Educated in Nuuk - The dream is working on the bridge

Over last five years, Hans-Henrik Djurhuus has spent a lot of

In June, he graduated as home trade master from Greenland’s Maritime Centre in Nuuk, Imarsiornermik Ilinniarfik

One of the many resources that Djurhuus has benefited from during his education is the center’s maritime simulator. The simulator is one of the largest in the world and sitting in it is a rather impressive experience. In the future, Hans-Henrik aspires to become shipmaster, and his ultimate dream is to achieve a permanent position on the bridge.

“I grew up in Sisimiut and Nuuk. After high school, I was one of the few luck students who got a spot on the Danish training ship Georg Stage, for which I felt very lucky. Later I sailed onboard various ships from Royal Arctic Line as a cadet and as OS. My career at sea was inspired by my uncle. My father also used to sail as engineer, so I had some insight into the maritime world before starting my professional training,”

Hans-Henrik tells. Since then, he has moved on to become AB and then home trade master. Today, he works on board Ivalo Arctica.

Colleagues look out for each other

“I prefer to sail on the supply ships because it is more challenging, and it allows you to visit many new locations. This is what makes the job interesting to me, and I always seek variation and new experiences. Every day, I learn something new. The work rhythm of six weeks out followed by six weeks off suits me well.”

“Although the composition of the crew often changes, I know most of my co-workers rather well. I also think it is fun to help out the new and less experienced crew

According to Hans-Henrik Djurhuus, “a positive atmosphere on board is always important.”

”Det betyder meget med en god stemning ombord,” vurderer Hans-Henrik Djurhuus.

By Hanne Baltzer

members. As co-workers, we look out for each other, and there is almost always a good atmosphere on board. Only a few times have I experienced social challenges on board that demanded a change in the crew.”

No superhero

In time, Hans-Henrik wants to become a skilled leader, but he is still not sure of his own approach to the role: “I’ve met captains that I look up to. They always have a strong work ethic, respect other people, and have experience in bringing a ship to shore.”

“The worst thing about working at sea is the risk of losing friends or relatives and not being there to say goodbye. This is a tough reality do deal with and it affects me deeply,” the young seafarer adds.