SUMMER 2005.qxd

Summer 2005 

NORD NEWS

2 

The Supervisory Board meeting that took place on 22nd and 23rd March 2005, at the office of 

Reederei “NORD” Klaus E. Oldendorff Ltd. Pictured from left to right is Mr. Obeyesekera, 

Dr. Kreutziger, Mr. Rybarczyk, Mrs. Christiane E. Oldendorff Chairman of the Supervisory 

Board, Mr. Heymann, Dr. Uphoff and Capt. Ivanov. 

NORD NEWS Summer 2005 

BORN FISHERMEN 

Kiribatis are born fishermen, whether they are on board a ship 

or ashore....................... 

The front cover picture was sent in by IDF Foreman 

Mr. Teaningo Temaewe. Mr. Temaewe has recently 

purchased his own boat and he very proudly named 

it after one of our vessels the “NORDELBE”. His 

last appointment was on board the mentioned vessel 

and since he liked it very much, he decided to name 

his boat after it.

Dear Seafarers and Readers! 

A 

nother season has gone by and we are now welcoming the most carefree of 

them all, Summer! Time is surely passing by too fast and at times it seems 

that there are not enough hours in the day to finish everything that we think 

that we need to finish. Let us all take a moment to consider not only what is 

important in our lives that we strive to achieve, but also the loveliness of nature and changing 

seasons, surrounding us all through the year. 

So we bid a fond goodbye to Spring and as Mrs. Maria Ioannou of our Limassol office writes 

in her article we tried to pay this wonderful season the respect and welcome it deserves. 

In order to celebrate this season, I hosted both the Limassol and Hamburg office staff to 

lunch, separately of course! They were wonderful occasions and enjoyed by all. 

However, our celebrations of this season were somehow dampened with melancholy as we 

said goodbye to a long time colleague and more of a friend really, Capt. Uwe Staack. 

Captain Staack left us for his well-deserved retirement on 29 April 2005, after 36 years of 

devoted service to Reederei "NORD", and therefore it is no small wonder that we consider 

him a friend. All, both in the fleet as well as both offices will no doubt miss him. 

As seasons come and go, shipping too has its variance. Shipping has always been cyclical, 

and there have been ups and downs. Right now, all reports indicate that we are at the crest 

of another peak and the favorable times that we have enjoyed in the past 2 years are slowing 

down. However, as a prudent ship-owner I have already anticipated these events and have 

taken steps to counter steer as we say in shipping jargon, and now have the confidence to 

take this company to greater heights of prosperity. 

Those of you who have been following the news of late, would have noticed that the 

European Union is going through some testing times and this has weakened the Euro against 

the dollar to levels going back to September 2004, which is a drop of around 10% since 

beginning of this year. In April this year when we reviewed our seafarers' wages, the weakness 

of the dollar was one of the factors we took into account, but now with this revaluation of 

the currency, the changes that were made to the wages have an even more beneficial effect. 

Anyway, overall this Spring has been a relatively quiet one. So let us hope that our Summer 

will also be the same and that it will be filled with days of warm sunshine and gentle breezes. 

I wish all of you calm seas and happy sailing as always. 

June 2005 Christiane E. Oldendorff 

NORD NEWS Summer 2005 3

4 

I 

n present day shipping trade, ships are 

generally dry-docked every five years. The 

reason for dry-docking is two-fold, to 

inspect the underwater hull of a ship and 

to use this opportunity to give the hull a 

protective coating of paint. Shipowners use this 

opportunity to give their ships a thorough round 

of maintenance. On tankers this ritual is 

particularly intensive, since most of 

the equipment cannot be attended to during 

routine vessel operations. 

The “NORDMILLENNIUM” drydocking 

was a major event, the second VLCC of 

the fleet to go in for this ritual. Preparation for 

the docking started as early as February- at the 

office and on board. Meticulous planning was 

done by the Superintendent, Mr. Dziebowski, 

and the Technical Department. Docking tasks 

were outlined, specifications drawn up and sent 

to different yards for quotation; equipment to be 

overhauled clarified, and spare parts for the 

overhauls to be made available at the docking. 

Indeed a monumental task! The ship's 

Commercial Operators were requested to assist 

by keeping the ship within the Asia region, to be 


NORDMILLENN 

available in time for docking at Dubai, the 

chosen yard. On board, ship’s staff was busy 

preparing a list of spare parts to be ordered, 

preparing tools for the overhauling of 

machinery, checking and repairing tank cleaning 

equipment, and during the loaded passage 

washing out the 10 cm of mud that was present 

in the bottom of the ballast tanks. We had to 

request co-operation from terminal 

representatives at Singapore and in Japanese 

ports, to allow the vessel to carry out 100% 

crude oil washing during discharge to reduce the 

sediments in the cargo tanks. 

After discharging at two ports in Japan, 

the vessel commenced preparation in earnest, 

washing the cargo tanks and gas freeing them. 

Also six garbage skips of sand and sediment were 

manually lifted out of the cargo tanks. The 

Personnel Department were very kind in providing 

us with a 'riding squad' to assist with the cleaning of 

the tanks. 

The Superintendent, Mr. Dziebowski, 

boarded the vessel at Khwar Fakkan, where the 

overflowing skips were offloaded and recovered

UM DRY-DOCK 

oil (slops) pumped to a smaller lighter. At this 

time the docking as well as ballast arrangements 

were discussed with the Ship's staff. 

“NORDMILLENNIUM” first berthed 

at the tank cleaning station, waiting for a Gas 

carrier to leave the dock in better wind 

conditions. The Ship Repair Manager and his 

team used this opportunity to board the 

“NORDMILLENNIUM” and become familiar 

with the tasks ahead. 

Once the “NORDMILLENNIUM” 

entered the drydock 

and rested on the 

blocks, work on her 

hull commenced. Two 

days later the hull was 

ready for painting. 

New tin free anti- 

fouling paint from 

International Paints 

and Jotun were 

applied to the port 

and starboard side of 

the underwater hull 

respectively. 

