Welcome to the 5th edition of Rem News! Time truly flies, and here we are, already embracing the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn. This edition we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with JoDa Media. They spent a couple of days onboard the Rem Art, capturing the essence of life at sea. Happy reading!
LARS CONRADI ANDERSEN CEO
It has been a prosperous first half of 2024 for Rem Offshore. We continue to deliver steady growth both with regards to revenue and utilisation, and most importantly we see a positive development in our safety records. We have managed to turn things around from last year and continues the trend towards our goal of always safe in Rem Offshore.
In the first quarter we recorded a utilisation of 96 %, and even if it’s been slightly lower in second quarter the activity remains very high throughout our fleet. Rem’s ability to deliver on our “bread and milk” services all year around regardless of the changing market conditions is the key to success and allows us to continuously build and grow our company. I want to thank you all for the solid contributions!
In April we have added yet another new vessel to our fleet, the “Rem Wind”. She is a CSOV built by Vard Vung Tau. As for her sister Rem Power, she is a beauty and have been functioning very well since delivery. Actually, we were so satisfied with the result that we decided to order one more similar vessel from Vard. This vessel will be delivered by the end of 26 and will be our fourth CSOV specialised for the growing wind market.
Even if we see growth within offshore wind as an important strategy for Rem, our biggest business area still is offshore service. Since the re-establishment of Rem back in 2016, the growth within offshore service have been based on purchase of quality second-hand vessels. In March that was all about to change, as we decided it was time ordering a newbuild in this segment as well. The Energy Subsea Construction Vessel (ESCV) is truly a Rem Pioneer, as she will be the first of its kind that can perform heavy construction work with net-zero emissions using green methanol. The engines are dual fuelled, also capable of operating on MGO and in combination with large batteries. All offshore lifting equipment, including the 250 T crane, is electric and regenerates power to the batteries. The working deck is over 1,400 m2, and it is also prepared for the installation of an offshore gangway for use in offshore wind. The vessel will be delivered in second half of 2026 from Myklebust Verft.
We have a hectic second half of the year ahead of us. Currently our operations spans from Taiwan, West Africa to the US GOM in addition to the North Sea where the majority of our fleet is located. The global presence is important but also challenging. Safety of our personnel always comes first, and we must take
the necessary precautions to ensure this. Especially the situation in the Middle East complicates our operations, as we under the current circumstances will not transit through the Suez Canal due to safety reasons.
Throughout the year we’ve also had several mobilisations and yard stays around the world. Unfortunately, not all have been as successful as we would like due to delays and cost overruns. The coordination and communication
between the charterer, suppliers, vessel and office is a key success factor, and so is proper and realistic planning. I am sure that we all will strive to improve this going forward.
I hope that you all are up for the ride, as I am quite sure we have a fun and hectic time ahead of us with a good market and high activity level!
Along with the rest of the industry we experience a strong market which is visible in our financial results. We have seen a positive trend with increase in both revenue and EBITDA (gross operating profit) quarter by quarter. The positive trend is mainly explained by several vessels within all segments have entered new contracts with new or existing customers at improved terms. Examples so far this year is Rem Inspector for Seaway 7, Rem Saltire for TGS, Rem Andes for PX geo, Rem Power and Rem Wind for RWE, plus several of our PSVs. All establishing earnings at new levels.
In Q2 Rem Offshore achieved revenues of MNOK 447 and EBITDA of MNOK 282, which corresponds to an EBITDA-ratio of 63%. This is a strong ratio and among the best within all OSV operators.
Despite the all-time-high result it must be mentioned that the results are below our budgeted expectations. The overall utilization of the fleet in Q2 2024 was 91% compared to 96% in Q1. The increase in day-rates have
CFO
somewhat been offset by a reduction in utilization from Q1 to Q2 which relates to PSV spot exposure, planned maintenance activities, plus incidents causing unplanned downtime. In particular the unplanned downtime has made financial impact this quarter, both in terms of reduced revenue, but also the repair cost that follows.
Vessel operating costs continues to be a challenge. We increased budgets significantly going into 2024, but now that we are into the 2nd half of the year, we see that we struggle to keep costs within budget assumptions. This must be monitored and analyzed going into the budget process for 2025.
