[ 22 ] THE SHIP OF THE FUTURE MEL SHORTER — Onboard Services Manager Mel was seconded from the fleet in 2022 because of her knowledge, experience and consistently outstanding performance. She has been responsible for planning and buying the owner’s supply for the passenger and crew spaces onboard, ordering tens of thousands of products and managing a multimillion pound budget. The owner’s supply list comprises everything that’s going to be used onboard, from cleaning equipment and galley essentials to safety management notices and food hygiene protocols. This is a critical role in the run-up to delivery, as forgotten items impact crew efficiency and passenger enjoyment or can risk regulatory compliance. Having come from a senior fleet role, Mel is acutely aware of every onboard requirement, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant — getting everything to the place where it’s intuitively expected to be found. Mel is a real people-person, she knows what she wants and how best to get it. And she is very clear in what she asks for, removing any reason for error through misunderstanding. It has to be this way, because we give the team responsibility to make their own decisions without burdensome oversight. Mel’s considerable organisational and negotiation skills have served her well in the position and she has managed a big role efficiently and with a reassuring confidence. Mel doesn’t go anywhere without a plentiful supply of candles. It’s a bizarre yet endearing trait. I’ve never thought enough about whether they’re a yoga tool or an effective relaxation aid, but it makes buying a gift for Mel particularly easy. GARETH THOMAS — Chief Officer Gareth joined the team from the fleet with ten years of P&O Ferries experience and has just completed his UK Class II/1 Officer of the Watch certification, with distinction. Gareth’s role was to manage the delivery of all of the deck and technical documentation required for the ship to sail. He also took responsibility for the safety and security management and planned maintenance systems. There is a staggering volume of documents, logbooks, charts and other information required onboard a ship that must be meticulously curated and filed. Gareth has also documented and managed our postdelivery defect resolution activities. Gareth brings together an uncommon mix of skills. He is bright, organised and thorough — necessary attributes in managing and understanding a small mountain of important and often technical documents. And he is also engaging, articulate and demanding, important skills for working with our shipyard, classification society and flag state in preparing and delivering the required regulatory processes and documentation. But above everything else, Gareth is fastidious about safety, which is a prized asset for every newbuilding team. With such an eye for detail, it’s perhaps not surprising that Gareth regularly gave the team important or otherwise useful reminders, such as the gentle nudge he gave me to ensure that I packed mosquito repellent for a yard visit during a balmy week. “ Mel is acutely aware of every onboard requirement, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant — getting everything to the place where it’s intuitively expected to be found” “ Above everything else, Gareth is fastidious about safety, which is a prized asset for every newbuilding team”
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