As the Operations Director, West Africa, I am focused on ensuring that our service is delivered in the most efficient method, to the highest standards and in line with local and regional regulations, enabling the successful implementation of our core business objectives that deliver the strategic plan of the company.
Working within West Africa is not for the faint of heart, delivering multiple operations in numerous countries, compliantly, overcoming the challenges that West Africa brings on a daily basis, brings an enormous sense of achievement to be able to deliver these complex operations successfully in such a challenging environment. Additionally, the mitigation of risks faced by vessels and their crew members transiting through the HRA GoG and, installing those individuals with the confidence they can make their port calls and conduct their operations safely, provides me with a huge amount of satisfaction.
First and foremost is a well-trained, experienced, proactive and enthusiastic team that go the extra mile in order to ensure our operations are delivered in a timely and professional manner. The motivation and diligence of the team is essential to securing this outcome. Furthermore, my military career has enabled me to be able to evaluate the climate, risks and logistical intricacies that are required to operate effectively within both hostile and challenging environments whilst ensuring that the duties with which we are charged, are completed as safely, securely and efficiently as possible.
The dynamic environment of Shipping Operations within the Gulf of Guinea means we have to remain fluid, flexible and responsive to changes in in ETAs, berthing prospects and cargo operations. The significant planning that is required into the mobilisation of security escorts vessels and meeting client vessels up to 200Nm offshore at an agreed time and location is one of the challenges specific to West Africa. In order to deliver these operations includes the management and training of our own fleet and crews, provision of food, fuel, fresh water and the deployment of Navy Teams however, with sufficient planning, contingencies and mitigation methods our team have proven to excel in managing these Operations in West Africa. A further challenge is anticipating our next step as a business, identifying challenges and opportunities alike, pre-empting these aspects and ensuring we remain ahead of the game and the go to provider for maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea
If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to meet it!