Container shipping is built on precision. Schedules are tight, ports are busy, and the margin for error at sea is minimal. Behind the scenes, safe and reliable voyages depend on careful passage planning, disciplined watchkeeping, and a bridge team that stays focused even when conditions change quickly.

In this Q&A, Chris, Second Officer in Zodiac Maritime’s container fleet, shares what the role involves on board, from route planning and maintaining charts to supporting safety culture as the ship’s Safety Officer. Chris also brings a valuable second perspective: he spends time on shore in Zodiac Maritime’s London office working in Container Operations, giving him a clearer view of how decisions made on land connect with the realities at sea.

What is your role at Zodiac Maritime, what does your remit cover, and what are your main responsibilities?

I’m in a slightly unusual position because I have two roles within Zodiac Maritime, which complement each other well.

My main role is Second Officer on the container fleet. Onboard, I’m responsible for the work that keeps the bridge team confident in the strategy: passage planning and making sure our digital and paper charts and publications are always current. I also act as the ship’s Safety Officer, which means ensuring and encouraging the very highest possible safety standards and culture day-to-day – not just through procedures, but by keeping standards consistent, speaking up early, and making safety an integral part of how we work rather than something separate.

Alongside my sea role, I currently spend time in Zodiac Maritime’s London office within the Container Operations department. I look after a number of vessels and I’m learning what it takes to manage operations from shore, including how you support ships, anticipate issues, and keep the wider plan moving. Seeing both sides helps you understand what “great” looks like across the whole system.

How would you describe your role to someone outside the industry in one sentence?

I’m part of the team responsible for plotting the ship’s course and steering a 366-metre vessel safely, ensuring we deliver cargo on time while protecting the crew, the ship and the environment.

What does a typical day look like for you?

At sea, my day is built around watchkeeping. I keep navigation watch from 12:00 to 16:00 and 00:00 to 04:00. Outside those watches, there’s plenty that still needs doing. I carry out safety rounds, keep the hospital in good order, and stay on top of bridge equipment so there are no surprises when you need systems to work exactly as expected.

It’s also important to make time for the human side of life at sea. You can be working hard and still make space to stay connected with people. On board, even something as simple as a game of basketball with the crew on Sundays helps morale and keeps teams feeling like a team.

In port, the rhythm changes again. The focus becomes monitoring cargo operations and making sure everything is progressing according to the loading plan. It’s a different kind of intensity, but it demands the same attention to detail because you’re dealing with a live operation and tight timelines.

What do you enjoy most about working at Zodiac Maritime?

I genuinely value being able to spend time both at sea and in the office, because it gives you a full picture of the company and the decisions that sit behind each voyage.

I also enjoy the challenge. Some weeks it’s preparing for Port State Control, other times it’s supporting Flag or Class inspections, but the common thread is working with the crew to meet the standard every time. And then there’s the best part of ship life: the friendships you build. It’s a small world in the end, and it’s always good when you meet someone again on a different vessel months or years later.

There’s also a sense of pride in being part of the Zodiac family, you feel it both on board and shoreside when people are aligned on how they want to operate.

What is a memorable moment or achievement you are most proud of?

A moment that really stands out was joining a vessel for the first time as a newly qualified Third Officer and taking the ship out of Shanghai towards South Korea during the height of the Chinese fishing season.

It was one of those situations where you quickly realise what the job actually means in practice. You’ve trained for it, but in that moment the responsibility becomes real. You’re responsible for navigating safely, managing risk, supporting the bridge team, and knowing that you have a crew, a ship, and a huge amount of cargo relying on good decisions. It was a milestone for me because it felt like the point where the dream turned into the day-to-day reality of being a navigation officer.

What is one thing people often misunderstand about your role, or about shipping?

A common misunderstanding is that navigation is mainly about standing on the bridge and looking out of the window.

What people don’t see is the preparation before a vessel ever sets sail. There are endless hours of planning to build a route that reflects the latest information, taking into account weather, currents, traffic patterns, restrictions, hazards, and obstructions. You’re trying to produce an optimised route, but also one that is safe and realistic.

Then, once you’re underway, you’re often navigating in increasingly dense traffic environments. Places like China during fishing season are a good example… It’s busy, it changes quickly, and you need a bridge team that stays alert and coordinated. Add to that the routine work of ensuring bridge equipment is maintained and functioning so you have confidence in your position and your systems throughout the voyage. A lot of the work is invisible, but it’s exactly what keeps a ship operating safely and efficiently.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in shipping?