In all, we should be satisfied with the achieved results thanks to great efforts offshore and onshore. This has enabled us to put two newbuilds on order this year. With a backlog of approximately 3 billion NOK, we are optimistic about the future, and the fundamentals are in place to continue developing the company.
Dear all,
The REM organization onshore is still growing both in Fosnavåg and Varna. Together with the increased number of vessels in our fleet including newbuilds we are at the moment 28 full time employees in Rem Maritime and 13 in Rem Management. In addition we have signed agreement with Hans-Petter Hjelle who will start as vessel manager in Fosnavåg during the autumn, and Veselin Peev that will start as HSEQ Officer in Varna in September.
Glenn Gaasø and Espen Aam is working out of Fosnavåg office as site team master and chief engineer on the Rem Pioneer project.
During the last couple of weeks Kristian Stavset has started in the position as Head Of Projects, and Dorthe Frøystadvåg as Crew Coordinator. Also worth mentioning is that Karl-Erik Schelderup has accepted a new position as Operation Manager, moving from technical to operational department.
With the addition of our new colleagues REM is now in a balanced position in terms of onshore capasities handling the current fleet of REM vessels. On the other hand, it is clear that our onshore organization will most likely continue to grow going forward. The demands and expectations from all stakeholders are increasing, and our newest vessels and newbuilds are also more sophisticated and complex in operation. Our charterers and clients also set the bar high when it comes to operability, performance, safe operations and utilization.
The interaction between the onshore organization and all REM`s skilled offshore workers are of high value and something that is prioritized by REM management and owners. In 2024 we have the Leadership Program well established, we will have the crew conference in Varna in September, and in end October there will be a crew conference in Norway. REM spends considerable resources on this type of events, and the aim going forward is to maintain the activity in a fairly similar form.
From 1st of August, I am taking on a new role in REM as Head of Projects. I will be following up the newbuilding program in REM Offshore as project manager; REM Pioneer ST-245/BN82 scheduled to be delivered Q3/2026 from Myklebust Yard & our new build REM TBN Vard 419 CSOV scheduled to be delivered Q4/2026 from Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam.
The REM Pioneer ST-245 is going to be a very flexible platform; 250t crane, dual fuel methanol engines, ESS & large working deck + 1400m2. First asset of its kind able to deliver net zero emissions commencing heavy construction work in both the renewable & oil & gas segment. And we have option for a sister vessel; Let`s go
I started my career at sea as a fisherman on longliners age 16. I graduated Master Mariner in 2007 following started working for REM. My background in REM is 12 years on Subsea/construction vessels & my last 6 years in offshore wind. I have various experience from newbuilding projects; REM Ocean, REM Energy & REM Power. Previous year I have worked in the back office following up the new build REM Pioneer & substituting as VM.
I am really looking forward to continuing the good team work with all of you both at sea, back office & builder/ yard`s.
I am strong believer in teamwork “Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is successful” Henry Ford
I joined Rem Offshore on August 6th, after a year on maternity leave with my daughter, Alma.
I initially started my career as a healthcare worker and spent several years in home nursing. I later decided to switch fields and took a bachelors degree in Biomarin Innovation at NTNU Ålesund, where I graduated in the spring of 2022. Following that I have worked two years as an HMS/HR coordinator at Astorplast AS.
I`m so glad to be a part of the Rem Offshore team. I`m motivated to learn a lot and to develop myself in the role as a Crew Coordinator. I look forward to get to know my new colleagues and the company.
VESELIN PEEV HSEQ OFFICER
Dear Colleagues,
I hope this message finds everyone well. I am writing to formally introduce myself and share some exciting news about my new role within our esteemed company. My name is Veselin Peev, and I have recently been promoted to the position of Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) Officer in Varna office.
My journey in navigation began with my graduation from the Naval Academy in Bulgaria in 2010. Since then, I have devoted my career to sailing, gaining extensive experience and honing my skills in the maritime industry. In 2019, I joined REM as a Second Officer. This opportunity was particularly exciting as it marked the beginning of my career in the offshore business, a field I have always been interested. In 2024, I achieved the position of Captain. Each of these milestones has been a significant step in my professional growth.
