Editorial Dear seafarers, Broadly speaking, the majority of pieces in this issue can be separated into two categories. In the first category are those pieces with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats present in the shipping industry. In the second, there are articles that require a degree of emotional intelligence for the reader to identify meaningfully with the content. One section that highlights a strength is Safety First! In this section the existence of a strong safety culture is laid out. What is more, the piece points out that despite having a good safety record, improvements are always being sought so as to reach Goal Zero. Another strength is the industry’s specialist knowledge, an example of which appears in the Culture Corner section on the Inuit. A third strength appears in the Bodies of Water section on the Strait of Malacca, which is a prime example of a wellestablished, well-administered shipping route that facilitates seaborne trade. Last, but not least, the Company News article on M/T Merapi’s transportation of oil to Sri Lanka illustrates how shipping not only drives the global economy but also acts as a lifeline to communities in desperate need. With regard to weaknesses, the Women in Maritime article reveals how the lack of gender diversity in high-level positions in shipping and among seafarers is depriving the industry of a valuable resource. Fortunately, as mentioned in the article, the weakness is being competently addressed and gender imbalance is being reduced. An excellent example of opportunity is given in the Technical section on additive manufacturing, which can solve logistics issues and increase efficiency. The fact that this technology is being adopted is indicative of the kind of forward thinking that is embraced in shipping. As far as threats are concerned, an extremely serious one, the liquefaction of iron ore cargoes, is dealt
with in the Marine Operations section. These two pieces were written by two new contributors, Christos Chatzigiaksoglou and Marios Strongyloudis respectively. I thank them for their efforts that resulted in highly informative pieces. The articles that require emotional intelligence for a greater degree of appreciation are the Nostalgia section, the Crew Department contribution and the Voices from the Fleet section. In the former, there are touching accounts of how family members have influenced and inspired Company ship and shore personnel in their careers. The Crew Dept. tribute brought us the tragic news of a death of one of our Seafarers in Ukraine, while the latter gave descriptions of memories made while working for the Company. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all those who contributed to these sections in this issue for sharing their stories. The value of their content is immeasurable as it is the social awareness aspect of emotional intelligence that allows us to communicate efficiently and improve our mental well-being. I also want to inform our readers that not all the submissions for the Nostalgia section could be included in this issue. However, this does mean that there will be other heart-warming accounts in the next instalment(s) of Nostalgia. Last but not least, I want to express my gratitude to all those who gave a brief account of important aspects of their careers for the Women in Maritime article. Again, there will be more to follow in the next issue. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this issue of Wavelength. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions regarding the content, please do not hesitate to contact me at contact@wavelength.gr. Best wishes, Nick Seaman
Company News OMV TMSA Audit On 13th and 14th April, our Head Office team underwent a TMSA Audit from the Austrian multinational oil company, OMV, and Adriatic Vetting, which is responsible for ship vetting/screening/ clearance. After two years of remote audits (remote everything actually), this was the first physical one, and what a welcome return to normality it was! Such audits are always a good opportunity to exchange views, clarify questions and discuss best practices, but JanMartin Kusztrich and Capt. Alessia Lonza made it ever so easy and rewarding, for which we thank them. Congratulations are also due to our office team led by SQE Manager, Ms. Elli Moretti, for making these two days productive and successful. From left to right: Jan-Martin Kusztrich, Elli Moretti, Capt. Alessia Lonza and Anthony Lambros
Disclaimer: The contents provided herewith are for general information purposes only and are not intended to replace or otherwise contradict the detailed instructions and procedures issued by the owners, managers, flag etc. The articles presented and the views expressed in the bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Editor: Nicholas Seaman • Email: contact@wavelength.gr • Design-Production: www.remdesign.gr
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Issue 80-June 2022
