Testimonials

Interview

Jeremy Ho, QHSE Manager – LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I started my second career in the maritime industry with an Offshore company in 2011. I joined them as an Operation Executive to manage a fleet of offshore vessels operating in both Singapore and Western Australia, I was then promoted to a Fleet Superintendent after three months with them. The next exciting job opportunity was with one of LDA group company as a HSE Superintendent, where I am task to prepare a new Company Management System and implementation for new build vessels operating in Indonesia. I took a strategic career move to join one of the prolific shipbuilding company as the Commercial Manager to challenge myself further in ship construction business. Finally, I am back again to LDA group company, LD Ports & Logistics to take up a total new challenge as the QHSE Manager and was task to build a new team and system from scratch.
Over the years, I had a steep learning curve, but I am lucky to get connected with many experienced people from the maritime industry and opportunities to attend regular maritime seminars. I have benefited from their inestimable sharing and did a lot of reading to support me on solving skills for overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way.

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

Being the QHSE Manager and DPA of the company, I am entrusted with the responsibilities for the Safety of our People as our top priority and the implementation and follow-up of our Company Management System, so that we remain committed to a process of sustainable development and continual improvement.
The continuous support and commitment from all Individuals and our Management and are the key importance success for QHSE Department’s mission. It is a never-ending journey nor any holidays for Safety. We are just must be here for Safety of our People.

3/ How did your position evolve in the Group?

Promoting a Just Culture and not just a non punitive response to people’s mistakes. Leading by example is one of the best ways to influence the people around us. When our People are safe, our business continue efficiently, and we can impress our strong market presence.

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

I am a great fan of new challenges and the best thing in my job, there is always room for improvement and to do it even better. The professional work experience and knowledge offers the opportunity of applying subject specific theoretical knowledge to a real-life situation. Just to name one, risk management.

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

The 3Ps in short.
Patience – we need to make correction and convince our people to cultivate a safe working mentality.
Perseverance – we need continued effort and determination to achieve our QHSE objectives.
People-Orientated – we need to invest time to listen, understand and focus on the situation before finding a good solution with all the department.

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

Sometimes we need to really scratch our head to balance an effective communication with crew who might be less inclined in English during training. Thanks to technology such as translation/voice App that comes in handy.

7/ Are you a land or sea person?

I am on land.

8/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Travel and Reading. Virtual Touring might be a safer option now during Pandemic.

9/ What is your motto?

The word impossible means I M POSSIBLE.

Podcast 🎙️ 🎧

Do you wish to learn more about newbuilding at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group?

So, take a time to listen to the podcast by Pierre-Arthur Fortin, our Newbuilding engineer at EPI  Engineering, Projects, Innovation department!

Click here!

Podcast made by Cluster Maritime Français.

Interview

Sandra OKAH, Quality Control / Client Manager at OPENR

1/ Could you tell us about your academic background and career path so far?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and a Master’s degree in Mining and Petroleum Engineering. After a few months as a Geological Engineer in Cameroon, I received an offer to work in Belgium as a Prevention Advisor on a construction site. This was my first experience in the QHSE field. After a year with this company, I decided to move to France and studied for a second Master’s degree in Quality, Environment and Safety in Industry and Services at the University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté. As part of my studies, I joined OpenR in 2017 on a work-study contract. I work for the company now as a Quality Control Manager and Client Manager.

2/ Why did you choose this job and what do you do on a daily basis?

While working for a mining company in Cameroon, I quickly realised the importance of QHSE in a company and how important it was to implement and promote a comprehensive and healthy QHSE culture. Mineral prospecting is very much exposed to the three principles of QHSE, particularly health and safety, but we can also see the impact of our activity on the environment. In my opinion, it was important to strike a balance between delivering high quality service while protecting our workers’ safety and reducing our environmental footprint.
My role revolves around the QHSE management system (quality control, HSE receptions, safety instructions, occupational risk assessments, accident analysis, HSE documentation updates, etc.) and customer portfolio management.

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

Integrity, self-sufficiency, versatility, good organisation skills and, of course, good interpersonal skills.

4/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I am passionate about travelling, yoga and photography. At least once a year, I travel to a place I have never been to. Travelling takes me to amazing places and people, and my camera helps me bring back these memories with me.

5/ What do you like the most about your job?

In my job, versatility and commitment. When you are part of a small and growing business, it is a big advantage. I like having the opportunity to work on a wide variety of topics and be actively involved in the company’s QSE policy.
In a broader sense, being part of a team / company which works for a good cause – “green” energy – is extremely rewarding.

6/ How do you implement HSE procedures into OPENR’s operations?

Three steps are necessary to implement a HSE procedure within OPENR.
A preliminary analysis / study is carried out, taking into account any particular context (regulations, activity, environment, etc.). The next step is to draft a project. The project is presented to the whole team with a 5-day consultation period over which team members can provide feedback and ask questions. The procedure is updated if necessary, approved in a final version and circulated to all employees. With all the national and international regulatory changes, a real challenge for us is to keep the documentation up to date and ensure that information is communicated within the company to everyone involved.

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

The first time I climbed to the top of a wind turbine was amazing. I felt like I was on top of the world and the view was incredible!

******

Thank you Sandra for this great job testimonial!

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

Jeremy Ho, QHSE Manager – LDPL Middle East

1/ What has been your career path so far?

