万海521代晓强大管提职采访：我非常欣赏公司透明公平的晋升机制，只要踏实工作，就有明确的未来

Please briefly introduce the vessel WAN HAI 521.

"WAN HAI 521 is an important container vessel in our fleet. She mainly operates on the Asia–Middle East/India trades. The vessel is equipped with modern features, such as an electronic‑injection main engine, an efficient exhaust gas boiler system, a comprehensive ballast water treatment system, and an EGCS. WAN HAI 521 is not only a reliable asset for the company but also a platform where we implement high‑efficiency operations and environmental protection concepts. Working on this ship allows you to gain experience with advanced technologies and strict management procedures, which greatly supports personal growth."

Congratulations on your recent promotion to Second Engineer onboard. What do you feel is the biggest change or challenge in your work as you move from Third Engineer to Second Engineer?

"Thank you. The biggest change is shifting from 'managing equipment' to 'managing both people and equipment.' As a Third Engineer, my main focus was ensuring the efficient operation of my assigned machinery, such as the main engine and auxiliary engines. Now, as the Second Engineer, I am responsible for the overall daily management of the engine department, including crew allocation, maintenance planning, and spare parts control. This requires a broader perspective and stronger coordination skills. The main challenge right now is to quickly adapt to the supervisory role — ensuring safe and efficient vessel operation while leading and motivating the team, so that every member knows their duties and performs at their best. This is a new area that I am actively learning."

As a newly promoted Second Engineer, how have CSM’s digital management tools supported your daily management tasks, such as crew allocation and maintenance planning?

"CSM’s digital tools have been essential in helping me step into the management role. They make management clearer and more organized.

· For maintenance planning: The company’s unified planned maintenance system is at the core of our work. All equipment service intervals, historical records, and work instructions are displayed clearly. Based on the system’s reminders and the vessel’s voyage plan, I can schedule weekly and monthly maintenance tasks in advance, avoiding conflicts or omissions.

· For crew allocation: Through the crew management and task assignment platform, I can see each engineer’s skills and training records. This helps me assign complex or critical tasks more reasonably — putting the right person in the right place. Task completion and feedback are also recorded in the system, making team collaboration transparent and smooth.

· For spare parts and stores management: The digital inventory system allows me to know the quantity, location, and consumption of spare parts in real time. Requisition processes are online, reducing paperwork and making approvals and tracking much more convenient, ensuring reliable material support for maintenance."

In terms of emission reduction, the Second Engineer plays a more direct supervisory role. How do you ensure your team complies with requirements such as low-sulfur fuel usage and energy efficiency management in daily operations? What training or guidance has CSM provided?

"Environmental compliance is a top priority in shipping today, and it is a key part of our daily operations. I ensure my team complies through several actions:

· Raise awareness: During toolbox meetings and safety briefings, I repeatedly emphasize the importance of environmental regulations — not just for compliance, but for our responsibility to protect the ocean.

· Standardise operations: We strictly follow the company’s Fuel Changeover Procedure and Energy Efficiency Management Plan. For example, before entering an Emission Control Area, we ensure timely and proper switching to lowsulphur fuel, and we record all parameters accurately. In daily work, we closely monitor main and auxiliary engine energy consumption and optimise the combination of running equipment.

· Strengthen inspections: I regularly check the Oil Record Book, exhaust cleaning system logs (if applicable), energy efficiency data reports, etc., to ensure records are accurate and traceable.

Regarding CSM’s support: CSM provides systematic training. Before joining a vessel, I attended specialised courses on Ship Energy Efficiency Management and ECA Regulations. On board, we can access the company’s online learning platform anytime to study the latest environmental regulations and operational guidelines. CSM also regularly issues technical circulars updating best practices, which gives us clear implementation instructions and technical backup."

Having recently been promoted onboard, what advice would you give to young engineers in the engine department (especially Third and Fourth Engineers)? How have CSM’s promotion system and training supported your development?

"My advice to young engineers can be summarized in three points:

· First, get hands‑on experience and master your equipment. Don’t be afraid of hard work or getting your hands dirty. Go down to the engine room, study drawings and manuals, and understand the characteristics of every piece of equipment under your charge. Combining theory with practice is the fastest way to grow as an engineer.

· Second, take responsibility and think ahead. Don’t just do what you are told — think about why you do it and how to do it better. When you are a Third or Fourth Engineer, try to see things from the Second Engineer’s perspective. This prepares you for future promotion.

· Third, be good at communication and continuous learning. Learn from your Chief Engineer and senior colleagues, and communicate well with the deck department. Make full use of the company’s training resources to keep your knowledge up to date.

Regarding CSM’s system: I truly appreciate the transparent and fair promotion system. It is not based solely on seniority, but on actual performance, technical competence, and responsibility. The company has a complete assessment and evaluation system, so that hard work is recognised. As for training, from induction training, job‑specific training, to pre‑promotion management training, CSM provides a clear career path. I received the opportunity for onboard promotion only after completing the required training and passing the assessments. This shows me that if you work steadily, there is a clear future in the company."

What would you say to young engineers who are considering joining CSM and hope to grow their careers onboard, based on your own experience?

"I would say: if you want to grow fast in a professional environment, CSM is a very good choice. Here are three things from my personal experience:

· First, there is a genuine learning environment. The fleet is technologically advanced and wellmanaged. You will be exposed to industryleading operational and maintenance standards, which is extremely important for building a solid technical foundation.

· Second, there is a clear career path. The company values talent development. As long as you demonstrate competence and responsibility, you will have fair opportunities for promotion. The wellstructured training system supports you like scaffolding at every step upward.

· Third, there is a practical, grounded working atmosphere. From the Master and Chief Engineer to the ratings, everyone is professional and pragmatic. Teamwork is smooth. You can focus on your technical skills and career development without distraction.

My own story is the best example — starting as a junior engineer, through the company’s training and my own efforts, I am now able to take on greater responsibility. I welcome young, motivated engineers to join CSM, to grow together with the company, and to realise your career ambitions at sea."