The first Fiveyear 

Special Survey was 

carried out by attending DNV Surveyor 

Mr. G. Bojor. Sections of ballast piping were 

opened and repaired, where necessary. These 

were then recoated with coal-tar epoxy before 

being replaced. The cargo pumps and ballast 

pumps were opened for inspection and overhaul. 

Each ballast and cargo tank was meticulously 

inspected for damage. All overboard valves were 

overhauled. Fixed and portable cargo equipment 

was serviced by the makers’ agents. Minor 

by Capt. Nutankumar Deshpande 

damage to the hull in the forecastle area was 

repaired, as also the filling in of worn out area on 

the windlass gypsy drums and forward mooring 

closed chocks. Some cracks to framing in the 

fore peak tank were also repaired. 

Electric motors were sent to a shore 

workshop for cleaning and overhaul. 

Boilers were opened for inspection, 

cleaning and survey. The main engine 

had three units overhauled, bearings 

surveyed and air cooler gaskets renewed. 

The main engine 

maneuvering system was 

also overhauled. The 

steering gear system 

was completely overhauled 

by the manufacturer’s 

representative, using 

drydock assistance. The 

ship’s rudder was 

inspected, propeller shaft 

clearances checked, and 

propeller polished. Anchor 

cables were checked for 

damage and weardown. 

The ship's young officers 

were fascinated with the 

construction and size of the ship, observed 

closely from the drydock floor. The Sea chest, 

draft gauges, echo sounder etc., they had 

previously only observed from inside the hull. 

The repairs were successfully completed 

12 hours ahead of schedule and the vessel 

carried out sea trials. The vessel then bunkered 

and sailed for Ras Tanura to load cargo for 

Ningbo, China, looking like a brand 

new vessel, shining all over!! 


5

6 

I 

n January 2005, my wife and I spent our 

annual holiday in Vietnam. We started 

with an extensive sightseeing tour at 

Hanoi and worked our way down south to 

Ho Chi Minh city ending with a 10 day 

beach holiday at Panthiet. 

The country has a population of about 74 million 

people and extends approximately 1700 km 

north to south with about 3000 km coastline, 

but only 50 km across at its narrowest point. It 

borders with Laos and Cambodia in the West, in 

the North with China, and the South China Sea 

to the East and South. It is a diverse country with 

a great variety of country scenery such as 

mountains with peaks above 3000 metres, large 

colourful rice paddys and picturesque beaches. 

The South has a tropical climate like the rest of 

Southeast Asia whilst the North has hot summers 

from May to October and a moderate winter 

season from November to April. 

Hanoi - Vietnam's capital lies on the banks of the 

Red River some 100 km off the sea with a lovely 

landscape of lakes, spacious public parks, 

pagodas, museums and historical houses. The city 

has about 3.5 million inhabitants. Most 

intriguing are the bustling streets jammed with 

motorbikes. Large areas of present day Hanoi 

were built during the French colonial time. It has 

an enchanting “Old Quarter” with old alleys 

dedicated to specific guilds. 

Haiphong - Going by car from Hanoi to 

Haiphong one can sense the fundamental changes 


A HOLIDAY IN .... 

By Claus Bröhan 

happening in this country. There are large 

industrial developments along the road with even 

more under construction but you still pass green 

rice fields with water buffalos ploughing the 

fields and farmers doing the strenuous work of 

transplanting rice plants by hand from one patch 

to another one. Haiphong is the 3rd largest city 

in Vietnam with bustling port and shipyard 

facilities. There are several temples and pagodas to 

see and strolling around the town you can still 

notice the French colonial architecture. 

Halong Bay - Going by car from Haiphong to 

Halong Bay at the Gulf of Tonking you pass huge 

rice fields and abundant open coal mines. The 

name Halong means "where the dragon descends 

into the sea" and the distinctive scenery is said to 

have been created by the lashing tail of a 

rampaging dragon. It is a major tourist attraction 

and this part of the South China Sea is speckled 

with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks. It is 

also considered one of the natural wonders of 

Vietnam and is listed as a World heritage site. It 

covers an area of approximately 1500 square km 

and consists of upto 3000 islands. Taking a boat 

tour of the bay is the main activity, enjoying the 

spectacular view of the bay and visiting some 

caves full of magnificent stalactites and 

stalagmites. 

Hue - We went back by car from Halong Bay to 

Hanoi, where we took a plane to Hue which was 

Vietnam's capital under the emperors of the 

Nguyen dynasty from 1802 until 1945. On the 

northern banks of the Perfume River you find a

huge citadel and inside is the Imperial Enclosure, 

which surrounds the Forbidden Purple City, 

former residence of the royal family. 

Unfortunately, most of it was destroyed during 

the Vietnam war. Outside of Hue we visited the 

Royal Tombs of Emperor Kai Dinh which is a 

huge park with a number of buildings, temples, 

man-made ponds crossed by various bridges and 

was used by the king as a palace for working and 

relaxing when he was still alive. We visited the 

tomb of Emperor Tu Duc too. A dragon boat 

took us upstream to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda 

which is Hue's most preserved religious 

monument. From Hue we went by car to HoiAn 

passing the Hai Van Cloudy Pass. From the 

summit you have a spectacular view of the 

coastline. 

HoiAn - This town was one of the major trading 

centers of South East Asia in the 16th century and 

lies on the banks of the Thu Bon river. The old 

picturesque alleys and the colourful bazaar have 

their own charm. 

Ho Chi Minh - From HoiAn we went by car to 

Danang from where we took a plane to Ho Chi 

Minh city still more commonly referred to as 

"Saigon". The town is located at the Saigon River 

and is the largest city in Vietnam with 

approximately 7 million inhabitants. It is a hectic 

city with lots of building work going on and is 

considered as the economic center of the country. 

You can visit numerous temples and 

pagodas and worthwhile seeing is Chinatown 

bustling with activity, including the colourful 

wholesale market at Binh Tay. The city still 

has a few landmarks of the past French colonial 

time such as the Notre Dame Cathedral 

which was built during 1877 to 1883. 