Today, I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter as a (HSEQ) Officer in Varna office. I deeply appreciate REM
for believing in my potential and granting me the opportunity to contribute to the company in this new
capacity. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental practices within our organization. I will work diligently to ensure that we continue to operate safely and sustainably, proving that REM made the right choice in entrusting me with this role.
I look forward to collaborating closely with each of you to uphold and enhance our standards of health, safety, environment, and quality. Together, I am confident we will achieve great things.
Thank you for your support and for welcoming me into this new position.
EIRIK PEDERSEN TECHNICAL MANAGER
With a growing fleet and more challenging project we are again hiring more personnel in technical department to serve our fleet. You will over the next months learn to know some new Vessel Managers. It will help us to get ahead of the growth and perform better both on projects and daily tasks.
We are also looking into systems to increase efficiency and gain better control. Specifically, the department has been working with Marine Manager to get a better project control software, adding several functions to TM Master and we are evaluating what document control software to go for.
These will on some level affect both vessels and offices.
UPCOMING DOCKINGS AND VESSEL STATUS.
Since last edition of Rem News all our vessels are now Rem-blue. Last one out was Rem Commander that got a fresh coat of paint during an upgrade project in Stavanger, and she look really good.
In addition to Rem Commander being upgraded with batteries also Rem Star and Rem Art recently went through 10-year Class renewals.
The next and only planned remaining docking for 2024 is Rem Saltire performing 15--year Class renewal.
After that Rem Inspector will be the next big project for us, and she will undergo a large mobilization and battery + SCR upgrade in beginning of 2025. Definitely a challenging project with a large scope and short timeline. Propper prior planning is required, and the project preparations has been ongoing for some time already.
With Rem Star and Rem Art entering our fleet we got familiar with a new Class society, Lloyd’s Register. The experience has been overall good. They have proven to be efficient, not overly bureaucratic and cost effective.
That’s why we made the decision to transfer Rem Trader and Rem Supplier to LR when their contract where up for renewal, and it’s decided that also Rem Mira, Rem Cetus and Rem Insula will follow them during the next months.
The Transfer of Class Survey went smooth and was completed in one day, thanks to a well prepared and professional crew.
Gathering the required documents and filling out the paperwork up front was done in cooperation between vessels and office. Thanks to everyone involved, well done!
ALL OUR VESSELS ARE NOW REM-BLUE. LAST ONE OUT WAS REM COMMANDER THAT GOT A FRESH COAT, AND SHE LOOK REALLY GOOD.
Eirik Pedersen, Technical Manager
ILIYAN ALEKSANDROV HSEQ MANAGER
Iliyan Aleksandrov, HSEQ Manager
2024 has been a productive year for the HSEQ department, with stable safety performance across our fleet. In the first quarter, our primary focus was on the completion of annual reports and the analysis of performance data and statistics, which served as essential inputs for the REM Management Review. The regulatory landscape continues to tighten, increasing our external reporting obligations and necessitating more detailed input from our vessels.
As the year progressed, we successfully managed the delivery of Rem Wind, mobilized for new projects across all segments, and adapted to changes in operational areas. Despite the challenges and the busy schedule, we demonstrated that thorough job planning, robust risk management, and strong leadership are vital to ensuring the safety of our operations. This commitment is clearly reflected in our 2024 HSE performance figures.
Additionally, we underwent extensive office audits conducted by external parties, including Class and Clients. The feedback received from these audits plays a crucial role in our ongoing continual improvement process.
The department remains committed to maintaining close communication with our vessel teams, and we value your continued Suggestions for Improvement and feedback. Remember, staying safe and focusing on energy efficiency and environmental performance are key priorities.
Looking ahead, we anticipate adding more resources to the department to support the company’s growth and the increasing diversity of our operations. Stay safe, and keep up the excellent work.
The trainees are well taken care of and receive important guidance in their work on board. Here we see first-year trainee Heine and bosun Helge Hafskjær on the Rem Art while the ship is docked in Kristiansund.