I’d say go for it. It’s a dynamic industry with global opportunities and a lot of variety in the work.

You get to see the world and sometimes experience places in ways you don’t expect. For example, I’ve done things like shark diving in South Africa and a safari while in Durban. But beyond travel, the biggest benefit is the people – you work with crews from all over the world, and you’re constantly learning.

And the career doesn’t stop at sea. If you reach a point where you’ve had enough ship life, there are many shore-based roles you can move into. Having sea-time experience gives you a strong foundation for those positions, because you understand what the job looks like in reality.

What makes a high-performing team in your area of responsibility?

On container vessels, a high-performing bridge team is defined by its ability to keep operations safe and efficient consistently.

You get there through technical proficiency, but also through bridge resource management, proactive situational awareness, and strong leadership and mentorship. The best bridge teams are the ones where people communicate clearly, challenge assumptions respectfully, and support each other. It’s not about one person doing everything, it’s about a team operating to a shared standard.

What does good coordination look like between ship and shore in your area?

Good coordination between ship and shore is crucial. It comes down to clear communication, shared planning, and being aligned on the same objective: running the vessel to the highest standard possible.

When ship and shore are operating as one team, changes are easier to manage, and support feels more practical. That alignment makes a real difference when conditions shift quickly or when decisions need to be made fast.

What does ‘operational excellence’ mean in day-to-day terms for your team?

For the bridge team, operational excellence is a proactive, standardised and safe operating mindset.

In day-to-day terms, it means doing the task properly the first time, sticking to the right routines, and always looking for small improvements that make operations more efficient without compromising safety. It’s the accumulation of how the bridge team plans, communicates, checks, and follows through – watch after watch, voyage after voyage.

Chris’s experience underlines a practical reality of container shipping, how performance is built through preparation, discipline, and the reliability of routines that most people never see. Passage planning, equipment checks, watchkeeping, and safety rounds are not glamorous, but all of it matters.

It also reinforces the point that operational excellence is not only a shipboard outcome. When ship and shore communicate well, plan together, and stay aligned on standards, decisions become better and support becomes more effective. For Chris, moving between vessel and office provides a clearer view of that connection, and a reminder that “doing the basics well” is what keeps a complex system running safely.

What is it really like to start your career at sea – and how does a cadetship shape the way you work, learn and live day to day? For Siddhant, an Engine Cadet with Zodiac Maritime, the past two months onboard have been an intensive introduction to life in the engine room.

From early starts and structured routines to hands-on maintenance and learning in real operating conditions, Siddhant’s first sea phase has offered lessons that go far beyond the classroom. In this Q&A, Siddhant shares what surprised him most about life at sea, what a typical day looks like, and the moments that have made him feel proud.

What’s your role, and where are you in the cadetship programme?

I am an Engine Cadet with Zodiac Maritime and have recently completed two months at sea, which has been an important learning stage in my cadetship journey. As I progress through the programme, I hope to keep building my knowledge and, by the end of my contract, gain as much experience as possible in machinery operation and troubleshooting major equipment onboard.

What’s been the biggest surprise about life at sea so far?

The biggest surprise for me has been how structured and disciplined life at sea is. Before joining, I was a bit of a night owl, with an irregular routine and an unhealthy diet. Life at sea has helped me develop discipline, eat more cleanly, and follow a proper daily routine. I have also started going to the gym regularly, which has been a really positive change, and something I plan to continue when I’m back home.

Talk us through a typical day onboard – what does your routine look like?

My day starts at 6:30am. After breakfast, I report to the Engine Control Room by 7:30am. The day begins with a morning discussion involving the entire engine department, where we review the day’s jobs, important updates and safety-related matters. Tasks are then allocated, similar to a toolbox talk.

Before starting my assigned work, I carry out an important routine responsibility: taking tank soundings and maintaining accurate tank records. After that, if a specific task is assigned to me, I complete it accordingly. Otherwise, I usually assist the Third Engineer. Working closely with him has been a valuable learning experience, as it allows me to observe operations in detail and gain practical knowledge.

We have a coffee break at 10:30am, followed by lunch at 12:00 noon and a rest period until 1:00pm. After that, we resume duties until the afternoon coffee break at 3:00pm, and the workday generally ends by 5:00pm.

In the evening, I go to the gym at around 5:30pm, have dinner at 6:30pm, and then spend time completing my training record book and Zodiac Maritime training projects. If time permits, I relax by watching a movie, and I usually turn in by 10:00pm.

