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meant I got the opportunity to really learn vessel han- ing this market forward.” dling and maneuvering.” Her seafaring background continues to shape her lead-

It was also her introduction to dynamic positioning ership. “When you’ve maneuvered a vessel into a quay in (DP), the precise system that holds vessels in place near rough weather, you gain confdence. You learn resilience. offshore structures. “It was a steep learning curve,” she Onshore, no challenge feels quite as daunting in compari- says, “but incredibly rewarding. You are in direct control, son. And of course,” she adds with a smile, “after giving working very close to massive offshore installations. It re- birth to two daughters, I feel unstoppable.” ally sharpened my skills.” Refecting on her journey, Peippo offers clear encour-

Her offshore years included time in the North Sea and agement to those considering a maritime career. “Go later Brazil, where she advanced to chief offcer. Working for it. It’s an incredible way to see the world, to learn in Brazil also meant a multicultural environment. “The about yourself, and to grow. You spend a lot of time crew changed—Nordic sailors were the minority, Brazil- with your own thoughts—it builds independence. And ians became the majority. Learning to adapt to different it gives you a strong foundation, whether you stay at sea ways of working was a big part of the experience. And of your whole career or transition ashore. Maritime pre- course, the weather was a bonus,” she laughs. “For me, 20 pares you for anything.” degrees Celsius feels like summer. For them, it was winter, hats and coats came out. It gave me perspective.”

Steerprop Tech: Form Meets Function

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Rauma, Steer-

Coming Ashore prop specializes in azimuth propulsion systems—highly

Life at sea shaped her, but eventually family came frst. maneuverable propulsors that rotate 360 degrees to pro- “I have two daughters,” she says. “After the second was vide thrust in any direction. These systems are critical for born, I knew it was time to fnd a role on shore.” That op- vessels that operate in demanding environments, from portunity came when Rolls-Royce launched its new Ship offshore supply and construction vessels to tugs, ice-

Intelligence division in Turku, Finland, focused on remote breakers, and ferries.

and autonomous vessel operations. “Azimuth propulsion is about precision and control,”

Her practical experience made her invaluable. “I became Peippo explains. “For offshore operators, maneuverabil- a maritime advisor. The engineers needed to understand ity is everything—whether approaching an installation, how things actually work onboard—how processes from holding position, or working in tight harbor conditions.” vessel life could translate into shore-based control centers. Steerprop also delivers tunnel thrusters and retractable

That was my role, to bridge that gap.” units, offering a complete package for vessels requiring advanced maneuvering.

Key customer drivers include:

Finding Steerprop • Energy Effciency & Sustainability:

Her next chapter brought her back to Rauma, her “Owners are very focused on reducing hometown—and to Steerprop, a propulsion manufac- turer she frst discovered onboard a vessel. “I remember environmental footprint. Our role is to design seeing Steerprop’s name in the manuals and noticing they pr opulsors that are as energy-effcient as possible, were based in Rauma. It stuck with me. Later, when I helping lower CO emissions.” 2 • Reliability & Operability: “Uptime is critical. was looking for new opportunities, I reached out. They were building their sales team, and it turned out to be a O ur systems are built to maximize vessel availability.” • Extended Maintenance Cycles: “Some operators perfect ft.”

Today, Peippo serves as Offshore Segment Director, want longer drydocking intervals—seven and a half or even ten years, compared to the typical with responsibility for sales strategy, customer engage- ment, and aligning offshore market needs with Steerprop’s fv e. We can provide that fexibility.”

Adaptability is at the core of Steerprop’s philosophy. product development. “We have dedicated people for each segment—arctic, tug and workboats, ferry and cruise, and “We listen carefully to customers,” says Peippo. “Every project is unique, and we can tailor our technology to offshore. My role is to focus on the offshore sector: renew- match requirements.” able energy vessels, special vessels, and the operators driv-

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