Photo: Daniel Spiro / JoDa
It was early morning, and the sea was calmer than it had been in a long time as the two trainees prepared for their day’s work. Eighteen-year-old Heine Elvebu Grimstad donned his overalls, safety shoes, and hard hat before heading out on deck to meet the bosun for the day’s instructions. At the same time, nineteen-year-old Adrian Skogås confidently entered the labyrinth of tanks and machinery on the ship’s lower deck. He didn’t need a helmet down there, but hearing protection was crucial.
Both trainees were in their first four weeks of work on the supply vessel Rem Art, but they had previous experience with Rem Offshore. Heine had been stationed on a similar boat, Rem Star, during high school, while Adrian had been a first-year trainee on the same ship the previous year. The two had one thing in common: they enjoyed practical work.
WHAT DRIVES YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME SEAFARERS? AND WHAT CAN ONE EXPECT FROM AN TRAINEESHIP AT REM OFFSHORE? TO FIND OUT, WE SPOKE WITH HEINE AND ADRIAN ABOARD THE REM ART.
AB TRAINEE WITH “ANTS IN HIS PANTS”
“I decided to become a sailor when we were choosing our educational paths in 10th grade. It seemed like a fun profession, with a high salary and a good worklife balance with lots of free time,” Heine said.
As he spoke, he sat on a worn leather sofa near the ship’s reception area. This was where the mates took their coffee breaks. Heine spoke softly and appeared calm, but appearances could be deceiving – Heine thrives on being active.
“I enjoy using my body and prefer physical work. But what I appreciate most about this job is the interaction with my colleagues on board. There are great people here, and it’s a positive work environment,” he said.
The person he worked most closely with was the bosun, Helge Hafskjær, who kept a close eye on Heine and instructed him in everything from cleaning to repairs. The collaboration was mutually beneficial.
“It’s enjoyable having trainees on board, and it’s rewarding to contribute to their education,” said Helge.
Heine is as active at home as he is at work, spending much of his free time playing football and working out. That’s why it was especially nice when, after a night shift the previous week, he had the opportunity to take a quick trip home while the ship was docked in the shipyard, just 20 minutes from his house.
“I played football with my friends. It was great that the shipping company let me,” Heine smiled, noting that he of course returned before the next shift change.
He was starting to miss his family and friends a little, but it wasn’t too bad. Time flew by on board, and he stayed in regular contact with his friends.
“I can’t use my cell phone much, but when we’re docked, I use mobile data to talk to friends on Snapchat. I have five or six friends who also work on a boat or platform, and we share experiences about what we go through almost daily,” Heine said.
The decision to apply for a traineeship at Rem Offshore was a no-brainer for Heine. The company’s headquarters are located in Fosnavåg, the same town where he attended high school. His positive experience working on Rem Star last year further solidified his choice.
“I’ve also noticed that the company is building many new ships, so it seems like they have a bright future. When I finish my traineeship, I hope to have the chance to try working on a wind farm service vessel and see if it’s a good fit for me,” Heine said.
“THERE ARE GREAT PEOPLE HERE, AND IT’S A POSITIVE
”
Heine Elvebu Grimstad, AB Trainee
The bosun, Helge Hafskjær, finds it rewarding to have trainees on board: “It’s fulfilling to contribute to their training”.
JoDa
In the control room, engine trainee Adrian chatted casually with his colleagues. The ship was docked in Kristiansund, just a short bike ride from his home. At the end of his day shifts, he sometimes went for a drive with his friends, preferably with the metal band Rammstein blasting at full volume in his 2006 BMW E90.
“I love driving cars, and I also do taekwondo. So, a job with plenty of free time suits me perfectly. It almost feels like having a summer vacation every other month. I think that’s the main reason I chose this profession,” Adrian said.
He decided to work at sea when he selected maritime subjects in the TIP curriculum (technology and industrial production) in high school. Before that, all he knew was that he enjoyed physical work and working with machinery.
In the engine room on the lower deck, Adrian carefully inspected the area for any signs of trouble, such as an oil stain that could indicate a leak or wear on moving parts. Suddenly, he knelt and opened a hatch in the grid floor.
“I’m just going to add some grease,” he said.
