Testimonials

Interview

Christy Penaflorida, Crewing Officer at LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I started my career in 2007 as a Secretary in a local manning agency (Philippines) and was promoted as an officer in Crewing Department at a later stage. In 2012, I moved abroad and worked in Human Resources and Oil and Gas company. With vetted experience in Marine Industry, this job honed my skills in coordination, communication and planning which helps set me up for roles with greater responsibility down the road.

Stepping beyond my comfort zone is one of my KPI to excel in every opportunity and being an individual who firmly believes that learning never stops.

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

Being a part of the Crewing Department gives me a lot of opportunities to know different individuals, especially our crew /seafarers, which enables me to learn from their working experience when it comes to Vessel and Technical operations.
My goal is to achieve some level of proficiency in my chosen field and contribute to the organization.

3/ How did your position evolve in the Group?

By taking advantage of every opportunity that helps me improve and develop my skillset.

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

Being in the Crewing Department is very challenging, but it never keeps me from growing. I like the everyday challenges that drive me to be more efficient and motivated to reach one goal.

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

Flexibility, being goal-oriented and having good listening skills, because when you are listening to others, you’re learning from them.

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

Communication challenges: when it comes to dealing with different kinds of individuals and with different cultures. It requires a lot of patience and understanding to find a better solution.

7/ Are you a land or sea person?

A sea person, while on vacation mode. 😊

8/ What are your hobbies and interests?

My Hobbies are photography, make-up artistry, listening to music and travelling.

9/ What is your motto?

Equality is not a concept.

Interview

Nagasubramani Balakrishnan, Procurement Officer at LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

After completion of my bachelor’s in Mechanical engineering, I started my career in Logistics and Supply Chain. My passion for Maritime kept growing, for which I moved to Dubai, to start a career in the Maritime Industry. Before starting my career in LDPL, the experience I gained in the other companies helped increase my quality of work in LDPL. My journey in LDPL MIDDLE EAST started in December 2018 as a Procurement Officer. The amount of knowledge I gained in these past 2 years, will help me carve my path towards a better future in LDPL.

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

It began with managing the procurement & logistics of spares for the Dubai and Guinea fleet. As a procurement officer, my major tasks revolve around sourcing of spare parts for the vessel. My main mission would be to abide by the delivering of the right parts, at the right place, and at a right quantity.

3/ What do you like the most about the job?

LDPL has one of the finest working environments I have ever experienced. Coming to work has been a delight, because of the working environment LDPL offers. My colleagues here are a treat to talk and mingle with. The everyday experience is what keeps me attracted to this job.

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

The 2 years I have spent here have turned me into a better person. The qualities that I feel one must certainly have as a Procurement Officer is the ability to work hard, be focused and have great communication skills.

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

Responsiveness. During the pandemic time, planning & shipment of spares was a difficult and challenging task. With the support of my Manager & my team, we were successful in shipping out the items to Dubai & Conakry without any delay.

6/ Are you a land or a sea person?

As much as I enjoy being in office, the sea offers thrills of its own. The small opportunities we get to be on board with other crew members is what I call a total joy ride.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Watching football is one of my favourite ways to pass my leisure time. Apart from that, music and movies keep me entertained.

8/ What is your motto?

The only way to do great work is love what you do.

Interview

Alexandre Bories, Innovation Coordinator Intern

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I left high school with a Technological Baccalaureate in Industry Science, with a specialisation in sustainable development. I spent a year at an engineering university in Nîmes, before reorienting to a business school where I got a management degree. I am now studying for a Master’s degree in Innovation Management at the University of Montpellier, on a work-study basis.
Through my studies, I worked as a mechanic, a lathe and milling machine operator, a postman as well. As part of my business school studies, I moved to London in 2018, for 6 months, to do an internship in a start-up company and practice my English skills.

2/ Why did you choose LDA ?

I only knew the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group through its vessel operations for Airbus before I went to university. I was not familiar with the maritime sector. This internship at LDA is a completely new and fascinating experience.

