Sea Captain Ville Alander was elected the new Deputy Harbour Master in Turku

Mr Alander was asked on his second day at work to answer the questions of Aboard online magazine.

Why did you want to come to work in the Port of Turku?
I live in Turku on the Hirvensalo island, so Turku was an obvious choice for me. Another reason is the future of the Port of Turku. There are some really interesting projects underway including the new terminal. It’s great to be involved in the development work.

How is your experience in the seafaring industry?
I have worked most of my career on board ships. During my studies I did practical training on all ship types ranging from container ships to ro-ro vessels. After graduation I got a job at Finnlines where I stayed for the longest period, almost ten years on the Naantali–Kapellskär route. I wanted to see something else as well, and when M/S Viking Cinderella was transferred under the Finnish flag I was hired there as the first mate.

What kind of expertise will you bring to the Port of Turku?
One important thing is the experience in ships. You need to take many different aspects into account in the port; for example, what is the best way to give out the berths, how a ship moors, and what is required by the ship safety. When you steer a valuable ship to the port, the co-operation has to work seamlessly to ensure safe mooring and unmooring.

What would you like to say to the Port of Turku’s partners and potential customers?
I am eagerly awaiting to meet them. I like to talk and find solutions to challenges. Things are hardly perfect anywhere, as there is always room for improvement.

What does the Deputy Harbour Master do?
Traditionally the Harbour Master is responsible for the port’s concrete operating, including vessel services, but with the upcoming new terminal in Turku we wanted to expand the duties to include the development of customer relations.

Why did you want to work at sea?
I have always liked the sea and boating has been important to me. I did my military service in the Navy. The last decisive thing was a two-month voyage on a minelayer to the Mediterranean. After that I applied to the maritime school and graduated as a Sea Captain. Despite the title, few end up working as the captain of a ship, as the job description is broad.

If you could ask Erik Söderholm, the Managing Director of the Port of Turku, one question, what would you ask?

What is the best decision of your life?

Mr Söderholm answered: “That’s easy: marriage and staying married for over 36 years.”

How did a Sea Captain end up working on land?
The working community on board a ship is unique, because there you live with the colleagues. The best sides are ready-made food and laundered clothes. But on a ship you have to stay long periods away from home, and I have two children. I want to be involved in their everyday life, and I got the chance to do that through a job in the Port of Turku. And I still get to work with ships. The work is diverse and interesting.

Text: Sari Järvinen
Photo: Markku Koivumäki