“I LOVE DRIVING CARS, AND I ALSO DO TAEKWONDO. SO A JOB WITH PLENTY OF FREE TIME SUITS ME PERFECTLY”
Adrian Skogås, Engine Trainee
“I LEARN BEST BY SEEING THINGS IN ACTION”
Adrian Skogås, Engine Trainee
Daniel Ekroll (to the left) and the other engineers on Rem Art are excellent mentors for the trainee. “I enjoy helping the trainees with their training and find it interesting to see if they enjoy the job,” said Ekroll.
Daniel Spiro / JoDa
For Adrian, everything seemed to fall into place in the engine room.
“I learn best by seeing things in action. The chief and the others can explain something to me in the control room, but I don’t fully understand it until I come down here and see it with my own eyes,” he explained.
Unlike Heine, Adrian didn’t immediately decide on a traineeship at Rem Offshore. His original dream was to join the Coast Guard, but his celiac disease ruled that
There are many great conversations in the control room.
out. As a backup plan, he set his sights on working on a supply ship.
When various shipping companies visited his school seeking trainees, Adrian remembered the Rem Offshore representative standing out.
“She asked questions, almost like a mini-interview. She wanted to know why I was interested in working for them. I appreciated that the shipping company showed interest in me,” Adrian said, believing this was instrumental in his decision to apply for a traineeship with the company.
After completing his traineeship, Adrian has two more years of schooling ahead before he can become a maritime technician.
For now, he’s thoroughly enjoying his traineeship at sea. sea.
As a growing shipping company with a constant need for new seafarers, Rem Offshore invests heavily in recruiting young talent. Recognizing that candidates don’t always come knocking on their door, the company has implemented proactive recruitment strategies.
The competition for young seafarers begins even before they choose a career path in 9th or 10th grade.
“We ensure that we meet these young people early on to showcase the opportunities we offer,” said Assistant Crew Manager Mariann Lillerovde at Rem Offshore.
To achieve this, the company participates in recruitment fairs and career days in Møre og Romsdal and Trøndelag. Additionally, Rem Offshore collaborates closely with high schools and welcomes many placement students.
“It’s gratifying when former placement students return as trainees,” Lillerovde noted.
As of today, Rem Offshore has 31 trainees in the trades of seaman, ship mechanic, electrician, and cook.
To ensure that trainees have a positive traineeship experience, Rem Offshore places them on boats with experienced supervisors and instructors.
“We maintain open lines of communication and foster close cooperation between the trainee, office, and boat. It’s crucial that the apprentices feel comfortable asking questions,” explained Lillerovde.
The company strives to customize training to meet each trainee’s individual needs, both academically and socially.
There is a high demand for qualified seafarers, particularly in the engineering department, but also for sailors and crane operators.
“While interest in maritime education has increased, the number of study places has not kept pace, especially in mechanical engineering. This means that the competition for the best candidates is fierce,” said Lillerovde.
“WE SEEK INDIVIDUALS WHO EXCEL AT COLLABORATION AND CAN SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATE INTO OUR ONBOARD TEAMS”
Mariann Lillerovde, Assistant Crew Manager
For shipping companies like Rem Offshore, securing the best seafarers is paramount. This crucial task necessitates a stringent selection process to ensure the company attracts and retains top talent.
“We seek individuals who excel at collaboration and can seamlessly integrate into our onboard teams,” explained Lillerovde. “Therefore, we prioritize enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a conscientious, solutionoriented approach.”
While grades and diplomas are certainly valued, they are rarely the sole determining factors. ”It’s equally important that the trainee has a consistent attendance record and makes a positive impression during the job interview,” concluded the Assistant Crew Manager.
MAIKHEN, 21, THRIVES ON THE HIGH SEAS WITH AN ENERGY FEW CAN MATCH. IT WAS HER GRANDFATHER, HOWEVER, WHO INSPIRED HER TO PURSUE A MARITIME CAREER.
“You’re a natural,” her grandfather told her as they were fishing together one day when she was about nine. “You’re never seasick, and you have a way with the water. You should be a sailor.”
They often fished together. Her grandfather steered the little fishing boat with a practiced hand. Hours could pass like minutes as they waited patiently for a bite.
Maikhen smiled when she heard these words, but her heart wasn’t quite convinced. How could she take his advice when her grandfather had never gone to sea himself...or so she thought.