What have you learned that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

Onboard, I have learned how machinery and systems behave under real operating conditions. Skills such as troubleshooting, teamwork during operations, safety awareness, and adapting in real time can only truly be developed at sea, not just through textbooks.

I completed a four-year engineering degree with extensive theoretical coursework and examinations. While my university has one of the largest workshops, I feel there is always a gap between theory and practical application. Adapting to a real working environment requires hands-on involvement and active participation in actual tasks.

For example, I was particularly fascinated by auxiliary machinery such as the boiler. I understood its basic principles, operation, and components in theory, but working on it onboard was a completely different experience. During burner maintenance, which I carried out with the Third Engineer, I was able to see the components in real conditions and gain hands-on experience. These are the lessons that cannot be fully learned in a classroom but are invaluable at sea.

What moment has made you feel most felt proud while working onboard, such as a task, a situation, or a specific milestone?

Completing my two months at sea already feels like a significant achievement. Being trusted with responsibilities, contributing to daily operations, and gaining confidence in the engine room environment have made the experience both rewarding and motivating for my career.

Before joining, some relatives warned me that life at sea would be very difficult and warned that I might fall sick or struggle to cope. However, by showing eagerness to work every day and maintaining a positive attitude, I gradually gained the confidence and trust of the senior engineers. Being able to carry out certain tasks independently now feels especially meaningful.

Finally, a message to anyone reading about my experience: there may be days when you feel things are not working out and you may think about giving up, but trusting the process is important. With time, things do fall into place. After nearly two months and twenty five days onboard, I feel truly grateful to be part of a supportive crew, and I’m motivated to continue my journey ahead.

Siddhant’s first sea phase offers a simple but powerful reminder of what cadetships are designed to do: turn classroom knowledge into real operational understanding, and help early-career seafarers build the discipline, confidence and practical judgement that life at sea demands.

As Siddhant continues his Zodiac Maritime cadetship, his focus remains on learning as much as possible: from the machinery itself and from the people around him.

With a structured routine, hands-on experience, and the support of the engine department, he is building the foundations for a long-term career at sea.

A ship at sea is a self-contained workplace that runs around the clock. From the outside, shipping can look straightforward: a vessel travelling from one port to the next. But behind every voyage is a constant flow of planning, important judgement calls, and careful coordination, balanced against stringent safety requirements, compliance and other realities from working on the ocean.

In this Q&A, Captain Oleksandr, AFNI, a Master onboard a Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) – part of Zodiac Maritime’s diverse fleet – shares what his role involves day-to-day, what it takes to deliver reliable operations for customers, what makes a strong onboard crew and team, and why consistent standards and clear communication matter as much as technical capability. He also reflects on what he enjoys most about life at sea, and the pride that comes from helping cadets and junior officers grow into their responsibilities and careers.

What is your role at Zodiac Maritime, what does your remit cover, and what are your main responsibilities?

As Master on a fleet of PCTC vessels, I’m responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the vessel and for ensuring we meet international regulations and Zodiac Maritime’s high standards at all times. In practice, that means overseeing navigation and cargo operations, leading the onboard team, maintaining a strong safety culture, ensuring the wellbeing of my crew and making sure the ship is prepared for what the sea and the schedule might bring. Ultimately, responsibility sits with me and I am accountable for everything that happens onboard.

How would you describe your role to someone outside the industry in one sentence?

Think of it as running a floating workplace that operates 24/7: keeping people safe, making critical decisions in real time, and ensuring the ship does its job reliably while the world’s trade keeps moving across the oceans.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Most days begin early with a quiet coffee and a check of the voyage plan, weather routing, notices, and messages coming in from shore. From there, the day is a mix of looking ahead and staying close to what’s happening in real time: constantly monitoring operations, checking that standards are being followed, supporting officers and the crew, and making sure communication stays clear across every department. No two days are identical, but the priorities don’t change – safety first, good judgement, and steady leadership that keeps the ship running smoothly, calmly and professionally.

What do you enjoy most about working at Zodiac Maritime?

For me, it’s the diversity that you get within the crew. When you bring together people from different countries, backgrounds and experiences, you get new perspectives and different ways of solving problems. It keeps you learning and strengthens the team when that diversity is matched with mutual respect and a shared commitment to doing the job properly.

What is a memorable moment or achievement you are most proud of?

The moments that stay with me are when you see people grow. Watching cadets, trainees, and junior officers develop confidence, sharpen their skills, and start taking on more responsibility is genuinely rewarding. You can see the results of good mentoring and a supportive environment, and you know it will make a difference far beyond one voyage.

What is one thing people often misunderstand about your role, or about shipping?