I started my second career in the maritime industry with an Offshore company in 2011. I joined them as an Operation Executive to manage a fleet of offshore vessels operating in both Singapore and Western Australia, I was then promoted to a Fleet Superintendent after three months with them. The next exciting job opportunity was with one of LDA group company as a HSE Superintendent, where I am task to prepare a new Company Management System and implementation for new build vessels operating in Indonesia. I took a strategic career move to join one of the prolific shipbuilding company as the Commercial Manager to challenge myself further in ship construction business. Finally, I am back again to LDA group company, LD Ports & Logistics to take up a total new challenge as the QHSE Manager and was task to build a new team and system from scratch.
Over the years, I had a steep learning curve, but I am lucky to get connected with many experienced people from the maritime industry and opportunities to attend regular maritime seminars. I have benefited from their inestimable sharing and did a lot of reading to support me on solving skills for overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way.

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

Being the QHSE Manager and DPA of the company, I am entrusted with the responsibilities for the Safety of our People as our top priority and the implementation and follow-up of our Company Management System, so that we remain committed to a process of sustainable development and continual improvement.
The continuous support and commitment from all Individuals and our Management and are the key importance success for QHSE Department’s mission. It is a never-ending journey nor any holidays for Safety. We are just must be here for Safety of our People.

3/ How did your position evolve in the Group?

Promoting a Just Culture and not just a non punitive response to people’s mistakes. Leading by example is one of the best ways to influence the people around us. When our People are safe, our business continue efficiently, and we can impress our strong market presence.

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

I am a great fan of new challenges and the best thing in my job, there is always room for improvement and to do it even better. The professional work experience and knowledge offers the opportunity of applying subject specific theoretical knowledge to a real-life situation. Just to name one, risk management.

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

The 3Ps in short.
Patience – we need to make correction and convince our people to cultivate a safe working mentality.
Perseverance – we need continued effort and determination to achieve our QHSE objectives.
People-Orientated – we need to invest time to listen, understand and focus on the situation before finding a good solution with all the department.

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

Sometimes we need to really scratch our head to balance an effective communication with crew who might be less inclined in English during training. Thanks to technology such as translation/voice App that comes in handy.

7/ Are you a land or sea person?

I am on land.

8/ What are your hobbies and interests?

Travel and Reading. Virtual Touring might be a safer option now during Pandemic.

9/ What is your motto?

The word impossible means I M POSSIBLE.

Podcast 🎙️ 🎧

Do you wish to learn more about newbuilding at Louis Dreyfus Armateurs Group?

So, take a time to listen to the podcast by Pierre-Arthur Fortin, our Newbuilding engineer at EPI  Engineering, Projects, Innovation department!

Click here!

Podcast made by Cluster Maritime Français.

Interview

Sandra OKAH, Quality Control / Client Manager at OPENR

1/ Could you tell us about your academic background and career path so far?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and a Master’s degree in Mining and Petroleum Engineering. After a few months as a Geological Engineer in Cameroon, I received an offer to work in Belgium as a Prevention Advisor on a construction site. This was my first experience in the QHSE field. After a year with this company, I decided to move to France and studied for a second Master’s degree in Quality, Environment and Safety in Industry and Services at the University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté. As part of my studies, I joined OpenR in 2017 on a work-study contract. I work for the company now as a Quality Control Manager and Client Manager.

2/ Why did you choose this job and what do you do on a daily basis?

While working for a mining company in Cameroon, I quickly realised the importance of QHSE in a company and how important it was to implement and promote a comprehensive and healthy QHSE culture. Mineral prospecting is very much exposed to the three principles of QHSE, particularly health and safety, but we can also see the impact of our activity on the environment. In my opinion, it was important to strike a balance between delivering high quality service while protecting our workers’ safety and reducing our environmental footprint.
My role revolves around the QHSE management system (quality control, HSE receptions, safety instructions, occupational risk assessments, accident analysis, HSE documentation updates, etc.) and customer portfolio management.

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

Integrity, self-sufficiency, versatility, good organisation skills and, of course, good interpersonal skills.

4/ What are your hobbies and interests?

I am passionate about travelling, yoga and photography. At least once a year, I travel to a place I have never been to. Travelling takes me to amazing places and people, and my camera helps me bring back these memories with me.

5/ What do you like the most about your job?

In my job, versatility and commitment. When you are part of a small and growing business, it is a big advantage. I like having the opportunity to work on a wide variety of topics and be actively involved in the company’s QSE policy.
In a broader sense, being part of a team / company which works for a good cause – “green” energy – is extremely rewarding.

6/ How do you implement HSE procedures into OPENR’s operations?

Three steps are necessary to implement a HSE procedure within OPENR.
A preliminary analysis / study is carried out, taking into account any particular context (regulations, activity, environment, etc.). The next step is to draft a project. The project is presented to the whole team with a 5-day consultation period over which team members can provide feedback and ask questions. The procedure is updated if necessary, approved in a final version and circulated to all employees. With all the national and international regulatory changes, a real challenge for us is to keep the documentation up to date and ensure that information is communicated within the company to everyone involved.

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

The first time I climbed to the top of a wind turbine was amazing. I felt like I was on top of the world and the view was incredible!

******

Thank you Sandra for this great job testimonial!

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!