On the 30th of August 2022 we celebrated the 150th anniversary of Van Ameyde Krogius. The event at beautiful Suomenlinna island was full of interesting discussions and a joyful atmosphere. We want to give a warm thanks to everyone who joined the event and made it memorable!
We started the event with an afternoon seminar. The theme of the seminar was LONGEVITY – SUSTAINING OUR FUTURE.
Based on my experience working in the company I think that the longevity is a result of committed and skilled people. We are working closely with clients to be their trusted partner and to deliver results on time, as promised. We strive to be an employer who is offering a fulfilling environment for our people to develop and grow. Our board and shareholders have focus on long-term commitment and they put sustainable and positive development ahead of short-term profit.
In the seminar, we had excellent speakers telling us their viewpoints on the theme.
Starting with the key-note speech by Sami Lundgren, Vice President of Responsibility at UPM and Chairman of the Board of UN Global Compact Network Finland. We learned how sustainability is nothing new for companies, already long time ago companies were supporting with development of education and took responsibility of human and environmental caretaking, especially on local communities’ level. Today change is in evident; but companies must respect the past and keep the focus on the future – together!
After Sami’s presentation, we enjoyed two loss prevention related presentations. Martti Simojoki, Senior Loss Prevention Manager from Alandia, gave an interesting presentation with emphasis on the professional safety culture. Error positive culture is playing a key role in the loss prevention program implementation and continuous improvement. We should also look at which solutions provide real effect and who are the providers.
Second presentation was made by Almos Bodiszar, Almos is a Marine Surveyor currently working with Van Ameyde Marine in Rotterdam. He was telling us about the future of condition surveys. The human element is still causing majority of the errors and incidents. Open human connection, even with the times of digitalization, is important to improve safety, minimize waste and safeguard good work environment.
The second part of the seminar started with energy transition related presentation by Pierre van der Spek and Robert Chesters. Pierre serves as managing director at Van Ameyde Valuations in The Netherlands. Robert has more than twenty years’ experience in commercial development of the global maritime services. Presentation explained the lifecycle of wind farm from the decision to build until the decommissioning at the end of the life cycle. They also presented areas where Van Ameyde Specialists can be supporting the projects for energy transition.
Tonje Semundseth has been working as the Operational Manager for Van Ameyde Scandinavia on Norway, now she is working as international project manager for Van Ameyde International, working on sustainability and hyper automation. She convinced everyone how small office companies can make an impact and how, what was the Van Ameyde Scandinavia’s take on sustainability. Summarized in the end with quote of George Eliot: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together”.
Last part was combination of two presentations from human, diversity and equality related viewpoints.
Getter Kaevandes is Marine Surveyor from Van Ameyde Krogius Estonian team. Getter shared her experience working in the maritime sector as young woman. As a conclusion she mentioned that women should not have to fear being victimized for standing up for themselves and stepping forward in difficult situations. Regarding sustainability in the maritime sector, which is currently facing a shortage of workers, women should be encouraged to apply for, stay and lead the industry, thus creating a much bigger pool of candidates to reduce the skill shortage.
Anne Vepsäläinen is insurance manager at Finnlines. Anne was speaking after Getter as board member of Wista Finland. Anne told that Wista Finland works with building a community among its members, facilitating the exchange of contacts, information, and experiences and promoting the creation of business relationships and skills development among its members. Wista Finland is supporting project of founding of Wista Estonia and wants to encourage everyone to work towards to a diverse and inclusive maritime sector. Call for action is to be an ally for minority groups of gender, ethnicity, disabilities, and age, join in Wista and/or spread the word!
Before raising the toast for the birthday and longevity, Golden Medal of Merit of Finnish Chamber of Commerce was awarded to Sirje Lubi. Sirje has worked since 2004 as a Surveyor and Country Manager in Estonia and managing the survey activities in the whole of the Baltic States afterwards. However, her activities in the field of maritime expertise began already 30 years ago when she joined Consulting Merchant Marine in 1992. The company merged later with Lars Krogius. Sirje has been an inspiring leader of the team of surveyors, consultants and claims adjusters. She’s been a true manager with a clear vision; a great personality committed to her work, to the goals of the company and to the benefit of the country. Thank you Sirje and also thank you Kaupo Püvi for the great speech!
After the seminar we had lovely evening enjoying the great company of each other’s and the music played to us by trio Lounge Lions.
Thank you all again for being part of the celebration; by being present, helping to make it happen and for the great birthday wishes to the company and for it’s long success!
Hanna Kivelä
Managing Director, Van Ameyde Krogius