Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget : Just in time - an important focal pint for Captain Cathrine

'Maneuvering to berth is a major challenge and an important part of the captain's job. Ideally, it should be quick, smooth and safe.' So says Cathrine Essén, new master of the M/V SCA Ortviken. Like most of the crew, she spends weeks at a time aboard the vessel and considers it her second home.

Since graduating from maritime academy in 2011, Cathrine has sailed on all of SCA's RoRo vessels and held a number of positions. In May, she was appointed permanent captain of M/V SCA Ortviken, meaning that she bears the ultimate responsibility for everything on board, crew and cargo alike. Ensuring that the vessel remains on schedule is one very important duty.

'This is a just-in-time business. We have our fixed route and we should always remain on schedule. Aside from sailing safely and securely, our main task is to ensure that customers receive their goods on time. At the same time, we also aim to operate as fuel-efficiently as possible. We reduce speed to benefit the environment and economy, if weather and schedule allows it. One of the important things here is to keep an eye on the weather forecast, so we can make the right decision,' she says.

Challenged by the currents and winds
As captain, it is Cathrine who decides how fast the vessel should sail. That being said, she rarely operates the ship personally, as this is the job of the second mate and chief mate; however, as the vessel approaches the quay, it is she who takes the helm.

'Like most captains, I find this a very enjoyable part of the job. Manoeuvring a vessel this large is a challenge and no two moorings are the same, but once you've got to grips with the forces at work, it is generally relatively easy, even if strong winds can complicate matters considerably at times,' says Cathrine.

Each port has very different and shifting conditions and Sheerness in the United Kingdom is one of the trickiest as there is almost always a strong tide.

'It can be a matter of two knots to push the vessel one way or the other but over time you get the hang of it.'

There is never any question of taking risks. If conditions are difficult with strong winds, a pilot and tug are always employed to help pull or push the vessel into berth safely and securely. Cathrine does not spend much time on the bridge while the vessel is on the high seas.

'No, as captain I have a great deal of coordination and administration to deal with. I spend a lot of time in front of the computer maintaining contact with the authorities, ordering inspections, dealing with certificates, crew scheduling and much more.'

Well maintained
Cathrine confirms that SCA's three sister vessels M/V SCA Ortviken, M/V SCA Östrand and M/V SCA Obbola are pleasant to work on.

'They are relatively simple to manoeuvre as they have plenty of engine power, good rudders and thrusters, but they are also pleasant in general. They may have a few miles on the clock, but they are well maintained so they are nice and fresh, which is important considering how much time the crew spends on board. The ship is our second home.'

Cathrine generally works for between three and six weeks and then has same amount of time off.

'It's a very special way of life but it suits me perfectly. When I'm on board, it's Monday all week, as we work every day, but the schedule is well planned so one doesn't get too tired. And once I get home, I'm completely free and have time to get a great deal done,' she says and continues:

'I enjoy life on board. We're a team that goes about our task in the best possible manner and that's what attracts me. We have a great crew and that's incredibly important. You need to be able to rely on each other and trust in one another's skills.'

Gym and badminton court
There is a crew of 12 on board and, according to Cathrine, they are like a family. As well as working together, they also eat, work out and do much else together while on board. The vessel is equipped with both a gym and badminton court, where Cathrine and many of her shipmates spend a lot of their free time.

'Apart from that, I read books, watch films or sit in the dayroom and socialise,' says Cathrine. She has no need to spend time cooking as there is a chef on board.

'It's a real luxury to have everything served up. When I get home, there's always a period of adjustment when I realise that I have to cook for myself again,' says Catherine.

She is looking forward to barbecue evenings on deck during the summer.

'During the winter, we spend most of our time on board indoors but in the summer we can sit outside and eat when the weather is fine. Barbeques are very much appreciated.'

Inspiring more women
Women are in a distinct minority at sea; for example, only 9% of the Swedish Maritime Officers' Association's active members are women. Cathrine is the first woman to captain one of SCA's RoRo vessels. She believes that the gender imbalance is largely the result of an antiquated image of life at sea.

'It was rougher before, both the physical labour itself and the jargon, but now it works splendidly to be a woman on board. On the M/V SCA Ortviken, we have both a female chief mate and a female able seaman. Even if we are still some way from achieving a gender balance, I believe that having at least a certain mix is good for group dynamics,' she says, and continues:

'Hopefully, the more women we are and the more visible we are, the more women will take the leap and set their sights on a life at sea. I'm proud to be the first female captain in the SCA fleet and look forward to working with the highly professional crew of the M/V SCA Ortviken.'

Text: Kerstin Olofsson

Bild: Jonas Eriksson, Linnea Kristensson

Published 6/23/2021

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