The correspondent of The Maritime Telegraph spoke to DPA, Vice President, Strategic Planning, Seaspan Ship Management Ltd., Erik Merkes Nielsen to find out the way of his success.
Seaspan is the worldwide leader in independent containership management and ownership. Seaspan owns vessels in wide range of sizes, from 2,500 TEU to 14,000 TEU vessels.
MT: How did you start your career? What was your first job?
My first job as an officer was on a container sailing vessel between Europe and Asia. I still remember the feeling of having your first watch of a container vessel worth multi-million dollars, with cargo values tripling that amount, and most importantly being responsible for the safety of your onboard colleagues. I don’t think there are many industries where young people are being entrusted with such a responsibility.
MT: Why did you decide to work in the maritime industry?
From a very early age I developed a passion for shipping. The job of being an officer sounded very exciting and the lifestyle was appealing, offering you a chance to experience the world and work with different cultures.
MT: Did you face any difficulties along the way to your success?
Ohh, for sure. I would say that most days there is a headwind; only a very few days a year you have an easy day. When I was sailing, we spent much effort to improve the condition of the vessel, to maintain an efficient operation, and to ensure no operational disturbances. At sea, there are so many challenges: PSC, schedule adherence, planned maintenance, ISM, rest hours, filling the vessel safely with cargo, etc. From the office, I see those challenges have not changed, but for sure it has become more complex to manage all expectations successfully in the shipping industry.
MT: Do you like travelling? What is your favorite country? Why?
I don’t particularly like traveling, I do enough of that. But I love being in places. A family vacation is amongst the favorites, and we often go to Italy. I love the atmosphere there, the people, the food and wine. We have managed to find a little place that we love to revisit. It is small but in excellent condition and the staff are so friendly and helpful.
MT: What country do you like more Canada or Denmark where you lived before? Why?
I like both countries, but for very different reasons. Denmark because it is a place with a very high quality of life, it’s easy to travel to many great locations in Europe, it has great food, and is close to many of my friends. Canada for the mountains, and in general the outdoor life. The hikes you can do here are spectacular. The nature is so extraordinarily beautiful. This winter, we did our first ever snow shoeing hike, overseeing Vancouver to one side, and when turning 180 degrees looking north towards thousands of kilometers of snow, trees and mountains. Where else can you enjoy outdoor snow activities in the mountains and, within a 20-minute drive, be back down in the city in 25 degrees at the water enjoying a glass of wine?
MT: Do you have any free time for your hobby? Tell us about your hobby please.
I like to play golf, but unfortunately time is not allowing me too much time on the course. The last many years I have only managed to play 2-3 times a year. But you can’t do everything you would like to do, so I am happy every time I manage to do around.
MT: As far as we know your good company is going to arrange an annual forum on the 15-16th of May in Odessa. But before that you will meet with all seafarers and office staff working with Seaspan Ship Management Ltd up for a football tournament at Sauvignon on the 14th of May’17. Tell about these occasions.
Our annual forum in Odessa will start on a Monday, but already on the Sunday we will meet up with most of the colleagues for a friendly football tournament. The main goal is that no one gets injured and we have a little fun together.
It adds an extra dimension to the forum and makes it more personal. We are all part of the Seaspan family and spending a Sunday afternoon with good colleagues is a very nice time that I really enjoy.
MT: We checked the market and there are not so many people in such position in your age. What is your recipe of being a successful man? Tell us your secret please.
I work hard and do my best every day – at this level it is mainly about setting the direction for my colleagues and then helping them to be successful.
Letting the action speak through results is my preference. If you get a manager that doesn’t realize the results delivered, then you have 3 options:
- Help your manager understand the value
- Wait till the manager moves on
- Leave the manager for a place where your results are acknowledged
MT: Whom and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
With my loving wife and in a role that enables me to deliver even greater results.
MT: And of course, our favorite question: what wishes would you make if you found a bottle with a genie?
That every day be just a little better than yesterday.
