Some life stories and professional examples give us inspiration for living. In times of Covid-19, this need to renew one’s breath and move forward becomes even more important. And if life on dry land already brings us great challenges, imagine what it is like in navigation, in the onboard routine of seven women from a NORSUL vessel, active in the coastal trade sector.
How about being inspired by these women and facing with more courage the waves of uncertainty, in the face of which we need to have resilience and determination to live and win?
Pio Grande
Pio Grande is a large multi-purpose ship capable of transporting anything from wind turbine blades to soybeans or iron ore in its compartments. Of surprising proportions, it looks like a real “skyscraper” sailing horizontally, like a sea giant full of cargo.
Inside this marine colossus made of steel, a dedicated crew whose stories would make a book works. In Pio Grande, however, that book would have a special chapter dedicated to stories that integrate charm and beauty with willpower and courage. Check out the interview done through the corporate WhatsApp at NORSUL with Vandelucia, Edna, Luana Maria, Regina, Maria Isabel, Wanessa, and Karen.
More than friends. A family at sea.
Vandelucia da Silva Alves is married, a mother of two, and has been working at NORSUL for 11 years. She is a nurse and health assistant and says that life on board is not easy but for those who like challenges it is “the perfect life”.
Maria Isabel, Nautical Officer Practitioner, with six months in the company, complements: “Life on board is exhausting, but very rewarding, we are in constant technical or interpersonal learning, which is amazing!”
For Luana Maria de Oliveira, who has been with NORSUL for seven years, life on board has become something almost familiar due to the creation of bonds: “The fact that we spend a lot of time with the same crew naturally brings about bonding, which makes a huge positive difference.” This feeling is also shared by Wanessa Kelly, who has a degree in Nautical Sciences and has been with the company for a year and five months: “We have acquired a new family on board. We give up something for the sake of other people, every day, to have the reward that a good job was done.”
Mechanical Manufacturing Technician Regina Vidal adds that it is not easy to be a woman of the sea, and that many times she has to demand respect for the simple fact of being a woman: “But every day we are gaining more space and respect among our colleagues in the profession.” And who complements this vision is Karen de Sousa, Bachelor of Nautical Sciences: “Life on board is not easy, but it is very rewarding and makes us stronger. Here on the ship our female presence is something that greatly enhances the atmosphere on board.”
For Maria Isabel, with six months of company, being a “woman of the sea” is incredible and challenging: “It is to prioritize our independence, without letting insensitivity take over one’s being. It is caring for the family, even from afar. It’s challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone every day!”
Hobbies and interests
As hobbies, our interviewees highlighted reading as a precious pastime and gave indications of books such as “The Diary of Anne Frank” recommended by Regina Vidal; “Lessons from the Titanic on Risks and Crises for Leaders”, quoted by Wanessa Kelly, and also: “Women Who Run with Wolves” indicated by Luana; “Violets on the Window Sill” referenced by Vandelucia; “Heroes Anonymous” cited by Karen and ending with Maria Isabel’s recommendation with the book “O Milagre do Amanhã” [Tomorrow’s Miracle].
Other highlights were taking care of one’s health through gymnastics and good nutrition, meditation, and also the pleasure of traveling and getting to know new places.
Positive messages
Optimism and positivity about what the future holds also seems to be a hallmark of these women. “We are going through a difficult time, but we need to keep our heads up because better times will come and we will certainly come out stronger,” says Maria Isabel in face of the current pandemic scenario and its consequences. Besides her, with a very positive tone, Wanessa complements: “Keep the faith. Keep in mind that everything we are going through is for a higher purpose. We will always try to do our best to be aware that we have done our part.
For the days to come, who also confidently affirms that better days will come is Luana, who sends a beautiful message: “To my family, I say thank you for all the positive teachings, they always guide me in life and especially here on the ship. I love you! To my colleagues I thank for all the moments shared. You are my second family.”
NOTE: In the photo, from left to right: Vandelucia, Edna, Luana Maria, Regina, Maria Isabel, Wanessa, and Karen. In the picture is a photo of Ingeborg Lorentzen, Mr. Lorentzen’s daughter. Erling Lorentzen, godmother of the ship.
