When we caught up with Vesa Nordman, he had just stepped off a vessel after an adventurous journey from South Africa to Lisbon. This globetrotting lifestyle is all in a day’s work for Vesa, a Senior Superintendent in the Electrical & Automation (E&A) team of our field service organization. Though based in Vaasa, Finland, his job often takes him to the far corners of the earth.
Vesa’s journey began in 2000 at the bustling Vaasa engine factory, where he laid the foundation of his technical expertise. By 2004, his insatiable curiosity led him to the Research & Development team, where he spent 14 years immersed in the fascinating world of 4-stroke engines. Despite their mechanical core, these engines were teeming with sophisticated electronics and intricate electrical and automation systems. This blend of skills and knowledge proved invaluable as he now orchestrates the seamless installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of E&A systems and equipment on a global scale.
Vesa has twice been honoured with the prestigious Technology & Innovation Wärtsilä award, first in 2008 and again in 2020. On both occasions, he collaborated with small, dedicated teams – three colleagues in 2008 and five in 2020 – to develop groundbreaking engine technology. Now, as he witnesses the practical application of R&D innovations in the field, Vesa gains a comprehensive understanding of the marine industry’s vast landscape. “This experience is enriching,” he reflects. “Engaging in dialogues with people from various backgrounds offers invaluable insights that I can bring back to my future career endeavours.”
When discussing his passion for engines, Vesa’s eyes light up. With 14 years of experience in the R&D department, it is no surprise that he considers himself an engine aficionado – he even enjoys tuning cars in his free time. He acknowledges the significant challenge the industry faces regarding future fuels. “We have almost too many possibilities ahead of us,” he observes thoughtfully. “We need to explore and determine the most efficient way to move the world forward. It might involve a combination of fuels, with certain types better suited for specific applications based on infrastructure, storage, and volume requirements.”
Vesa has ventured to places he could only dream of. One memory that stands out is his role as the Commissioning Engineer on the maiden voyage of the luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot. From Le Havre, France, to Punta Arenas in Chile, and all the way to Antarctica, this journey was nothing short of extraordinary. The vessel, equipped with six Wärtsilä 31 DF engines, can accommodate 150 passengers in addition to the crew, making it an incredibly capable ship.
His work takes him to shipyards and vessels sailing around the world. When asked what he likes the most about it, Vesa’s answer comes immediately: “It provides so many opportunities to explore and experience different parts of the world.” And if that was not enough, he enjoys traveling in his free time, discovering the world. Even onboard a cargo vessel on a long journey, there is time to explore. “It is like a condensed miniature world, with crew members from many countries,” Vesa explains. “Once, someone told me I am a pilgrim on an inner journey too, meeting people and learning about myself. This experience is immensely enriching, as it helps me grow and become a better person.”