All the building material used was 

imported from France. We did not 

miss visiting the old city hall and the 

beautiful old post office building as well. 

We took a car ride from Saigon to the famous 

Cu Chi Tunnels which were used by the 

Vietcong during the French-Indochina and 

Vietnam wars. The tunnels once housed 

mini-hospitals, store rooms and factories and were 

used as living quarters during the war. 

Mekong Delta - The Mekong River has its 

origins in the Tibetan highland 2800 

miles away and makes its way through China, 

Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and South 

Vietnam before entering with nine 

tributaries into the South China Sea. 

The river is called "Song Cuu Long" (river 

of the nine dragons), by the Vietnamese people, 

as the dragon is the symbol of a dynamic life. 

The Mekong Delta is one of the country's most 

fertile regions where farmers grow rice and fruit. 

Taking a boat ride on the river and its adjacent 

tributaries and canals surrounded by abundant 

palm groves and visiting the boat villages and 

floating markets is a real highlight. 

Pathiet - From Ho Chi Minh city we went by car 

to Panthiet to spend the rest of our holiday at the 

seaside. Vietnam is truly a fascinating destination 

and is thoroughly recommended, for the beauty 

and cultural heritage. 


8 

ATTENTION - the faculty or 

power of mental concentration. 

Divided - applying one's mind to two or more 

tasks at the same time; Selective -monitoring 

several channels or sources of information at the 

same time so as to perform a single task; 

Focussed - concentrating on one channel or 

source of information; Sustained - 

concentrating over a prolonged period of time 

so as to detect infrequent signals. 

B ODY 

MEASURES - the ranges 

in size, shape and strength of the human 

body as a function of gender, race, and regional 

origin (Anthropometries). The mechanics of 

human movement (Biomechanics). 

C ONTEXT 

OF USE - the 

users, tasks, equipment (hardware, 

software and materials) and the physical and 

social environments in which a system is used. 

D ISPLAY 

- a device or feature 

designed to provide status, position, or 

condition information to the operator through 

visual or auditory feedback. 

E RGONOMICS 

- the study 

and design of working environments 

(e.g., ship bridges, machinery control rooms, 

galleys) and their components, work practices, 

and work procedures for the benefit of the 

worker's efficiency, effectiveness, health, 

comfort, and safety. 

F UNCTION 

ALLOCATION 

- the process by which tasks or functions 

are allocated between humans and machines 

/systems, and/or amongst different operators/ 

maintainers. 

G OOD 

The Alphabet of Ergonomics 

If you don’t get the ergonomics right, overall ship performance may be compromised! 

PRACTICE - learning 

from other organisations that have 

developed successful projects or approaches to 

problems. 


H UMAN 

PERFORMANCE 

human sensory capabilities (e.g., 

sharpness of eye, hearing ability, sensitivity to 

touch), and the impact of environmental factors 

(e.g., lighting, noise) on human sensory 

systems, as well as mental capabilities for storing 

and processing information and for making 

decisions. 

I NTEGRATED 

SYSTEM - a 

collection of applications on computer 

based systems and equipment designed to 

provide correct, sufficient, timely and 

unambiguous information to, and support 

control by, one or more users. 

J OB 

DESIGN - the specification 

and achievement of successful job 

performance, typically focussing on tasks, 

responsibilities, accountabilities, knowledge and 

skill requirements. 

K NOWLEDGE 

- a theoretical 

and/or practical understanding of a 

subject. 

LAYOUT - the integration of people 

with equipment, systems, and 

interfaces, such as controls, displays, alarms,

video-display units, computer workstations, 

labels, ladders, stairs, and overall workspace 

arrangement. 

M AINTAINABILITY 

- 

designing operational maintenance 

tasks to be rapid, safe and effective in order 

to allow equipment and systems to achieve a 

specified level of performance. 

This includes consideration of access, 

removal routes, tools, expertise, disposal, and 

through life support. 

N ORMAL 

- conforming to a 

standard; regular, usual, typical. 

O CCUPATIONAL 

HEALTH AND SAFETY 

(OHS) - the effect of work, the working 

environment and living conditions on the 

health, safety and well-being of the person. 

P ERFORMANCE 

SHAPING FACTORS 

- the environmental, ergonomic and job design 

factors that are correlated with effective and safe 

task performance by a human, working within a 

system. 

QUALITY OF LIFE - the 

combination (of good occupational 

health and safety, good workplace 

design, good management and the impact on a 

person's physical and psychological fitness to 

work at sea. 

R ISK 

- the probable rate of 

occurrence of a hazard causing harm and 

the degree of severity of the harm. 

S YSTEM 

- a combination of 

interacting elements (human and/or 

machine) organized to achieve one or more 

stated purposes. 

T RAINING 

& 

COMPETENCE - the 

development of skills or knowledge through 

instruction or practice; and the levels of 

proficiency achieved for the proper performance 

of functions onboard a ship in accordance with 

internationally agreed criteria, incorporating 

prescribed standards or levels of knowledge, 

understanding and demonstrated skill as well as 

suitable training. 

U SER-CENTRED 

DESIGN - designing for users 

with users, in order to achieve systems that are 

effective, efficient, safe and satisfying to use. 

V IM 

& VIGOUR -maintenance 

of strength and stamina through 

appropriate diet, rest periods, exercise, 

periodical medical review etc. 

W ORKPLACE 

DESIGN 

- the physical design and arrangement 

of the workplace and accommodation - the 

whole ship, taking into consideration 

environmental conditions such as weather, 

temperature, humidity, air quality, lighting, 

noise, vibration, cleanliness, ship motion 

(pitching & rolling), and its effect on the safety 

and performance of personnel. 


10 

A 

lthough Cyprus is 

boasted for its 

summer season 

and seen as an 

escapade for those 

living in the colder regions of 

the world, Spring is when the 

beauty of this island speaks for 

itself. No matter where you 

are on the island, when Spring is in the air, the sun 

shines in the sky but at the perfect temperature when 

you neither feel cold or hot. As early as you wake up 

in the morning and open your window, a cool breeze 

will brush your skin and the chirping of the birds will 

bring music to your ears. If you are lucky enough to 

be in the countryside, you are able to hear the local 

rooster crowing only to remind you that it is time to 

wake up to a new Spring day. A large variety of berries 

are now available and accompany a lot of peoples' 

breakfast. Driving or even walking to work can now 

be enjoyed as the winter rain has gone and you can 

smell the countless aromas of the flowers that are 

blooming in every single garden you pass by. 