Many people don’t realise how complex and coordinated shipping really is. From the outside, it can look like a ship simply moving cargo from A to B. There is constant planning, decision-making, and risk assessment, all while meeting strict safety and environmental requirements and leading a diverse team, often a long way from immediate support. It’s a high-responsibility operation, every hour of every day.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in shipping?

Go into it expecting to learn continuously. If you’re willing to work as part of a team, adapt quickly, and take responsibility seriously, it can be an incredibly rewarding career. It suits people who enjoy problem-solving and practical decision-making, and who are motivated by the challenge of doing a demanding job well.

What makes a high-performing team in your area of responsibility?

Trust and communication are the foundations. A strong team is one where everyone understands their role, speaks up early, and supports one another without hesitation. Respect and accountability matter just as much. When people take ownership of their duties and look out for the wider team, standards stay high and performance follows.

What does good coordination look like between ship and shore in your area?

Good coordination requires clear communication, shared planning, and fast alignment when conditions change. When ship and shore work as one team, decisions are easier, support is more effective, and the operation becomes smoother and safer. That sense of partnership is what we aim for at Zodiac Maritime.

How do you plan for and manage risk in your role?

Risk is managed through consistency and clarity in decision making and planning. Excellence at sea isn’t one big action – it’s thousands of small professional decisions done well, every day. It’s staying disciplined on routines, thinking ahead, checking assumptions, challenging standards, and making sure the team remains focused on the basics: communicating clearly, following procedures, and taking the time to do things properly even when the pace is high.

For Captain Oleksandr, leadership at sea is built on steady, well-established routines, strong communication and the discipline to make thousands of small decisions well – not just in moments of pressure, but every day. It’s a role that combines operational oversight with responsibility for people, standards, and safe outcomes, often far from immediate support.

Just as importantly, it’s a role grounded in developing others. Whether through mentoring cadets and trainees or creating a culture of trust and accountability across the crew, the measure of a successful voyage is not only arriving safely but also leaving the team stronger than before. That focus on professionalism and continuous learning is at the heart of what safe, reliable and efficient operations look like across Zodiac Maritime’s fleet.

The company’s fleet modernisation strategy reaches a new milestone, as purpose-built vessels strengthen its position in global maritime operations. 

Zodiac Maritime has reached a defining moment in its long-term fleet renewal journey, welcoming 17 state-of-the-art newbuild vessels across its diverse fleet in 2025. This milestone underscores the company’s enduring commitment to modern, efficient and environmentally responsible shipping – and further strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading ship operators. 

The 17 new deliveries span a diverse mix of vessel classes, including container ships, tankers, bulk carriers and PCTCs, reflecting Zodiac Maritime’s strategic emphasis on multi-segment resilience and commercial agility across global markets.

A MODERN FLEET

These additions have brought Zodiac Maritime’s average fleet age down to just nine years – a testament to our long-term commitment to operational excellence, environmental responsibility and regulatory readiness. This ongoing renewal programme is backed by a substantial newbuild pipeline with more vessels due to join our fleet in the coming years, positioning us strongly for the demands of tomorrow’s global trade.

DRIVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD THROUGH SMARTER, CLEANER TECHNOLOGIES

Each of the 2025 newbuilds incorporates a range of cutting-edge technologies designed to raise the bar on both performance and sustainability. Advanced hull coatings, high-efficiency propellers and dual-fuel propulsion systems feature across several vessel segments – all central to Zodiac Maritime’s multi-pillar decarbonisation strategy. 

These innovations are the result of ongoing work by Zodiac Maritime’s energy efficiency and technical teams, who continue to embed smart engineering solutions across both newbuild programmes and fleet-wide retrofit initiatives – ensuring long-term competitiveness and a reduced environmental footprint. 

2025 also saw Zodiac Maritime deepen its relationships with several top-tier shipyards and long-standing charterer partners. New orders – including being selected as the first owner by Samsung’s new Vietnam shipyard – complemented the year’s deliveries, alongside an accelerated programme of upgrades across the existing fleet. 

Together, these developments demonstrate not only the scale of Zodiac Maritime’s fleet ambitions, but also its ability to build and sustain the global partnerships that underpin long-term success. 

The 17 vessels delivered in 2025 represent far more than fleet expansion. They are the product of disciplined long-term planning, operational excellence and a clear commitment to shaping a more efficient future for global shipping. As Zodiac Maritime enters its 50th anniversary year in 2026, this momentum speaks to the values that have defined the company since its founding: stability, reliability and responsibility.