating or eliminating repetitive tasks, etc., I find it rewarding.

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

Curiosity above all. IT is a field where developments have been rapid, if you do not want to discover new things you will be quickly overwhelmed. When I was very young, I already liked to dismantle the devices “to see how it works”. Usually, I don’t just find a solution on the internet that solves my problem without really knowing how. I need to understand. In my case, I would even go so far as to use the term passion. I was lucky enough to be able to make it my job. Versatility. This is obviously even more true in a small structure where the computer scientist is expected to know how to use almost everything that goes through a computer. Luckily, I have been expanding my area of ​​knowledge for a long time, such as computer graphics: I gave 3D lessons for 10 years in several schools, equipment and other topics. I’m not a specialist, I have a broad technical culture which is very useful to me. Autonomy out of necessity. Being the only computer scientist, I cannot ask my colleagues to look into my problem. I still use my network when I need help.

5/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share about your job?

When wishing to offer my services, I discovered a technical design office, then a pioneer in wind power, I immediately liked the spirit that animated them, their passion and even their activism. I immediately accepted to join this team, delighted to assist two experts, and to participate in a (r) evolution to come.

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

I am rather a land person. But until the age of 20, I had always lived a few hundred yards from the sea and finding myself in the army in eastern France, I missed the sea. This idea that all around me there was nothing but land was a strange feeling, as if the sea was not a limit but on the contrary an opening.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Music, IT, old radio devices or any old device

Interview

Sari Herawati – Head of Human Resources Department, SLM (SinarMas LDA Maritime)

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I have had a career of more than 17 years as a HR Professional in various industries. Human Resources have been my passion since I was in junior high and it is like a dream come true. 

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

I am leading the Human Resources department in SLM Indonesia which we divided into 2 areas: HR-Office (land staff) and HR-Crewing (sea personnel). Since SLM Indonesia was established only 6 years ago, there is a lot of room for improvement in the HR department, especially how HR can be close, walk and run side by side with the business to support and contribute to the company.

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

There are a lot of challenges to be tackled and I always get full support from our CEO and Management.

4/ How do you respond to the new HR issues related to the Covid-19 situation?

First of all, we create and increase the awareness Covid-19 health protocol.
We conducted several socializations through online meetings, email blast through internal announcement for employees, put several posters in offices and facilities to remind and increase employee awareness in maintaining the Covid-19 health protocol. This is a collaboration between HR and QSHE Dept.

Then motivating and maintaining employee moral during the pandemic.
Our CEO wrote a message to all employees saying that the company was in good situation, the business was still running even though there was an impact of this pandemic but our CEO asked all employees stay focused and stay positive to face this difficult time.
We still do/arrange the employee activities like Virtual Employee Yearly Eventa and some sports activity so to keep our employees engaged with the company.

HR continues to update the regulation from Indonesia government related with Covid-19 and linked to our business/company and employees such as office attendance in the office regulation, restriction for business trip (domestic travel requirement), etc.
With this, how HR can support the business keep run and in the same time keep our employee stay healthy.

5/ Could you name 3 must-have qualities for this job?

Best-practice knowledge, integrity and passion. 

6/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share about your job?

You can’t never satisfy everyone, keep the good performance and have a great day.

7/ Are you a land or sea person?

A land person.

8/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy sports activities and watching movies.

9/ What is your motto?

Tough times never last, but tough people do.

Job testimonial

Fulvio Astengo, Operation & Performance Manager at LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I have recently reached 15 years of experience in the maritime and logistics industries, operating in different sectors and playing different roles.
I started with container liner shipping, moved to maritime logistics for mining and commodities, dealing from operations, which is my current area of work, to pure commercial and business development roles. I was involved for some time also on QHSE matters and up to a more general and overall country company representation.
So far I have lived and worked in four different countries: Italy, Spain, Indonesia and the UAE.
I can say that this path helped me have a 360-degree view of the business – at least I do hope so.

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

I started in LDPL a year and a half ago with a new project in Vietnam. I am now focused on current LDPL projects, i.e Hassyan, UAE, and Kamsar, Guinea, where I am in charge of operations and commercial operations management.

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

Well, what I like has both pros and cons. Dynamicity and constant evolutions of these projects make myself always challenged and continuously looking for new and best solutions to meet the clients’ requirements.
This is of course stressful sometimes but I personally find it stimulating and it finally can give appreciated rewards.

