Posted on January 29, 2021
Translated from Dutch original
By Michael Lien, Flows Magazine
At the beginning of this year, Sofie Bernarert joined the shipbuilding company Damen, where it coordinates the construction of, for example, frigates. Her international experience in shipbuilding is useful.
“I am responsible for coordinating complex projects with Damen,” says Sofie. “The construction of the new frigates is not done on a Damenyard, but on a foreign subcontractor. In part, that’s new, partly I can relate to my experience. I worked for shipbuilding IHC in China and Dubai for years.”
Seafaring school
Sofie studied at the Antwerp Higher Seafare School and studied engineering at the TU Delft. “I was actually going to sail, but an accident during my internship broke those plans. From my interest in technique, I decided that if I can’t take ships, I’ll build them. In projects like this, you often make unique pieces, which I did address. I used to be particularly involved in the construction of dredgers and offshore ships, today is a military project, which also involves new technical and organisational challenges, including logistics. Shipbuilding is a real human work.”
Foreign look
The extensive experience in negotiating with Chinese, Arab and Indian colleagues and business partners has expanded its look. “The confrontation with another view is enriching. You learn that you can’t always just go out of your own world view. Switching is not always obvious, but you will have the opportunity to see the world.”
After years in Dubai, Sofie is now in Vlissingen. “Moving in the winter in the middle of a lockdown does not make it clear to embark on Vlissingen, but the colleagues have received me warmly. And the sea is close, that is always an asset.”