The Cyprus landscape displays a great variety 

of styles. It has a very rich animal and plant life. More 

than 1750 different kinds of plants are grown on this 

small island. The calm Mediterranean climate and 

Cyprus' position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and 

Africa explain this great diversity of species. Cyprus 

is an extremely interesting place for nature lovers and 

has all the attributes, making it a botanist's paradise. 

Cyprus is used by millions of birds as a stepping stone 

during their migration from Europe to Africa and 

back, something that has been observed since 

Homeric times. The main reason for this is the 

existance of two wetlands on the island, with unique 

and international importance, namely the Larnaca 

and Akrotiri salt lakes. Many birds come here in 

Some of the Limassol office staff with Mrs. Christiane E. Oldendorff, 

Chairman of the Supervisory Board, at the Spring lunch. 


Spring for the breeding season. Little surprise then 

that there have been around 375 different kinds of 

birds counted on our island. Ornithologists from all 

over the world come to admire the rich bird life 

during this season. 

The forests of Cyprus have a lot to show for 

during Spring. The fauna of Troodos reflects the rich 

flora of these mountains and the wide spectrum of 

habitats it has. Here one can spot butterflies and 

damselflies as well as many bird species not found 

elsewhere on the island. There are endemic lizards 

and snakes. Freshwater crabs and frogs can be found 

in several of the mountain streams. On Troodos 

many plants flower late in spring, well after the snow 

has melted. Rosy-purple flowered Peonies can be 

found near Prodromos and in the forest in Madhari 

and Papoutsa. 

The Akamas Peninsula located at the 

westernmost tip of the island, is the most isolated and 

unspoilt area of Cyprus. It is said to have been named 

after the hero Akamas who returned to Cyprus after 

the Trojan war and founded the city of Akamanitis. 

The Akamas is famous for its abundance of flora and 

fauna. It boasts 600 different plant species and over 

100 different types of birds, mammals and reptiles as 

well as many butterflies. It has a rich historical and 

cultural heritage. People have lived here since the 

Stone Age and evidence of settlements can be found 

near the deserted village of Androlikou. There are 

Greek and Roman remains at Pampelon, Portrypetos 

and Agnades near Neo Chorio. The vegetation of 

most of Akamas is characteristic of the Mediterranean 

shrub forests known as Maquis. Green turtles still 

nest on its beaches and the occasional Monk 

Seal is still sighted 

there. Species such 

as the endemic 

Cyprus Whitetoothed 

Shrew, 

hedgehogs, hares 

and foxes can be 

found here. Several 

species of bats 

shelter in caves in 

the area. In general 

the Akamas region 

includes substantial 

near virgin habitats 

A Spring view from the 

Limassol office window

and vegetation communities. The diversity of wildlife 

in this area ranks it as an area of outstanding ecological 

importance, not only for Cyprus but for the whole of 

the Mediterranean. 

From springtime onwards the villages of 

Cyprus are as pretty as picture postcards with 

verandahs, staircases and shady courtyards decorated 

with a colorful array of different flowers including 

roses which have been the most popular flowers, not 

just for their classic beauty and head of perfume. The 

soft velvety petals of the rose have many uses. 

Rosewater is widely used as an excellent skin 

moisturizer to protect the skin from the harsh summer 

sun and to give a light sweet fragrance that lingers for 

many hours. Rosewater is also good for soothing tired 

eyes. Many local mothers still use it to cleanse the 

faces of their baby daughters, believing it will bring 

them beauty, because the roses of Yeroskipou are 

closely associated with the goddess of love and beauty 

"Aphrodite". The village name of Yeroskipou comes 

from the ancient Greek - Heros Kipos - meaning 

"sacred garden" and it is said that in ancient time it 

covered an extensive area right down to the sea. The 

garden was filled with fruit trees and pomegranates 

and the most beautiful flowers including countless 

roses. It was used as a resting place by pilgrims on 

their way from the harbor of Paphos to the temple of 

Aphrodite at Palaea Paphos now known as "Kouklia". 

The delicate flavor of rosewater is an 

important ingredient in the delicious sweets called 

"loukoumia" that are made by a number of little 

factories in the villages. Loukoumia have been made 

in the villages of Yeroskipou and Lefkara for centuries 

and visitors going to either village are welcomed by the 

sweet sugary fragrance that fills the air. Rose flavor is 

the most popular of all. The demand for rose water 

More Limassol office staff together with members of the Supervisory Board, 

Mr. Peter Rybarczyk and Dr. Klaus Uphoff, at the Spring lunch. 

has grown so much that for one enterprising village it 

has become big business. The village of Agros perches 

at a height of 1000 metres above sea level at the head 

of a valley on the southern slopes of the Troodos 

mountains and has come to be known as "the valley of 

the roses". Villagers have been making rosewater for 

over a hundred years and it has always been highly 

valued for its purity and fragrance. Today Agros' rose 

water is exported all over the world to countries 

including Greece, Australia and Britain. 

Amongst the beautiful flowers which carpet 

the ground in Cyprus in Spring are one very special 

group - the orchids. In Cyprus there are around fifty 

different types and can virtually be found 

"everywhere", on low ground, in the mountains, in 

open countryside, abandoned cultivation, in villages, 

gardens and even by the sea! In Cyprus we have 

orchids which are quite rare as well as endemics such 

as Serapias aphrodite, Orchis troodi, Ophrys 

lapethica, Ophrys kotchyi, etc. 