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

My role is to organise and structure the multitude of innovation ideas that flow around LDA. From the moment I arrived, I could see that such ideas often went no further than the doorway, desk corner or coffee machine where they had first sprung up. For now, my job is to collect opportunities from every coworker and organise them. They will then be submitted to a committee which will judge of their viability and decide whether to follow up on them. Therefore, even if we do not work on all the ideas, they will not get lost.
Further down the road, my mission should evolve into the management and development of the selected ideas. But all in good time, I have only recently learnt what a retractable azimuth thruster is!

4/ What do you like the most about this job?

I like the constant discovery of new ideas. Whether internally or externally, there will always be something new to think of. And in order to support your ideas, you have to go and meet people, something that I really enjoy doing.

5/ 2020 has been an unusual year. What can you tell us about it ? Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share?

2020 has been a year of personal commitment. I completed my studies in December 2018 and worked in civil engineering throughout 2019. When my contract ended, I decided to join the military reserve. I have therefore been engaged since February 2020 in an army regiment. I have only done a few guards and training such as first aid so far, but these experiences are very interesting, and I hope to grow within this institution.

6/ Are you a land or a sea person?

I was born in Cannes, right between the mountains and the sea, which I enjoy in equal measure.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Younger, I loved biking, especially mountain biking – I rode about 60km per week. Joining a business school slowed me down a bit, though. I enjoy shooting range practice a lot. I am currently a “black powder” shooter. In my spare time, I also practice paintball or “airsoft” so that I can shoot at my friends, without any danger! It also allows me to train outside of the military reserve.

8/ What is your motto?

Be curious about the unknown – who knows, you could marry it someday!

******

Thank you very much Alexandre for your inspiring life experience and job testimonial!

Interview

Rayane Kerri, Seafarer

1/ What has been your career path so far?

In 2014, I joined a maritime high school in Paimpol (France) to take a Maritime Business Operation and Management training. After graduation, I started to work on ferries as a seaman. I joined the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group as a seafarer in early 2019.

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

I handle various tasks such as maintenance work, supervision of arrivals / departures on the maneuvering range, bridge watchkeeping, as well as various rounds to ensure the safety of the vessel. These tasks are obviously carried out under the supervision of the boatswain and officers.

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

I like having the opportunity to discover many different places while meeting a lot of people. This is one of the best things about being a seafarer.

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

Self-sufficiency, discipline and self-confidence.

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

I think the most memorable day I had was when I took for the first time the helm of a 180-meter-long vessel with 1,300 passengers and 500 vehicles on board. This first time was really stressful!

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

A sea person, because of all the extraordinary things we get to see when sailing – sunrises, sunsets, marine animals, wild coastal landscapes…
Air quality at sea is much more pleasant, especially during long voyages around the world. Breathing clean air like this reflects the very natural aspect of our oceans.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy sea trips, aeronautics and politics.

8/ What is your motto?

Working hard is not enough, you must also work smart.

******

Thank you very much Rayane for your inspiring testimonial !

Interview

Tanvi Desai, Admin and HR Supervisor

1 / Could you tell us more about your career path and your current position?

I started working with LDPL MIDDLE EAST in November 2018 as Polyvalent Executive Assistance. As a newcomer in the Marine and Transshipment industry, I got an opportunity to explore different departments such as Technical, Operations, Purchasing, QHSE, Crewing to understand each department’s job role and importance related to the activities. With learning and experiencing on day to day basis, I strengthen my knowledge, skills, and abilities which were required to move on to my next step and position as Admin and HR Supervisor in July 2020.

2 / What has your career path been like at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group / LDPL?

Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group / LDPL has strong leadership approach. Leaders and managers create strong relationship with employees and always encourage for feedback. This attitude from my leaders always gives me positive energy and to be challenged, constant learning and grow.

3 / What do you like most about your job?

As a part of Human Resource, I enjoy helping Employees and Managers improve the effectiveness of an organization.

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

Integrity, Good listener and Navigate the Organization.

5/ What are your hobbies and interests?

My hobbies are listening to music, drawing animation and I am interested in Sports such as fitness training and traveling.

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

Land while working and sea while on holidays! 😊

7/ What is your motto?

If you can dream it, you can make it.

8/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share?

