Passion for people and technology

Archie (what all his colleagues call him) smiles widely. He enjoys his dual role as a Marine Competence Specialist and the Project Manager for Grieg Star’s Planned Maintenance System (PMS).

“For a while, I thought my passion only revolved around teaching, assessments, mentoring… But then I went on board again as Chief Engineer. And that was good. It made me realise I missed the technical stuff. It was the missing piece.”

Archie eagerly describes how the variety of tasks and his colleagues in Grieg’s office in Manila is a perfect place for him.

“It makes me feel this inner joy. I can engage with others, engage in different activities and tasks, and work with motivated and professional colleagues. It fuels my passions,” he says.

Early commute

Archie gets up before six every morning to commute to the Grieg offices in Makati. The heavy Manila traffic makes lazy mornings with his wife, son and daughter impossible.

“Normally, I am in by seven in the morning. But I am not alone. There are always a few people sharing that early morning coffee – making small talk,” he says.

After the initial checking of e-mails and new messages from his closest colleagues in Norway, his day may go in different directions.

“The e-mails from my colleagues in Norway might be about my experience with a procedure or equipment or requests for assistance. Some days, I will have teaching, assessments, and interviews for promotions. I may have orientations with cadets or crew. Or just discussing experiences or giving advice related to situations onboard.”

“Love what you do”

Even if the office may be quiet and filled with people concentrating on their tasks, laughter is never far away.

“People here love what they do. Steve Jobs said, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do’. And I think that’s why people here are happy.”

The happiness is added to by regular “wellness activities” – out-of-office activities to increase team cohesion.

“When you work in an environment with open, motivated and enthusiastic people, it is hard to get stressed. My colleagues live up to the company value of being open. When you’re open, you are not afraid to share what’s on your mind or to make mistakes.”

A good place to be

Archie started his career as a seafarer because of his uncle, a cook. The gifts and chocolates he brought, paired with the stories about far-away places like Europe and America, were tempting for a little Filipino boy.

After sailing as an engineer for a few years, he started as a teacher at the Norwegian Training Centre in Manila. When a colleague told him about an opening with Grieg Philippines, he jumped at the chance.

“Even when I was in college, people talked about Grieg Star. They talked about the food onboard, the procedures, the safe operations, and the excellent relationship with the officers,” Archie says.

“And now, when I work ashore, I see the same: The work-life harmony, the innovations, the use of new technology. And it’s a company that actually cares about the environment and climate – about decarbonisation and the safety of its employees. This is a good place to be.”