Here at Reederei "NORD" 

Klaus E. Oldendorff Ltd, Spring is most welcomed 

every year. Our offices are located across from the 

local gardens and at this time of the year we enjoy 

glimpsing at the greenery around us. As a very nice 

gesture of Mrs. Christiane E. Oldendorff we have now 

for the past two years celebrated the coming of this 

refreshing season with a Spring lunch at a restaurant of 

our choice. Spring 2005 was celebrated at a seaside 

Italian restaurant called "Cala Luna" meaning "Cove 

of the Moon". It is named after a cove in Sardinia, 

Italy. The whole atmosphere was very relaxed and we 

all enjoyed each other's company very much, not 

forgetting to mention the delicious three course menu 

accompanied by 

tasty wine. 

Cheers 

to all for many 

more enjoyable 

Springs here in 

Cyprus... and 

for those who 

have not been to 

this beautiful 

island, it is 

worth visiting 

particularly at 

Springtime. 

Baths of Aphrodite 


Shipyards all over the world today are 

experiencing an unprecedented surge in contracts 

and their capacity has already reached maximum 

limits never considered possible just a few years back. 

Delivery schedules are extremely tight, steel prices 

have risen to historic highs, forcing the yards to cut 

corners and reduce production costs. On top of this, 

all major shipbuilders complain that qualified 

manpower is already in short supply. 

Ship-owners’ relentless demand for high 

quality vessels adds pressure on the industry as a 

whole and that is why new building supervision 

today has reached a new status as an integral part of 

the shipbuilding process. This in short is the main 

reason for the existence of the “NORD” Site office 

in the STX Shipyard located in Jinhae, Korea, where 

Reederei “NORD” has contracted a new series of 

2600/3500 TEU container vessels for delivery in the 

period 2005-2008. 

Reederei “NORD” has sound experience in 

organizing and setting up well balanced supervision 

teams, regardless of the shipbuilders' geographical 

location. The management has specified a mix of 

hull structural, outfit, machinery, and coating 

inspectors, led by an on-site Manager to address the 

needs of the builder's production schedule. Included 

in the staff are both expatriate and local inspectors to 

ensure that effective communications can be 

maintained with the Owners, Class and local 

shipyard workers. Our team in STX consists of 

supervisors who have been involved in NORD's 

Korean yard projects since 2000 and are well known 

to the Company for their hard work, good 

professional skills and loyalty. 

12 NORD NEWS Summer 2005 

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A 

“NORD” SITE TEAM By Capt. Stoyan Dobrev 

A regular and streamlined reporting system 

has now been established and in addition the 

Technical Management will make regular oversight 

visits to the shipyard to ensure that the program is 

on-track and construction quality meets NORD's 

standards. The site team at this point is trying hard 

to contribute in finalizing project plan approval and 

in coordinating the issues with Class and the yard's 

own Quality Assurance department. As a rule the 

Site Manager attends all yard operational meetings 

where inspection schedules for our projects are being 

drawn up and updates of construction main events 

take place. One of the main duties of the Site 

Manager is to program the daily work of the team, 

so that all inspection items are being covered and 

logged in the site office filing systems. Owner team 

correction sheets and quality comments are then 

immediately discussed with Class and the yard is 

given notice to rectify the problems within the 

period specified by the Owner’s team. The Site 

Manager is solely responsible for the performance of 

the team members, the new building quality, proper 

conduct of sea trials, timely delivery and accurate 

inventory of Owner’s supplies, documenting and 

filing all available data covering the building process 

for each new hull respectively, including vessel's 

registration, arranging bunkering and stores before 

delivery, arranging clearance with local Agents and 

of course keeping the site team budget together with 

the monthly accounts. 

Following launching of each hull, generally 

coincident with the commissioning of systems and 

the starting of rotating machinery, it is the practice 

of “NORD” to augment the permanent on site staff

with several Company officers (usually the top four 

for each new ship) to assist with bringing the vessel's 

systems on-line and otherwise preparing the ship for 

acceptance and delivery. Later on the crew arrives 

and the Company training officer also joins in to set 

up the crew standards in accordance with NORD's 

own safety requirements and the long list of 

international safety codes and recommendations. 

Although the overall work pattern of the site 

team in STX is not expected to be very much 

different than the established practices in Samho 

shipyard, Mokpo or HHI, Ulsan where we worked 

between 2000-2004, still there appears to be some 

specific supervision aspects valid only for STX. First 

of all - this yard works round the clock and all 

subcontractors are situated very close by, this 

meaning that the new building and its elements are 

always available for instant random patrol or 

scheduled inspections by the site team. In second 

place we must point out that the building programs 

for our projects in STX provide an excellent 

opportunity to exercise 100% inspection coverage, 

because the vessels' construction overlaps for a brief 

period of time only. Just for a brief comparison I 

will mention that in Mokpo (2000-2001) we 

supervised our six River class Panamax bulk carriers 

in tandems located in two adjacent docks and then 

in HHI, Ulsan (2003-2004) our LR1 Planet class 

product carriers, were delivered also in two groups. 

Another very important factor to consider - due to 

its comparatively small size, STX shipyard has a 

definite "family" feeling about it, and things are 

done much faster and hopefully in our favor, 

without the hassle and the long wait, so typical in a 

huge yard like Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan. 

Good and stable working relationships with the 

yard's management and field personnel based on 

mutual trust and common understanding is another 

major factor in the daily work pattern of our site 

team. Still our golden rule is and will always be that 

constant production quality control is the highest 

form of trust. Long gone are the days when a 

shipyard had to rely on its own in-house work force. 

Today most of the yards, and STX is no exception, 

delegate a large chunk of their production to 

subcontractors, whose quality levels vary 

enormously. Same applies for Class societies, who 

are now hastily trying to recruit more surveyors to 

cover the large amount of contracted projects but 

good professionals, are hard to come by as we all 

know too well. Perhaps these are temporary 

problems that will be over when this particular cycle 

of shipbuilding hypertension subsides and drifts 

into history. If we believe the current shipping 

market indicators, that is not going to happen any 

time soon. 