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

Passion. Proactivity. Customer orientation and awareness.

5/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share about your job?

I like to recall that in several cases during my career I have been physically present when a project has actually started, meaning when the first ton of cargo was shipped, which is kind a of milestone in our business.
This happened also about a year ago when I was onsite at the transshipment area in Kamsar, Guinea, when LDPL handled the first cargo in GAC project with EGA.

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

Definitely a sea person – I was born, I grew up and spent my entire life in seaside places.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I am a football “fanatic”, I used to play at some decent level and also support my local football team wherever it was playing around the country.
I also play tennis.
In general, beside sports, I like travelling and meeting new people from different countries and cultures.

8/ What is your motto?

I do not really have my own motto and this one probably does not have much to do with work but I would like to quote one which is in French and expresses what my ideals in daily and private life are: “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité”.

Interview

Augustin VANDENHOVE, Offshore Solution Manager – LDA

1) Could you summarise your career path and present your current position? If you have evolved within LDA, could you please specify it?

I grew up not far from Dunkerque and the seafaring profession seemed to be an obvious choice.

I started sailing on the bulk carrier Pierre LD in 2009 as a student and, from 2011, on the cable ships as a deck officer, cable officer and sometimes subsea pilot. I was then lucky enough to take charge of the end of the construction of the daughter craft Speed of Change built in La Ciotat, with which I then sailed for a few months around the islands of Port-Cros and Levant. This experience enabled me to become second captain and I therefore returned to the cable ships.

In 2020, I accepted a position on land to work hand in hand with our client ASN. It is a very interesting and rewarding experience that will end in 2022.  I will then start sailing again.

2) What do you particularly like about your job?

The job of a sailor is not for everyone, it is a rhythm of life that has a big impact on the sailor and his family, we are on land for a few months and are completely available then we are not there at all, and often not easily reachable. I really like this rhythm, I appreciate the fact that I have a task to do in a given time and then I can manage my time as I wish. Fortunately, this rhythm also suits my family, who appreciate my availability when I am on holiday.

During this onshore experience, it is totally different, I am available much more regularly but much less often. This allows me to plan events on a long-term basis. As a previous contributor said, during our time at headquarters we have time to enjoy the seasons. I smiled a little when he told me that. A year later, I have come to realise the full extent of this sentence.

3) About your job: would you have an anecdote or an important fact to share?

At sea, there is a lot: an arrival in Sydney, the northern lights, the Atlantic swell that more or less rocks the crew for a few weeks, but also the encounters with all these people around the world who are often happy to receive us and share with us.

On land, the discovery of teleworking, one month after arriving, was not an easy experience but I found my feet.

4) What is your motto ?

A ship that stays in port is not in danger but is not going anywhere.

Interview

Louey JEDER, Administrator and IT Security Project Manager – LDA

1) Could you summarise your career path and present your current position? If you have evolved within LDA, could you please specify it?

Passionate about IT, I decided to attend a school specialized in IT and offering work-study training course in 2018. I then applied to LDA, hope and perseverance were my two allies. I was hired as a systems and networks technician apprentice. I had the chance to evolve during my 4 years of apprenticeship and endorse the role of Network and Database Systems Administrators then IT Security Project Manager. I have carried out numerous missions on the Group’s ships: in Dunkerque, Calais, Singapore, Poland, on the Canary Islands, in Turkey … Louis Dreyfus Armateurs allowed me to acquire a lot of skills such as technical, linguistic and project management. Today, I have the pleasure of joining the group on a permanent contract as Administrator and IT Security Project Manager.

2) What do you particularly like about your job?

I was fortunate to be able to work in the IT support for users, which allowed me to have direct contact with the various collaborators. I was also sometimes among the first people to welcome newcomers and participate in their integration into the company. What I like most about this job is the vast scope of IT, the constant evolution of IT technologies and the maritime world, which is a field that I really liked for its greatness and diversity. Over the past few years, I have been able to participate in the development of several projects on board ships, in particular the implementation of the IT infrastructure of SOV, Wind Of Change, Wind of Hope ships and securing the systems of information on the entire fleet.

3) About your job: would you have an anecdote or an important fact to share?

