“OUR STRENGTH LIES IN BEING ABLE TO DELIVER PROJECTS ALL OVER THE WORLD, ON TIME, EVEN IF THE DEADLINES ARE SHORT AND CHALLENGING”

Name: Alexandra Rolland Andersson

Position: Managing Director, ScanMarine

Age: 29

Zodiac sign: Cancer

Civil status and family: Waiting for my partner to pop the question. My existing family consists of my mother, father, and a throng of siblings.

Place of birth: Spain

Which project has been the most special for you?

When I was 16 years old, I was sent to work as an inspector on a small interior project on board a Finnlines vessel. When I told my father that I didn’t know much about tiling, as always, he simply replied calmly and directly: “I didn’t either at your age”.

What do you love most about your job?

Every afternoon I go around the office and pour coffee for my colleagues. I love to see their grateful faces, because they do not expect me to do this for them. This is also a perfect opportunity for me to ask them something about their work and showing my interest in their life.

What are your favourite pastime activities?

Driving my MX.

What is your favourite dinner and drink combination?

Freshly baked white bread with aioli and a cold beer.

Tell us something about your career in marine industry interior outfitting?

I am the second generation in a familyowned company. I have been in the industry more or less all my life, but the interior business is quite new to me. I joined ScanMarine in 2017. Before that I had worked for various other marine companies, which had given me a great network and good knowledge of the industry.

How challenging is it to lead a company in a male-dominated industry?

It would be more challenging to lead a company in a female-dominated industry.

What does your average working week look like?

My days start at 07:00 with the firing up of my computer, followed by planning the day ahead. No day is like another. When I go home, I want to feel like I have done a good day’s work. The most important thing for me is making sure my colleagues have everything they need to do their jobs the best they can.

Tell us something about ScanMarine’s recent and upcoming projects in the passenger shipping sector?

We have ongoing large refit contracts for two Stena Line and three Fjord Line ferries. We recently completed outfitting two newbuildings for Hurtigruten at Kleven and two newbuildings for Destination Gotland at GSI, China. During spring 2019, we completed a major refit on board THE WORLD, the 2002-built residential cruise ship, in Cádiz, Spain. We have an ongoing turnkey contract for Genting Hong Kong’s Global Class newbuildings at Wismar. In Tianjin, China, we have a consultancy-based contract for installation supervision. We also have numerous projects at Oresund DryDocks, Fosen, and Kleven.

How active is ScanMarine in the ferry refurbishment market?

This is historically our main market segment. Newbuilding contracts are larger and with longer lead times, which require longer-term planning. Our strategy is to have a mix of newbuilding and refit contracts. Our strength lies in being able to deliver projects all over the world, on time, even if the deadlines are short and challenging. Our motto is ‘On Time, On Board, On Budget’. We are a very experienced company and our expertise is in planning, refits, refurbishment, and fullturnkey projects.

You have been doing business in China for a while. Tell us something about your Chinese projects?

Since 2014, ScanMarine has been involved in several projects in China. At the moment we are working on the hospital vessel project for Mercy Ships and are negotiating other newbuilding contracts. Over the years, we have worked hard on building good relationships with shipyards and shipowners.

How well have you collaborated with Chinese shipyards?

It’s a big challenge and the experience is very different from the ones we have with European shipyards. It’s very important to have the right approach, take the time to foster a good relationship while keeping in view the common goals. Our main strategy is to be positive and assist our clients overcoming the challenges they face.

Chinese yards see ferry construction as a steppingstone to cruise ship building. China is now building a major cruise ship. Can you see Chinese yards dominating the cruise ship construction sector in the future, in the same way as they do ro-pax ferries today?

The difference between a ro-pax vessel and a cruise ship is huge in terms of complexity and size. It is like the difference between building a small cottage and a five star hotel. But the Chinese are very focused and learning fast. Time will tell. Prices of materials and salaries are rising in China. We will also need to bear this in mind.

How can European suppliers, including interior turnkey contractors, remain competitive in China?

It is important to establish close cooperation with Chinese suppliers, find an optimal balance between local and European contents.

What are your recommendations for suppliers who wish to do business in the Far East in general and China in particular?

Understand the culture and have lots of patience. It is vital to have clear contractual and payment terms.