Supervising the construction of a new 

shipbuilding in one of the most modern yards in the 

world has its rewards, as we watch how cold steel 

plates turn into blocks and sections. Then the 

machinery gets assembled and lined in, the 

equipment is being installed and we eventually go 

out for sea trials. Nothing compares with the 

satisfaction of a successful completion of trials and 

when final preparations for delivery are done and 

the crew moves on board. On naming day all 

members of the supervision team will usually line 

up in front of our ships for a photograph, as if 

saying goodbye to a close relative. 

At times like this we also ask ourselves, why 

did we choose this kind of job, and what in fact 

brought us all here? Well, we believe that the honest 

answer will be - “Our common love for the 

ships and for those who sail them”. It is a 

sacred maritime tradition to break 

champagne bottles on three occasions 

during the building of a new vessel. One at 

steel cutting, another at keel laying and the last one 

at the naming ceremony. The sparkling wine always 

tastes good during the first two celebrations but 

it is our duty to make sure that it doesn't 

taste sour on delivery. 

The site team. Pictured from left to right is 

Mr. K. Yoon Hull Inspector, Mr. S. Dobrev Site 

Manager, and Mr. U.S. Park Paint Inspector 


13

14 

The flags are hoisted at the beginning of the 

function. The Company flag by Capt.Z.Y.Girgis, 

Cyprus flag by Chief Engineer V.Valchev and the 

Sri Lankan flag by 2nd officer I. Palamakumbura. 

Mr. W.S. Bandara finished his apple in four 

attempts even without hands. 

Looks serious but it is just a friendly game.2nd 

officer I.Palamakumbura has no intention to hurt 

Mr. Prasad because the pillow 

is made of cotton wool. 

-Event: pillow fight in the swimming pool - 


CELEBRATING 

AND TAMIL 

ON BOARD M / 

S 

ri Lanka is a country where history seems to 

fade into the mist of Legend, enchanting the 

world's imagination for centuries. Cleopatra 

and Sinbad were captivated by the beautiful 

jewels found there, and the Roman Caesars 

considered it significant enough to justify an 

exchange of ambassadors. The Portuguese and Dutch 

occupied parts of the island in the 16th and 17th 

centuries until the British seized it in 1796. Then it 

was renamed Ceylon. It became independent in 

1948. Monuments spanning 2,500 years of history 

and seven World Heritage Sites declared and listed by 

UNESCO, make Sri Lanka one of Asia’s richest 

treasure troves of both natural and man-made 

wonders. 

The most important date in Sri Lanka’s 

cultural calender is the Buddhists and Hindus’ 

New Year’s day. It is celebrated on the 13th or 

the 14th day of April each year, (depending on 

the stars). A great national festival which has 

persisted in all its traditional glory for no less 

than 2,000 years. It is recognized officially and 

observed countrywide as the National New Year. 

Sri Lankans celebrate their National New 

Year “Aluth Avurudhu” in Sinhala and 

“Paththandu” in Tamil. The celebrations take 

seven days, varying only slightly from the age old 

traditions which are still observed to the letter by 

Mr. Karunadasa 

(AB) misses 

out by a few 

centimeters.

THE SINHALESE 

NEW YEAR 

V “NORDMED” 

Sri Lankans of all ages and social background. 

Still revolving around mother nature and her 

most domineering subject the Sun, the 

celebrations originated as a harvest thanks giving, 

celebrating the completion of the solar circuit 

when the sun moves from the “Meena Rashiya” 

(House of Pisces) to “Mesha Rashiya” (House of 

Aries), signaling the dawning of the New Year. 

The astrologers specify the ending of the old year 

as well as the beginning of the new. There is a 

period of a few hours in between the conclusion 

of the Old Year and the beginning of the New 

Year, which is called the “Nona Gathe” (neutral 

period). During this period, one is expected to 

keep off from all types of work and engage solely 

in religious activities. During the days before and 

after the new year, the Country grinds to a halt. 

To celebrate this special occasion, the 

crew of MV “NORDMED” which is mainly Sri 

Lankan, organised a special function that took 

place on that day, filled with many joyful events. 

Everyone participated throughout the day and 

some of the events even continued at night. As it 

can be seen from the pictures everyone had a 

wonderful time. 

This selection of photos was sent in by 

2nd Officer Indika Palamakumbura and Chief 

Engineer Valentin Valchev. 

Chief Officer Kolendic receiving the first price 

for Drawing the eye to the Elephant with 

blindfold. 

Deck and engine departments are good friends. But 

here they are enemies. On the Right hand side is the 

Engine Room crew with the Deck Crew on the left. 

Luckily, Chief Officer Kolendic in the middle was the 

referee otherwise he would have been 

the anchor for the Deck department. 

Threat to the kangaroos. Deck cadet Gamunu in front 

in a sack race. Capt.Girgis at extreme left was 

vociferously supporting the competitors. 

Mr. Dharmasri (Cook) and 

Mr. Sunil showing off a sumptuous 

New Year lunch table. 


16 

English - 

It sure is.... 

a funny language 

This poem written by one Xavier Hencker, 

illustrates the difficulties a non-native 

English speaker has, in dealing with the 

language. The poem needs to be read out 

loud to appreciate its full effect. 

I take it you already know 

Of tough and bough and cough and dough; 

Others may stumble, but not you, 

On hiccup, thorough, laugh and through 

And now you'd like to learn, perhaps 

Of certain less familiar traps? 

Beware of heard, a dreadful word, 

That looks like beard and sounds like bird, 

And dead: it's said like bed, not bead, 

For goodness' sake, don't call it "deed". 

Watch out for meat and great and threat: 

They rhyme with suite 

and straight and debt. 

A moth is not a moth in mother 

Nor both in bother, broth in brother, 

And here is not a match for there 

Nor dear and fear for bear and pear. 

And then there's dose and rose and lose - 

Just look them up - and goose and choose. 

And cork and work and card and ward, 

And font and front and word and sword, 

And do and go, and 

thwart and cart…. 

Come, come, I've 

hardly made a start! 

A dreadful language? 

Man alive! 

I'd mastered it 

when I was five! 


Capt. Staack 

left the bridge....... 