“My grandfather was my best friend, and he was like an extra dad. I stayed with him almost every day when I was little,” said Maikhen Ersland Lervik, who grew up
in Kvinesdal, a small village in southern Norway. “When I had a lot of energy, my mom would send me to my grandparents, who lived just a few streets away. She has ME (chronic fatigue syndrome), so she would get tired easily”, Maikhen continued as she packed up the leftovers from the crew’s lunch in the dining mess on board the supply ship Rem Art. It was quiet on board; the ship was in port at Kristiansund and wouldn’t head out to the North Sea again until late afternoon. The crew had eaten the meat and vegetable soup she had prepared with hearty appetites – though she knew that soup wasn’t always their favorite.
“Do you still have a lot of energy?” we asked.
The chef paused for a moment, then chuckled, and replied, “Yes, I do. And I think that’s important in this job, because it’s a long time to be alone in the kitchen for four weeks straight. Previously, I’ve only been an apprentice. This is my first trip with Rem Offshore and the very first time I’m the sole cook on board a ship,” Maikhen explained.
On our visit, preparations for the day’s dinner were already underway. A fragrant steam rose from a pot on the stove, making the industrial kitchen feel cozy. Maikhen pulled out a baking dish filled with sticky dough, her movements precise and effortless. She shaped the dough into smooth balls, dropping them one by one into the boiling pot.
“I’ve calculated thirty potato dumplings (a traditional Norwegian dish made of grated, raw potatoes and flour) for fifteen people. But one person has celiac disease and another is lactose intolerant, so they might just want to eat the side dishes instead.”
Fortunately, there were plenty of sides: potatoes, roast pork, and salty lamb meat.
“When we have soup for lunch, I try to make dinner a little heartier to ensure the crew gets the nutrition they need throughout the day,” Maikhen explained, as she began peeling a pile of carrots before chopping them with a kitchen knife.
She seemed calm and confident now, but her handwritten recipe book bore traces of a rough start. Torn and crumpled pages, filled with scribbled notes, hinted at her initial struggles. One page read something like, “I’m going to survive one week on board before submitting a sick note and going home. Then I’ll quit working at sea.
The reality of her situation hit like a tidal wave: she was entirely on her own. No one was there to save a sauce that was too salty or to help if something burned. The kitchen and mess room needed to be always kept clean, and because she started her shift three days earlier than expected, she had to start by cleaning the entire mess room.
To make matters worse, there were unexpected challenges, such as the fact that two people in the crew turned out to have food intolerances and that she had to plan for seven extra people during a shipyard stay.
“At one point, I called my boss, crying on the phone, ‘I can’t handle this! I don’t understand how you do it!’ He simply replied, ‘Now, you need to calm down completely. You’ll be fine, you can do this,’ Maikhen said, laughing a little at the memory.
“YOU’LL BE FINE, YOU CAN DO THIS”
Maikhen
Erland
Lervik , Chef
And it went well. The first week of sole responsibility was tough, with 15-hour workdays almost without breaks. The next week was a little easier. Now, after almost four weeks on the job, she was optimistic about the future and grateful for the opportunity she’s been given at Rem Offshore.
“After completing my traineeship, I applied for jobs on three supply ships and a wellboat. Rem Offshore offered me a five-month temporary position, which was longer than the other positions I was offered. It gave me an opportunity to prove myself,” said Maikhen.
A chef’s work can be isolating on a medium-sized supply ship. Maikhen makes an effort to connect with the crew during mealtimes, even if her schedule doesn’t always align. Here, we see her enjoying a chat with engineer Vetle and first mate Micke.
Photo: Daniel Spiro / JoDa
So far, she has a positive impression of both the company and her colleagues on board.
“The working environment is great, and we’ve had visits from the head office. I appreciate that,” she said.
Maikhen’s first trip as an apprentice on a large supply ship in 2022 was met with thirteen meter waves.
“It was both fun and a bit scary, and that’s when I really realized that this profession is right for me,” she said. Her boss hung over the toilet while she herself sat out on deck laughing – and hoping that this would become everyday life.
It was the same joy Maikhen’s grandfather noticed in her on all the fishing trips they took together when she was a child. She still thinks about him every day.