Reactivity! During operation we encountered that one of the employees got COVID-19. As work must continue, I had to look for an alternate option as a group of employees had to quarantine till they get their negative PCR test. Immediately I found an alternate option for drivers through our agent to drive bus and car to drop other employees at the site area. Everything was arranged and there was no distraction during the operation. Also, follow-up was done with quarantine employees to ensure that they are well looked after.

******

Thank you very much Tanvi !

Interview

Baptiste Biet, Junior Project Manager

1 / What has been your career path so far?

I graduated from the Icam Bretagne general engineering school and then continued with a master’s degree specializing in renewable energies and energy auditing at the same school in Nantes.

2 / Why did you choose LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS Group?

I was eager to work in connection with offshore wind power, the LDA Group’s Marine Renewables Energies (MRE) Department offered me a great opportunity to discover the sector through the field of offshore wind maintenance.

3 / Can you tell us about your current position and your missions? What do you like the most in this job?

Following my internship in the MRE department, I recently joined the PlenR team as a project manager in order to help the team develop its activities: wind studies, consulting, operation and support for the construction of onshore wind farms. From sea to land therefore, I was in charge of monitoring wind farm inspection projects for around 40 wind turbines in France, coordinating inspection teams and drafting audit reports to clients. For now, the input techniques related to wind turbine inspections are of great interest to me!

4/ 3 must-have qualities for this job? 

Being organized allows you to properly prepare and monitor projects that overlap over time. Curiosity is an asset for keeping up to date with developments in the sector and advising clients in the best possible way. Finally, a good relationship is very important both with the teams and with the end customer to develop a relationship of trust and open up new opportunities.

5 / What are your hobbies and interests?

I am quite fond of sport in general, both on land (football, squash) and water sports (swimming, surfing). I also have a special interest in history.

 6 / Are you a land or sea person?

 I would say land but going to sea is always a pleasure for me!

 7 / What is your motto?

I have no motto at all!

8 / Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share?

I had the opportunity to climb to the top of an onshore wind turbine at over 100m alt. and admire a magnificent view of the Champagne countryside!

******

Thank you Baptiste for this job interview!

Interview

Christy Penaflorida, Crewing Officer at LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I started my career in 2007 as a Secretary in a local manning agency (Philippines) and was promoted as an officer in Crewing Department at a later stage. In 2012, I moved abroad and worked in Human Resources and Oil and Gas company. With vetted experience in Marine Industry, this job honed my skills in coordination, communication and planning which helps set me up for roles with greater responsibility down the road.

Stepping beyond my comfort zone is one of my KPI to excel in every opportunity and being an individual who firmly believes that learning never stops.

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

Being a part of the Crewing Department gives me a lot of opportunities to know different individuals, especially our crew /seafarers, which enables me to learn from their working experience when it comes to Vessel and Technical operations.
My goal is to achieve some level of proficiency in my chosen field and contribute to the organization.

3/ How did your position evolve in the Group?

By taking advantage of every opportunity that helps me improve and develop my skillset.

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

Being in the Crewing Department is very challenging, but it never keeps me from growing. I like the everyday challenges that drive me to be more efficient and motivated to reach one goal.

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

Flexibility, being goal-oriented and having good listening skills, because when you are listening to others, you’re learning from them.

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

Communication challenges: when it comes to dealing with different kinds of individuals and with different cultures. It requires a lot of patience and understanding to find a better solution.

7/ Are you a land or sea person?

A sea person, while on vacation mode. 😊

8/ What are your hobbies and interests?

My Hobbies are photography, make-up artistry, listening to music and travelling.

9/ What is your motto?

Equality is not a concept.

Interview

Nagasubramani Balakrishnan, Procurement Officer at LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

After completion of my bachelor’s in Mechanical engineering, I started my career in Logistics and Supply Chain. My passion for Maritime kept growing, for which I moved to Dubai, to start a career in the Maritime Industry. Before starting my career in LDPL, the experience I gained in the other companies helped increase my quality of work in LDPL. My journey in LDPL MIDDLE EAST started in December 2018 as a Procurement Officer. The amount of knowledge I gained in these past 2 years, will help me carve my path towards a better future in LDPL.