Most of the time we operate remotely, but it’s really once you’re on board that you understand the needs and our responsibility within the company. I have, on several occasions, put on the work outfit, the helmet and the gloves, and been able to put myself in the same working conditions as the sailors while doing my job as a computer scientist. It is really a chance to be able to participate and especially to witness the various operations of the ships from the front row.

4) What is your motto ?

We all help steer the rudder !

Interview

Bernardo FORTINI, Marine Engineer – LDA

1) Could you summarise your career path and present your current position? If you have evolved within LDA, could you please specify it?

From a young age I have been passionate about ships and the merchant navy. There was something unusual about the maritime industry I was meant to discover. In 2013 I joined the department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). In 2017, I was awarded a scolarship to pursue my studies in France on the same field.

I hold a double degree diploma on Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from ENSTA Bretagne and UFRJ.

Before joining LDA, I worked on the assessment of seaworthiness of offshore O&G platforms at SBM Offshore (Monaco) and with Dynamic Positioning systems at Centrum Techniki Okrętowej (Poland).

I joined the EPI department at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs last November as Marine Engineer. Since then, I have been technically supervising the construction of 3 new Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) for the Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm.

2) What do you particularly like about your job?

The thing I appreciate the most about my job is the technical challenges I am led to face daily and the support I have from my colleagues. Moreover, we work with very demanding clients that push us towards innovative solutions. Each day is a new day.

I supervise technically the construction of our 3 CTVs (two of them hybrid) that are currently being built in Fontenay-le-Comte, France. This means I must deliver a vessel suitable to its mission.

I count with the support of more experienced colleagues who share openly their knowledge on both technical and operational matters. This helps decision making and providing a built to purpose boat I will be proud of once it is deployed offshore.

Overall, I feel that few other companies offer this much exposure to young engineers. This is the best part, especially for someone who is willing to make a difference and take responsibilities.

3) A propos de votre métier : auriez-vous une anecdote ou un fait marquant à partager ?

There is still a lot of seas to sail.

I am a junior engineer and I have been working for LDA for less than a year. Even though most of this time we have faced restrictions due to the Covid-19, I had the pleasure of going onboard our cable layer vessels (Ile d’Aix and Ile de Sein), attending the inauguration of the Wind of Hope in Saint-Nazaire and witnessing the activities in the shipyard.

I know there is still a lot yet to come in my journey at LDA. I am interested to see where the wind will take me next.

4) Quelle est votre devise ?

“Don’t give up the ship” – Captain Lawrence

Interview

Richard DEVOS, IT Project Manager – PlenR

1/ What has been your career path so far?

In my first life, I was an electrician, often involved with tasks that interested me little. Then I discovered computer science on a personal level and it was a revelation. I was doing fairly technical projects for leisure and gradually realized that it would be good to make a living out of it. After taking some adult training classes, I realized that going back to school was the best option. I went back with younger people than me and continued on to bachelor’s degree. About twenty years ago, I entered the wind power sector and the field is directly related to electricity and electromechanics. The circle was closed.

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

Being in a small structure, IT is understood in the broad sense. I am a developer first and foremost, but I had to train myself in system administration: servers, linux and application settings.

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

To see a result. I think there are many jobs where you don’t necessarily see the results of your labor, except through numbers or charts. Starting from an idea and the machine does what you imagined, automating or eliminating repetitive tasks, etc., I find it rewarding.

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

Curiosity above all. IT is a field where developments have been rapid, if you do not want to discover new things you will be quickly overwhelmed. When I was very young, I already liked to dismantle the devices “to see how it works”. Usually, I don’t just find a solution on the internet that solves my problem without really knowing how. I need to understand. In my case, I would even go so far as to use the term passion. I was lucky enough to be able to make it my job. Versatility. This is obviously even more true in a small structure where the computer scientist is expected to know how to use almost everything that goes through a computer. Luckily, I have been expanding my area of ​​knowledge for a long time, such as computer graphics: I gave 3D lessons for 10 years in several schools, equipment and other topics. I’m not a specialist, I have a broad technical culture which is very useful to me. Autonomy out of necessity. Being the only computer scientist, I cannot ask my colleagues to look into my problem. I still use my network when I need help.

5/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share about your job?