“I have so many memories of him. Look at this,” she said, pulling up the right sleeve of her chef’s uniform and revealing the underside of her forearm. It was a large, black tattoo of a butterfly with fiery wings and the inscription “Trust no one” beneath it. But just above the butterfly, near the elbow joint, there was a small, neatly written phrase in cursive: “I remember during the war.”
“That’s what my grandfather used to say when we sat at the dinner table. For example, he might say, ‘I remember
«…AND THAT’S WHEN I REALLY REALIZED THAT THIS PROFESSION IS RIGHT FOR ME»
Maikhen Erland Lervik , Chef
Being the only cook was especially challenging during the first week. Thankfully, it’s gotten progressively easier. Here,
during the war when I didn’t have to peel those darn potatoes myself.’ But that was just nonsense because he didn’t live during the war. He used it as a kind of metaphor that I never quite understood,” Maikhen explained.
“And then there’s this one,” she continued, pointing to another tattoo just below the front of her left shoulder. “Today is my day,” it read in the same looping script. “When we were watching TV and my grandfather said, ‘It’s my day today,’ I had to give up the remote control. But if I said it first, I had full control. Then he could get a little grumpy, especially if there was a ski race on TV,” she smiled.
In the summer of 2017, Maikhen’s grandfather passed away. Maikhen started 10th grade with a heavy heart but persevered school, completing her junior high education and enrolling in the chef and waiter program at Kvinesdal High School. She enjoyed cooking, especially baking cakes, but her dream of a life at sea remained, though it was distant and unclear.
Then, while cleaning out her grandparents’ attic after her grandfather’s death, her family stumbled upon a surprising discovery.
“We found a photo of the school ship, Gann, and a group of people. When we looked closer, we discovered my grandfather! He had been a student at the maritime high school and, as we later realized after some more digging, had worked as a sailor and deckman for about ten years in his youth. That explained why he believed I would be a good fit for the role,” Maikhen said.
Neither she nor her father know why her grandfather had never spoken about this part of his life. “We think he might have lost loved ones at sea. His entire family was gone before my father was born,” Maikhen speculated.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. Shortly after, when Maikhen’s maternal great-grandfather passed away
and they were settling his estate, the family made a remarkable discovery.
“The same picture of the Gann appeared in my great-grandfather’s books. That’s when we realized it: My maternal great-grandfather and my paternal grandfather had been classmates. They stood side by side without knowing it,” Maikhen said.
Suddenly, everything clicked. Maikhen’s grandfather’s hint about her abilities to be a sailor, her yearning for the sea – it all made sense. Maikhen had a sailor’s spirit. She was determined to pursue a career at sea, no matter the cost.
And there was a cost. When she first applied for a maritime apprenticeship, she was rejected.
“The reason was my childhood epilepsy. But I hadn’t had a seizure in 13 years, and I could prove it, so I took legal action and won,” she said.
Maikhen has a contagious enthusiasm for the sea, and since she started working offshore, many of her friends have followed in her footsteps and chosen a career at sea.
According to the chef, the best part about working offshore isn’t the sea or even baking cakes, though that’s high on her list. It’s the work schedule of four weeks on and four weeks off. Immediately after passing her professional exam, she booked a trip to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Imagine being in the South in January! In a way, she has her grandfather to thank for it – after all, she wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.
548 DAYS
KRISTOFFER PEDERSEN
MASTER REM WIND
The Rem Wind was officially delivered to owner on April 16th 2024 one month before contractual delivery date.
After delivery there was two days of intense preparation and hard work from the crew then the ship was ready for our voyage to Europe.
Our route took us first to Singapore where we took on provisions and fuel. We got a position at the Eastern Working Anchorage with a nice view of the Singapore skyline where we dropped anchor. There we also purchased essentials for such a long voyage such as garden furniture and a barbeque. When the Weber-Grill was on board and after we´d said farewell to three good helpers that signed off with a tender boat, we heaved anchor and continued on.
Due to the elevated risk related to passing through Gulf of Aden and Red Sea towards Suez Canal, it was decided to cross the Indian Ocean and go around Africa, our next destination was Cape Town. During the voyage we enjoyed many nice and warm evenings. There was no shortage of work during our voyage though since we had to get the vessel ready for work in Europe; workshops had to be outfitted, spares and equipment placed stored and catalogued in TM Master, everything from soap dispensers to tool cabinets had to be installed.