After 36 years of devoted service to 

Reederei "NORD", over the last 25 years in the 

Hamburg Office as Purchasing and Personnel 

Manager, Captain Staack left us on 

29 April 2005, into his well earned and deserved 

retirement. 

On 3rd of May a wonderful farewell 

party was given for him, his family, many 

business associates, customers, suppliers, 

"NORD" Management and Colleagues, in our 

Hamburg Office. 

The venerable, so called "Blue Saloon", 

our boardroom on the 5th floor, was fully 

occupied with guests, into the smallest corner. 

Tasty snacks and drinks were served. 

Capt. Staack, his family and the guests 

obviously enjoyed the lively atmosphere and 

discussions. Some anecdotes and the many, 

partly very personal gifts, e.g. a 2 person bus ride 

to Dresden for his wife and him, pleased 

Capt. Staack extraordinarily. Capt. Staack as well 

as all guests very much enjoyed the wonderful 

hours spent. 

The Reederei "NORD" Management 

and Colleagues, sincerely thank Capt. Staack for 

his long service with the Company, his cordiality, 

loyalty and work performed and wish him all the 

best for his retirement, with very best health 

always. 

Pictured here on the left is Capt.Uwe Staack, 

and Mr. Peter Rybarczyk Managing Director 

Hamburg Office, on the right. 

Guests at the party

From Ship to Shore 

Mr. Grzegorz Kowalczyk 

Mrs. Christiane E. Oldendorff and 

Mr. Grzegorz Kowalczyk 

Mr. Kowalczyk joined Reederei “NORD” in 

1990, as a Second Engineer on board the old 

NORDHEIM. He was promoted to 

Chief Engineer in August 1991 and 

sailed on NORDWIND, NORDHOLM, 

NORDBEACH, NORDSTAR, NORDPOL, 

NORDCLOUD, NORDPARTNER and 

NORDSTRAND. 

Mr. Kowalczyk came ashore in 

November 2001, and started working in the 

Limassol office as a Technical Superintendent. 

Deciding that it was time for a change 

he has now moved to Hamburg and as of 

1st February 2005, has been working for 

Reederei “NORD” Klaus E. Oldendorff GmbH. 

Mr. Kowalczyk celebrated 10 years with Reederei 

“NORD” on 20th May 2005. The pictures were 

taken at the party that was given in honour of 

this occasion at the Hamburg office. 

Pictured here is 

Mrs. Christiane E. Oldendorff, 

with Mr. Peter Rybarczyk, Managing Director 

of Reederei “NORD” 

Klaus E. Oldendorff GmbH. on the left and 

Mr. Grzegorz Kowalczyk with his 

commemorative ten year anniversary bowl. 

Five Year 

Anniversaries 

Congratulations to Mr. J. Bajwol (Fitter), pictured 

here on the left and Mr. W. Wickramarachchi 

(Second Officer), pictured second from the right, 

on completing five years of service with Reederei 

“NORD” and receiving their commemorative 

five year watch. Also pictured here second from 

left is Mr. Valentin Iliev Superintendent, and 

Capt. M. Kubicki on the right. 

Miss Elena Poulli 

Pictured here is Miss Elena Poulli, receiving her 

commemorative five year watch from 

Mr. Krause, Director of the Limassol Office. 

Miss Poulli graduated high school with a Higher 

Certificate in accounting, accredited by the 

London Chamber of Commerce and 

Industry. She has been working for the 

Accounts Department of the Limassol Office 

since May 2000. 

New Arrivals......... 

Congratulations to Mr. Savvas Vassiliades, 

Technical Accountant of “NORD” Limassol 

and his wife Christiana, on occasion of the birth 

of their twin baby girls. Penny and Marcia were 

born on 2nd June 2005. 


18 

WELCOME TO NEW STAFF 

REEDEREI “NORD” KLAUS E. OLDENDORFF LTD. 

Nicos Kacoullis, Accounts Manager 

Mr. Nicos Kacoullis has been employed as 

the Manager of the Accounts Department, effective 

1st of April 2005. He was born in Limassol, Cyprus 

on 4th October 1967. He studied Business 

Administration majoring in Certified Public 

Accounting at Pace University, New York. During his 

college and practicing career he worked for various 

American Companies such as Goldman Sachs, 

Coopers & Lybrant and Jan Bengelsdorff CPA's, as 

an auditor / financial & tax consultant. 

Beginning of 1994 he returned to Cyprus 

and was employed by Unicom Management Services 

(Cyprus) Ltd., as a Chief Accountant of the Tankers 

Division. He was promoted to the position of 

Systems and Internal Audit Manager, a position he 

held until 1998. In July '98 he moved to Greece and 

worked for Danaos Management Consultants 

(Greece) Ltd. as a Senior Financial Consultant. In 

July 1999, Mr. Kacoullis moved back to Cyprus as a 

Managing Director of Danaos (Cyprus). In 2002 he 

was employed by TUI AG and Atlantica Hotels as a 

Group Financial Controller for their newly formed 

J V Company Atlantica Hotels Management Ltd. and 

was responsible for the group's financial activities both 

in Cyprus and Greece, reporting to TUI AG. 

Mr. Kacoullis is a member of the AICPA's and the I.M.A. 


Nicos Paneras, Financial Controlling 

Mr. Nicos Paneras joined 

Reederei "NORD" Klaus E Oldendorff Ltd. on 

May 16th, as Financial Controller, a newly 

created position. Before joining, he 

was employed by the Middle East Marketing 

Research Bureau in Nicosia, as a Group 

Financial Controller. 

Mr. Paneras was born in the town of 

Famagusta, on 1st November 1965, and now 

lives in Limassol with his wife and two children. 

He studied accounting in the UK and became a 

certified accountant. On his return to Cyprus in 

1992, he was employed by Deloitte, (initialy as 

an Auditor and later on as a Senior Auditor) 

where he got his practical experience, mainly in 

the shipping and shipmanagement sectors, but 

also in other sectors such as company valuations, 

tax and V.A.T. He has since acquired 13 years of 

experience in accounting and finance having 

held financial positions in shipping, financial as 

well as marketing companies. 

