podcasts
This is where I’ll post all the podcast interviews I record with Oldendorff colleagues, both on shore and at sea, as well as anyone else brave enough to share their thoughts.
Chief Officer: Gokhan Boz
Chief Officer Gokhan shares what it takes to keep a ship safe and its crew united, from planning every detail to building trust across twelve nationalities.
Ice navigation: Nigel Greenwood
Step into the world of polar seas as Nigel shares how icebergs, oceanography, and seamanship collide in the demanding art of ice navigation.
Master Mariner: Paing Phyo
When I sat down with Captain Paing Phyo, he spoke about his journey from Myanmar to the captain’s chair, and about the kind of leadership that holds a ship together. He describes himself as a dolphin-style captain: guiding with calm attention, building trust, and making sure no one feels alone at sea. Our conversation revealed how his way of leading shapes both the daily rhythm and the human spirit of life on board.
Second Officer: Louie Abdon Dumagat (his story)
A candid exchange on storms, ship routines, and the small acts that keep life at sea steady and human.
Second Officer: Louie Abdon Dumagat (part 2)
Part two of my conversation with Second Officer Louie Abdon Dumagat explores the bridge in motion, from radar screens and radios to steering modes, safety backups, and the small human touches that make long voyages manageable.
Third Officer: Beata Zamlynska
From seasick and scared to standing watch on a tall ship, Beata’s path to the bridge is anything but straight. She tells stories of training, tall ship races, and a first posting in the Suez that changed everything.
Steward: Ryan Maquilan
In my conversation with Steward Reyan Maquilan, what came through most clearly was his quiet presence and steady kindness. He spoke about his daily routines, his years at sea, and his motivation to care for his family back home. What I see on board matches his words: Reyan is the heart of this crew, the one who keeps things running and makes life at sea feel more like home.
Ice pilot: Nigel Greenwood
What do a twin brother, a race to Alaska, and polar bear sightings have in common? In this podcast, I talk to ice pilot Nigel Greenwood about Navy life, risky voyages, and what it takes to sail safely through Arctic waters.
Cook: Sajeewa Abeysundara
This story comes from a conversation with Sajeewa, our cook from Sri Lanka. He prepares three meals a day for 25 people, balancing preferences while managing provisions and long hours in the galley. What shines through is how he creates connection through food and small traditions: Sunday pancakes, ice cream with chocolate sauce, and meals made with quiet care that lift morale more than any speech from the bridge.
Pilot: Christian von der Haar
What does it take to guide a 15-meter draft vessel up the Elbe? I speak with Christian, a pilot with deep knowledge of these waters and a calm way of explaining what could go wrong. He is one of the reasons we sail safely.
Reflections: coexisting worlds
What do fishing boats, sailboats, and cargo ships have in common? Very little, as it turns out. In this episode, I reflect on learning the ropes—without trying to tie the wrong knots.
2nd Officer: Louie Abdon Dumagat (part 1)
2nd Officer Louie Abdon Dumagat walks me through the bridge control station, explaining how the ship stays safe and on course using radar, GPS, depth sounders, and alarms. A calm, focused look into the tools and teamwork that guide us forward.
Reflections: your questions (week 3)
This week’s podcast comes from Narvik Harbor, where I take time to respond to some of your questions about life on board.
Fire drill and abandon ship drill
Seven short blasts and one long break the routine. What follows is a carefully practiced emergency drill: crew members moving with calm focus, firefighters gearing up, teams carrying out their duties in silence and sync. At sea, safety is something you train for.
Reflections: where I live
Take a walk with me through the superstructure I now call home. From the quiet focus of the bridge to the hum of laundry rooms, mess tables, and gym floors, this short tour captures the rhythms, spaces, and small details of daily life at sea.
Technical Data Desk Manager: Özgün Nalbantoglu
Özgün shares his journey from engine rooms to the Fleet office, reflecting on life at sea, working with international crews, and how BASSnet helps connect ships with shore.
Director - Financial & Administration: Simon Smakowski
From off-road trails in Bosnia to the engine rooms of cargo ships, Simon shares a grounded look at adventure, fleet management, and the everyday choices that keep ships and crews moving.
Azubi: Oliver Hall
(The podcast is in English. I started out wrong.)
Ollie reflects on his first months at sea, where sailing skills, cargo logistics, and off-key karaoke all became part of the job.
Head of Procurement: Henning Wegner
From Canadian retail to ship spare parts, Henning Wegner keeps global crews running smoothly and well fed.
Fleet Manager: Harald Cordt
A warm conversation with Harald about life at sea, shipbuilding, leadership, and how being far from home teaches you what truly matters.
Director Port Operations: Capt. Vijay Fernandez
This episode is with Capt. Vijay Fernandez and it traces Vijay’s path from deck cadet to Master Mariner and beyond, offering candid insights on exams, life at sea, career shifts, and the simple joy of doing work you truly enjoy.
What does family life look like when the sea is part of the picture? Maria Pereira shares stories of sailing, schooling on board, and finding strength in community.
Three months at sea, one trainee’s story: Adrian Pereira shares the highs, challenges, and rhythms of life aboard a bulk carrier.