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

It began with managing the procurement & logistics of spares for the Dubai and Guinea fleet. As a procurement officer, my major tasks revolve around sourcing of spare parts for the vessel. My main mission would be to abide by the delivering of the right parts, at the right place, and at a right quantity.

3/ What do you like the most about the job?

LDPL has one of the finest working environments I have ever experienced. Coming to work has been a delight, because of the working environment LDPL offers. My colleagues here are a treat to talk and mingle with. The everyday experience is what keeps me attracted to this job.

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

The 2 years I have spent here have turned me into a better person. The qualities that I feel one must certainly have as a Procurement Officer is the ability to work hard, be focused and have great communication skills.

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

Responsiveness. During the pandemic time, planning & shipment of spares was a difficult and challenging task. With the support of my Manager & my team, we were successful in shipping out the items to Dubai & Conakry without any delay.

6/ Are you a land or a sea person?

As much as I enjoy being in office, the sea offers thrills of its own. The small opportunities we get to be on board with other crew members is what I call a total joy ride.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Watching football is one of my favourite ways to pass my leisure time. Apart from that, music and movies keep me entertained.

8/ What is your motto?

The only way to do great work is love what you do.

Interview

Alexandre Bories, Innovation Coordinator Intern

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I left high school with a Technological Baccalaureate in Industry Science, with a specialisation in sustainable development. I spent a year at an engineering university in Nîmes, before reorienting to a business school where I got a management degree. I am now studying for a Master’s degree in Innovation Management at the University of Montpellier, on a work-study basis.
Through my studies, I worked as a mechanic, a lathe and milling machine operator, a postman as well. As part of my business school studies, I moved to London in 2018, for 6 months, to do an internship in a start-up company and practice my English skills.

2/ Why did you choose LDA ?

I only knew the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group through its vessel operations for Airbus before I went to university. I was not familiar with the maritime sector. This internship at LDA is a completely new and fascinating experience.

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

My role is to organise and structure the multitude of innovation ideas that flow around LDA. From the moment I arrived, I could see that such ideas often went no further than the doorway, desk corner or coffee machine where they had first sprung up. For now, my job is to collect opportunities from every coworker and organise them. They will then be submitted to a committee which will judge of their viability and decide whether to follow up on them. Therefore, even if we do not work on all the ideas, they will not get lost.
Further down the road, my mission should evolve into the management and development of the selected ideas. But all in good time, I have only recently learnt what a retractable azimuth thruster is!

4/ What do you like the most about this job?

I like the constant discovery of new ideas. Whether internally or externally, there will always be something new to think of. And in order to support your ideas, you have to go and meet people, something that I really enjoy doing.

5/ 2020 has been an unusual year. What can you tell us about it ? Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share?

2020 has been a year of personal commitment. I completed my studies in December 2018 and worked in civil engineering throughout 2019. When my contract ended, I decided to join the military reserve. I have therefore been engaged since February 2020 in an army regiment. I have only done a few guards and training such as first aid so far, but these experiences are very interesting, and I hope to grow within this institution.

6/ Are you a land or a sea person?

I was born in Cannes, right between the mountains and the sea, which I enjoy in equal measure.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Younger, I loved biking, especially mountain biking – I rode about 60km per week. Joining a business school slowed me down a bit, though. I enjoy shooting range practice a lot. I am currently a “black powder” shooter. In my spare time, I also practice paintball or “airsoft” so that I can shoot at my friends, without any danger! It also allows me to train outside of the military reserve.

8/ What is your motto?

Be curious about the unknown – who knows, you could marry it someday!

******

Thank you very much Alexandre for your inspiring life experience and job testimonial!

Interview

Rayane Kerri, Seafarer

1/ What has been your career path so far?

In 2014, I joined a maritime high school in Paimpol (France) to take a Maritime Business Operation and Management training. After graduation, I started to work on ferries as a seaman. I joined the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group as a seafarer in early 2019.

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

I handle various tasks such as maintenance work, supervision of arrivals / departures on the maneuvering range, bridge watchkeeping, as well as various rounds to ensure the safety of the vessel. These tasks are obviously carried out under the supervision of the boatswain and officers.