When wishing to offer my services, I discovered a technical design office, then a pioneer in wind power, I immediately liked the spirit that animated them, their passion and even their activism. I immediately accepted to join this team, delighted to assist two experts, and to participate in a (r) evolution to come.

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

I am rather a land person. But until the age of 20, I had always lived a few hundred yards from the sea and finding myself in the army in eastern France, I missed the sea. This idea that all around me there was nothing but land was a strange feeling, as if the sea was not a limit but on the contrary an opening.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Music, IT, old radio devices or any old device

Interview

Sari Herawati – Head of Human Resources Department, SLM (SinarMas LDA Maritime)

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I have had a career of more than 17 years as a HR Professional in various industries. Human Resources have been my passion since I was in junior high and it is like a dream come true. 

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

I am leading the Human Resources department in SLM Indonesia which we divided into 2 areas: HR-Office (land staff) and HR-Crewing (sea personnel). Since SLM Indonesia was established only 6 years ago, there is a lot of room for improvement in the HR department, especially how HR can be close, walk and run side by side with the business to support and contribute to the company.

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

There are a lot of challenges to be tackled and I always get full support from our CEO and Management.

4/ How do you respond to the new HR issues related to the Covid-19 situation?

First of all, we create and increase the awareness Covid-19 health protocol.
We conducted several socializations through online meetings, email blast through internal announcement for employees, put several posters in offices and facilities to remind and increase employee awareness in maintaining the Covid-19 health protocol. This is a collaboration between HR and QSHE Dept.

Then motivating and maintaining employee moral during the pandemic.
Our CEO wrote a message to all employees saying that the company was in good situation, the business was still running even though there was an impact of this pandemic but our CEO asked all employees stay focused and stay positive to face this difficult time.
We still do/arrange the employee activities like Virtual Employee Yearly Eventa and some sports activity so to keep our employees engaged with the company.

HR continues to update the regulation from Indonesia government related with Covid-19 and linked to our business/company and employees such as office attendance in the office regulation, restriction for business trip (domestic travel requirement), etc.
With this, how HR can support the business keep run and in the same time keep our employee stay healthy.

5/ Could you name 3 must-have qualities for this job?

Best-practice knowledge, integrity and passion. 

6/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share about your job?

You can’t never satisfy everyone, keep the good performance and have a great day.

7/ Are you a land or sea person?

A land person.

8/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy sports activities and watching movies.

9/ What is your motto?

Tough times never last, but tough people do.

Job testimonial

Fulvio Astengo, Operation & Performance Manager at LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I have recently reached 15 years of experience in the maritime and logistics industries, operating in different sectors and playing different roles.
I started with container liner shipping, moved to maritime logistics for mining and commodities, dealing from operations, which is my current area of work, to pure commercial and business development roles. I was involved for some time also on QHSE matters and up to a more general and overall country company representation.
So far I have lived and worked in four different countries: Italy, Spain, Indonesia and the UAE.
I can say that this path helped me have a 360-degree view of the business – at least I do hope so.

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

I started in LDPL a year and a half ago with a new project in Vietnam. I am now focused on current LDPL projects, i.e Hassyan, UAE, and Kamsar, Guinea, where I am in charge of operations and commercial operations management.

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

Well, what I like has both pros and cons. Dynamicity and constant evolutions of these projects make myself always challenged and continuously looking for new and best solutions to meet the clients’ requirements.
This is of course stressful sometimes but I personally find it stimulating and it finally can give appreciated rewards.

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

Passion. Proactivity. Customer orientation and awareness.

5/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share about your job?

I like to recall that in several cases during my career I have been physically present when a project has actually started, meaning when the first ton of cargo was shipped, which is kind a of milestone in our business.
This happened also about a year ago when I was onsite at the transshipment area in Kamsar, Guinea, when LDPL handled the first cargo in GAC project with EGA.

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

Definitely a sea person – I was born, I grew up and spent my entire life in seaside places.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I am a football “fanatic”, I used to play at some decent level and also support my local football team wherever it was playing around the country.
I also play tennis.
In general, beside sports, I like travelling and meeting new people from different countries and cultures.

8/ What is your motto?

I do not really have my own motto and this one probably does not have much to do with work but I would like to quote one which is in French and expresses what my ideals in daily and private life are: “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité”.