Personnel questions

Arne Jakob Eide

Project Engineer

HOW DID COVID AFFECT YOUR WORK?

I had been working for Østensjø Rederi for about a month when Covid required me to work from home. It was a bit challenging at first, but thanks to good routines at my department for having daily meetings on Teams, I got to know my colleagues quite quickly. Having a desk job, I don’t think Covid really affected my work tasks significantly, but rather taught me to work in new ways. Fun fact: I sold my office desk and chair in January 2020 since I had never worked from home before…

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Maybe a ship designer. Then I could make all sorts of cool ships!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOB?

Trying to keep order of all of the projects we are working on simultaneously at the Project Department.

Rebecca Cooper

2. Officer, Edda Mistral

HOW DID COVID AFFECT YOUR WORK?

Covid brought many hurdles to us on board. Among those were keeping the Crew and Technicians separate as per the bubble rules, the recreational areas were divided, and the gyms separated by a rota. We were all used to the social distancing and face mask rules already. Covid psychologically affected me because we are required to carry out a RAT test before being allowed to join, meaning you are unsure if you will be getting home until your relief passed.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Wildlife Photographer. I love travelling, adventure and watching animals in their natural habitats.

WHAT IS THE PERFECT DAY AT WORK?

We are usually lucky with our weather, being based Southern North Sea, but clear skies and calm seas are a good start. A busy but varied day of activities followed by our amazing Cooks Chinese night sounds pretty good to me!

Juergen Kreinbihl

Hotel Manager – Edda Fides/Catering Manager

HOW DID COVID AFFECT YOUR WORK?

I would say that COVID affected us all very much. Especially on Edda Fides it was enormous to keep up sometimes. Anyhow the ship had a project, which gave the company and many people an opportunity to generate income in an extremely challenging situation.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would not choose anything else.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOB?

The biggest challenge is to interact with a lot of people and fulfill their needs and answer their questions. Once you solved something, a new challenge occurs

Karolina Larsen

Crew Coordinator

WHAT MAKES A GOOD WORK ENVIRONMENT?

Good and supportive colleagues, respect amongst each other – despite different opinions, and an open and honest communication.

HOW DID COVID AFFECT YOUR WORK?

To have the latest update on Covid rules and regulations, both in Norway and in other countries we operate in has been difficult, and not at least our clients’ own procedures prior to crew change. Home office worked surprisingly well, especially after a few weeks when the “new routine” settled. I of course missed my colleagues but we had daily meetings to keep each other up to date.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Fire fighter or Fire Safety Engineer.

Ekaterina Gubar

Office Trainee

HOW DID COVID AFFECT YOUR WORK?

I started at Østensjø after Covid-19 began which makes it’s difficult for me to compare what it was like here before the pandemic and now. The most noticeable is the disinfection, registration of guests and, of course, the distance from colleagues and visitors.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD WORK ENVIRONMENT?

If you come to the Haugesund office, you will quickly find out what a good work environment is. There is inclusion, openness, honesty and good humor!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOB?

The biggest challenge in my job is probably to keep track of everything. There are many lists you have to update and pay attention to.