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

I like having the opportunity to discover many different places while meeting a lot of people. This is one of the best things about being a seafarer.

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

Self-sufficiency, discipline and self-confidence.

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

I think the most memorable day I had was when I took for the first time the helm of a 180-meter-long vessel with 1,300 passengers and 500 vehicles on board. This first time was really stressful!

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

A sea person, because of all the extraordinary things we get to see when sailing – sunrises, sunsets, marine animals, wild coastal landscapes…
Air quality at sea is much more pleasant, especially during long voyages around the world. Breathing clean air like this reflects the very natural aspect of our oceans.

7/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy sea trips, aeronautics and politics.

8/ What is your motto?

Working hard is not enough, you must also work smart.

******

Thank you very much Rayane for your inspiring testimonial !

Interview

Tanvi Desai, Admin and HR Supervisor

1 / Could you tell us more about your career path and your current position?

I started working with LDPL MIDDLE EAST in November 2018 as Polyvalent Executive Assistance. As a newcomer in the Marine and Transshipment industry, I got an opportunity to explore different departments such as Technical, Operations, Purchasing, QHSE, Crewing to understand each department’s job role and importance related to the activities. With learning and experiencing on day to day basis, I strengthen my knowledge, skills, and abilities which were required to move on to my next step and position as Admin and HR Supervisor in July 2020.

2 / What has your career path been like at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group / LDPL?

Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group / LDPL has strong leadership approach. Leaders and managers create strong relationship with employees and always encourage for feedback. This attitude from my leaders always gives me positive energy and to be challenged, constant learning and grow.

3 / What do you like most about your job?

As a part of Human Resource, I enjoy helping Employees and Managers improve the effectiveness of an organization.

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

Integrity, Good listener and Navigate the Organization.

5/ What are your hobbies and interests?

My hobbies are listening to music, drawing animation and I am interested in Sports such as fitness training and traveling.

6/ Are you a land or sea person?

Land while working and sea while on holidays! 😊

7/ What is your motto?

If you can dream it, you can make it.

8/ Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share?

Reactivity! During operation we encountered that one of the employees got COVID-19. As work must continue, I had to look for an alternate option as a group of employees had to quarantine till they get their negative PCR test. Immediately I found an alternate option for drivers through our agent to drive bus and car to drop other employees at the site area. Everything was arranged and there was no distraction during the operation. Also, follow-up was done with quarantine employees to ensure that they are well looked after.

******

Thank you very much Tanvi !

Interview

Baptiste Biet, Junior Project Manager

1 / What has been your career path so far?

I graduated from the Icam Bretagne general engineering school and then continued with a master’s degree specializing in renewable energies and energy auditing at the same school in Nantes.

2 / Why did you choose LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS Group?

I was eager to work in connection with offshore wind power, the LDA Group’s Marine Renewables Energies (MRE) Department offered me a great opportunity to discover the sector through the field of offshore wind maintenance.

3 / Can you tell us about your current position and your missions? What do you like the most in this job?

Following my internship in the MRE department, I recently joined the PlenR team as a project manager in order to help the team develop its activities: wind studies, consulting, operation and support for the construction of onshore wind farms. From sea to land therefore, I was in charge of monitoring wind farm inspection projects for around 40 wind turbines in France, coordinating inspection teams and drafting audit reports to clients. For now, the input techniques related to wind turbine inspections are of great interest to me!

4/ 3 must-have qualities for this job? 

Being organized allows you to properly prepare and monitor projects that overlap over time. Curiosity is an asset for keeping up to date with developments in the sector and advising clients in the best possible way. Finally, a good relationship is very important both with the teams and with the end customer to develop a relationship of trust and open up new opportunities.

5 / What are your hobbies and interests?

I am quite fond of sport in general, both on land (football, squash) and water sports (swimming, surfing). I also have a special interest in history.

 6 / Are you a land or sea person?

 I would say land but going to sea is always a pleasure for me!

 7 / What is your motto?

I have no motto at all!

8 / Any anecdote or major fact you would like to share?

I had the opportunity to climb to the top of an onshore wind turbine at over 100m alt. and admire a magnificent view of the Champagne countryside!

******

Thank you Baptiste for this job interview!