3 weeks after Singapore, on Norway’s Constitution Day May 17th, we reached Cape Town in South Africa. Early in the morning we enjoyed the view of Cape of Good Hope and after getting alongside at “Landing Wall” we had a nice view of Table Mountain and Devils Peak. At Cape Town we had a muchneeded crew change, took more provisions, fuel and continued on.
On the next part of the voyage the crew went through the Equatorial Baptism, the picture speaks for itself. The baptism is an old tradition observed by seafarers when a sailor crosses the equatorial line for the first time during a voyage. Traditionally; King Neptune and his entourage boards the vessel, baptises the crew and engages in fun, games and arranges for a good meal.
His duty complete, King Neptune departed, and the Rem Wind continued on. Next was a quick stop at Las Palmas for refuelling and taking on board extra crew to help with the final preparations, then all of a sudden the Rem Wind arrived in Cuxhaven on June 11th.
With a bit more preparation, Sea Acceptance Tests of Mission Equipment and mobilization the Rem Wind was finally ready for work. From first steel cutting on 19th December 2022 it took Rem Wind until 19th June 2024 to have the first technician cross the gangway and fulfilling the ships purpose; providing Technicians safe access to offshore Wind Turbine Generators while at the same time providing high quality accommodations and office spaces to the crew and clients on board.
548 days. It was quite a journey.
“CERNO
CAPT.DIMITAR MITEV MANAGING DIRECTOR, REM MANAGEMENT LTD.
For a second year in a row, Rem Management Ltd., in partnership with SC “Cerno More-Briz” organized Courses for young Rem sailors. The classes are aimed at the children of the REM seafarers , as part of the company’s social initiatives.
Four groups by ten last year and four groups by seven children this year between the ages of 5 and 17 had the opportunity to open the door to the world of maritime life and their parent’s craft. During the five-day introductory intensive course, the young participants were able to maneuver the “Optimist” boat, as well as acquire the skill for tying the most important marine knots. This year the club champions took part in the training process, sharing knowledge and skills in racing with Optimist, ILCA 4, 6, 7 and Class 420 boats.
At the end of each training, a final competition was organized in which the parents were the guests of honor, supporting their little champions. Of course, the most important prize for each child were the fulfilling moments of contact with nature and the sea, the new friendships and the exciting memories that, we hope, will last for a long time, and why not inspire them to new sea adventures.”
We are happy to announce that after nearly 60 children in total passing the sailing course last and this year, we have young REM sailors that continued with the training and are racing for the club already. Hopefully, very soon we’ll have REM champions as well.
“THE EXCITING MEMORIES THAT, WE HOPE, WILL LAST FOR A LONG TIME”
Capt.Dimitar Mitev, Managing Director, Rem Management Ltd.
‘Fyr til Fyr’ is a race that takes place during the Midsummer weekend every year. It started with a test run in 2023. In 2024 this is already become a big deal for the community in Fosnavåg and a destination for trail runners and tourists. It is the race where everyone is involved - as a participant, volunteer, audience, sponsor or organizer. Fyr til Fyr is more than a marathon. It is a weekend festival, with the Fosnavåg conference on Thursday and Friday before the race and the summer get-together throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Fyr til Fyr (lighthouse to lighthouse) is a demanding,
spectacular trip from Golleneset lighthouse to Runde lighthouse. Due to the need for access by cars, the course is 43 kilometers and therefore qualifies as an ultramarathon. The trail follows the spectacular mountainous terrain at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
You can choose to run the whole race, parts of it or you can as a company participate as relay teams.
Rem was this year represented with two teams in the Fyr til fyr relay. The relay is divided into 6 stages which
vary in length and elevation (Total elevation is 2389m), so everyone can do it! All the stages take you through the fantastic landscape of Herøy/Fosnavåg, were you run with the eagles and puffins to the roar of the Atlantic Ocean. We didn’t end up on the podium this year, but we beat Olympic ;) Aiming to get further up the results list next year.
REM OFFSHORE AS HOLMEFJORDVEGEN 8, 6090 FOSNAVÅG NORWAY.