In the first of our new “Day in the Life” series, Pelagic Partner’s Technical Officer, Sophie Lambrou, provides insight into her day-to-day role at Pelagic Partners including how her inquisitive nature at university took her down a career path she never expected.
As a technical officer at Pelagic Partners, I am responsible for assisting the team with purchasing duties, as well as reviewing the vessels’ class and flag by coordinating the required annual services. I also provide support with arranging any technical services that are required, including coordinating travel arrangements, and requests for service quotations.
A typical week starts with reviewing incident reports submitted by our fleet, which currently includes bulk carriers and tankers. These updates help us monitor any issues on board, such as maintenance requirements, so that we can follow up with the vessel managers.
I also coordinate briefings with our Masters and Chief Engineers. Not just to stay informed but to build rapport. It’s important to us that our crews know who we are and feel supported. As shipowners ourselves, we want them to know we’re always just a call away.
Another part of my job is due diligence. When evaluating a potential vessel acquisition, we don’t just look at the price, we dig deeper. We investigate the vessel’s trading pattern, employment history, port state control records, and conditions of class.
My career in the maritime industry began in 2014 whilst I was completing my Maritime Studies BSc at Fredrick University, Limassol, Cyprus. To be honest, shipping wasn’t my first choice. Like many students finishing high school, I wasn’t sure what direction to take. I knew I wasn’t drawn to accounting, and business administration felt too broad. In 2011, shipping wasn’t the widely known career path it is today, but something about it intrigued me. I decided to try a maritime studies course and told myself that if it didn’t feel right, I could always switch. But by the end of the first week, I was hooked. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
In my third year at university, one of my professors recommended me for a part-time role at Mastermind Ship Management. It was my first proper office job, and initially, it felt a bit daunting; I had no idea how to draft an email, let alone how to handle technical shipping tasks. But the environment was incredibly supportive. My colleagues were patient and guided me through everything. It gave me a real-world perspective that you just can’t get from textbooks. Understanding terms like “cargo owner” or “time charter” became much clearer once I saw them in action.
After graduating, I continued building experience in technical roles. I moved on to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, where I stayed for five years. In 2024, I was approached by Pelagic Partners. I wasn’t actively job-hunting, but the opportunity came up, and it seemed like a great chance to do something new and challenging. Moving from a ship management background into a fund and owner representative role was a significant shift, but one that has helped me see the industry from a much broader perspective.
As technical officer, there are a number of qualities that are essential to the role. For instance, a solid grounding in shipping knowledge is vital: an understanding of the industry terminology, operations, and market context provides a solid foundation from which you can begin to develop your expertise. Beyond that, attention to detail and critical thinking are fundamental. It’s about asking the right questions. Why is this vessel laid up? Why hasn’t it been employed recently? What risks are we taking on?
Communication is also key. Our work touches many parts of the business, so being able to present your findings clearly, and challenge when something doesn’t look right, is crucial.
If I were to give any advice to someone who is just starting in a career in maritime, I would say don’t be afraid to speak up. Early in my career, I hesitated to offer my opinions or make suggestions. Over time, I realized that fresh ideas are always welcome, even if they’re not always used. Confidence comes with experience, but courage comes first. One time I suggested that we explore an alternative supplier for technical paint. It might have seemed like a small thing, but opening up the conversation led to broader discussions and new options.
My job has also allowed me to travel quite a bit across Europe: Belgium, Poland, Germany for example. The most challenging visit was to Dubai during drydock in the middle of July, the heat at that time of year was not for the faint of heart. But the experience was invaluable. You learn so much from being on site.
One of the most memorable places I’ve been is Venice. Moving around by water taxi, jumping from boat to boat, it was like stepping into another world that not everyone gets a chance to see. Even though the trip was work-related, there were also the quieter moments after hours, taking in the sights and culture, which were unforgettable.
A key project I’m currently focused on is retrofitting some of our older vessels to align with the latest environmental and safety standards. That includes everything from switching to LED lighting and installing electronic navigation systems, to applying anti-fouling coatings that reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
It’s a bit like renovating your house. You’re taking something solid and giving it a new lease of life: more sustainable, more efficient, and more compliant with modern regulations.
Although shipping’s green transition is a key priority for the industry, cybersecurity is also a major challenge. Moving more processes online – emails, navigation, chartering – creates new vulnerabilities. One simple phishing email can cause real damage. We all need to stay alert, especially when we’re tired or under pressure.
Training is essential. Even if crew members grumble about mandatory seminars or courses, that knowledge could be the thing that prevents a serious breach. I’m a big believer in education and awareness – it really does make a difference.
A career in the maritime industry is incredibly rewarding. A personal highlight of mine has – without a doubt – been visiting vessels. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing a ship out of the water, walking through the engine room, touching the hull. It brings the scale and complexity of what we do into sharp focus. I remember being amazed by the size of the main engine and shocked when I asked what happens if it breaks down, only to be told, “You never buy a new engine.”
It’s those moments where the pieces come together. You realize that what you do in the office directly impacts operations onboard. It changes your mindset.
