Page 36: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2011)

FEATURE TRAINING & EDUCATION

Höegh LNG is a fully integrated LNG transportation and services company op- erating a fleet of seven LNG carriers, in- cluding the two innovative new build shuttle and regasification vessels (SRVs),

GDF Suez Cape Ann and GDF Suez

Neptune. According to Stærk, the com- pany enjoys an impressive crew retention rate for its senior officers and other offi- cers: 90% for senior officers, 87% for all other officers.

However, as global demand for LNG expands, the need for highly skilled per- sonnel remains a major challenge for ship owners. Recently the International Ship- managers Association (InterManager),

The Research Council of Norway and

Marintek introduced a KPI (key per- formance indicator) standard for ship- ping, which is a calculable method for ship managers and operators to use as a benchmark for such considerations as of- ficers retention rate, crew planning and officers experience rate.

Höegh LNG recorded strong perform- ance in retention rates, and has plans im- prove on that rate year by year. “Our high retention rates and competent officers and crew tell me that people are generally sat- isfied with how the company treats its seafarers,” Stærk says. “Our main aim is to strengthen this relationship.”

THE THREE R’S

According to Stærk, the most important consideration from an HR manager’s point of view is the three R’s – ‘R-ecruit,

R-etrain and R-etain’. Höegh LNG works hard to recruit the most experienced sea- farers and offers a broad range of quality training programs to ensure safe and ef- fective operations. “We have always maintained a high training standard for the operation of our LNG carriers, but with the introduction of more sophisti- cated tonnage such as the Neptune SRVs, we recognise that advanced training is not just a benefit, but a necessity,” he says. “As the company continues to ex- pand into the LNG supply chain and de- velop other types of specialized tonnage, we will invest more into these programs.”

Stærk notes that taking steps to ensure crew safety and improving onboard con- ditions are linked to strong performance. “Our vessels are equipped with a gymna- sium, relaxation areas, internet and other key facilities that benefit the crew during leisure time,” he says. “In addition, the

SRVs have been classed with the DNV

COMFORT notation, which keeps noise and vibration to a minimum.”

Safety features include spray shields at high-pressure LNG flanges, hazardous area classifications, specialized relief and vent systems and redundant gas detec- tion, monitoring and alarm systems.

THE HUMAN TOUCH

Stærk says that, Höegh LNG makes a genuine effort to treat seafarers as indi- viduals, not numbers. “Myself and my team visit vessels at least once a year to get a better sense of the crews’ needs and to get to know them individually,” he says. “By creating culture of good com- munication, it is easier to provide them with good support.”

In addition, Höegh LNG regularly holds officers’ and crew conferences in

Croatia, Norway and the Philippines, which provide the setting for all our mar- itime colleagues to take the opportunity to meet and discuss issues that matters to them. The opportunity for dialogue helps to maintain a good relationship between

Höegh LNG and its employees. Manage- ment take the views of the officers and crew into consideration and value the of- ficers’ input. Stærk said the company en- courages the crew to suggest onboard improvements, so they have a direct in- fluence on their place of work, and every year, Höegh LNG invites masters and chief engineers along with their spouses to Oslo for a holiday feast. “It is more im- portant for Höegh LNG to be visible and communicate, rather than simply giving away awards,” he says. “Höegh LNG’s salaries are competitive, but we aim that the crew primarily will choose to work with us or stay with us because we offer them a chance to feel valued and have a say in how they work.”

Human Element

Øivind Stærk, Head of Maritime Personnel, Höegh LNG, discusses the factors that help attract and retain experienced crew. 36 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News