Mr. Paneras will be completing his postgraduate 

studies, shortly and will obtain his 

MBA in Finance and Shipping. He is also 

an associate member of the Chartered 

Management Institute. 

Mrs. Egli Loizidou Hadjigeorgiou - Senior Purchaser 

Mrs. Loizidou was born in 1970 in Famagusta. Since 1974, her family has 

been living in Limassol. She is married and has two daughters, twelve and 

seven years old. After finishing high school, she studied Tourist / 

Management and joined Columbia Shipmanagement in October 1993. 

During her time there she also studied Shipping with the Institute of 

Chartered Ship Brokers in London via the Cyprus Shipping Council. 

Mrs. Loizidou says she has gained a lot of experience as she has visited 

4 container vessels in Hamburg and Netherlands and has attended a ship's 

dry-dock at Malta for 6 days. She has also visited main suppliers at Hamburg and has attended spare 

parts exhibitions and seminars with reference to communication / computers / appraisal etc. 

In April 2005, she joined Reederei “NORD” in the position of Senior Purchaser.

and in ............ 

REEDEREI “NORD” KLAUS E. OLDENDORFF GmbH. 

Cezary Brzezinski - Technical Manager 

Mr. Brzezinski obtained a University 

Degree in Maritime Engineering from Szczecin 

Commercial Maritime University. He was 

employed by Egon Oldendorff as a 3rd and 2nd 

Engineer, for four years. Then in 1996 

Mr. Brzezinski joined Oldendorff Carriers and 

worked there as a Chief Engineer for four years. 

In 2002, he came ashore and was employed by 

Briese Schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG, as a 

Senior Technical Superintendent / Team 

Leader. 

Mr. Brzezinski joined Reederei 

"NORD" Klaus E. Oldendorff GmbH on 

1st April 2005, as a Technical Manager. On a 

personal note, Mr. Brzezinski is married and 

has two children. 

NORD NEWS 

Reederei “NORD” 

Klaus E. Oldendorff Ltd. 

Libra Tower, 23 Olympion Street 

P.O. Box 56345 

3306 Limassol - Cyprus 

Tel: +357 25 841400 

Fax: +357 25 345 077 

Tlx: 5938 RNKEO CY 

E-mail: mail@rnkeo.com.cy 

Website: www.rnkeo.com 

NORD NEWS is the Company Magazine of 

Reederei “NORD” 

Klaus E. Oldendorff Ltd. 

While NORD NEWS is primarily directed at our 

seastaff, it is also sent to our close 

business associates. 

Frank Permien - 

Technical Superintendent 

Mr. Permien was born on 

16 October 1966, and studied 

at the Polytechnical school in 

Wustrow. He finished a 

Professional education as a 

Mechanic / Ship's Mechanic 

with examination at VEB Deutfracht Seereederei Rostock 

/shipping company. Mr. Permien has also completed a three 

year military service as a sergeant in a pioneering company. 

In 1989 Mr. Permien studied Mechanical 

Engineering at the University of Rostock, a five year 

course specialising in Construction and Development, 

graduating as a Mechanical Engineer for Vessels. He has 

been working as a Construction Engineer in American as 

well as German Companies such as Bley Engineering in 

Chicago, P. Harloff Edelstahlzentrum / Güstrow and 

Volkswerft Stralsund GmbH/A.P. MØller Group. In 

January 2004, he started working as a Superintendent 

Engineer at MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping, 

Hamburg. Mr. Permien joined the Technical 

Department, on 1st April 2005. 

Thorsten Vogt - 

Purchasing Officer 

Mr. Thorsten Vogt was born on 

7 April 1968, in Kellinghusen 

(a small town North of 

Hamburg), and still lives there 

with his wife and daughter. 

After finishing school in 

1985, he completed a Mechanical Apprenticeship at the 

Peter Werft Wewelsfleth Shipyard. On completion of his 

apprenticeship, Mr. Vogt worked as a Mechanic at Blohm 

and Voss Hamburg, Shipyard. In 1989 he finished a 

second apprenticeship in Business and Foreign Trade at 

Frütec Shipchandlers, Hamburg, and worked as a spare 

parts clerk in the same company. 

Mr. Vogt moved to East Wind (a spare parts 

supplier), as a sales clerk in 1998. After a short break with 

another company in 2000, he returned back to "East 

Wind" as the head of the Department for sales in South 

America and the Middle East. 

We welcomed Mr. Vogt in the Technical 

Department on 1st April 2005. 


REEDEREI “NORD” KLAUS E. OLDENDORFF 

PRESENT FLEET AND NEWBUILDINGS ON ORDER 

M.T. “NORDPOWER” 319.000 tdw Tanker 2003 

M.T. “NORDENERGY” 319.000 tdw Tanker 2003 

M.T. “NORDMILLENNIUM” 301.500 tdw Tanker 2000 

M.T. “NORDMARK” 105.000 tdw Tanker 1998 

M.T. “NORDSTRENGTH” 105.000 tdw Tanker 1998 

M.T. “NORDVENUS” 75.000 tdw Product Tanker 2004 

M.T. “NORDMARS” 75.000 tdw Product Tanker 2004 

M.T. “NORDNEPTUN” 75.000 tdw Product Tanker 2004 

M.T. “NORDMERKUR” 75.000 tdw Product Tanker 2004 

M.V. “NORDELBE” 75.000 tdw Panamax bulker 2001 

M.V. “NORDWESER” 75.000 tdw Panamax bulker 2001 

M.V. “NORDEMS” 75.000 tdw Panamax bulker 2001 

M.V. “NORDTRAVE” 75.000 tdw Panamax bulker 2001 

M.V. “NORDRHINE” 75.000 tdw Panamax bulker 2001 

M.V. “NORDMOSEL” 75.000 tdw Panamax bulker 2001 

M.V. “NORDMORITZ” 72.500 tdw Panamax bulker 1995 

M.V. “NORDATLANTIC” 33.850 tdw 2478 TEU 2003 

M.V. “NORDPACIFIC” 33.850 tdw 2478 TEU 2003 

M.V. “NORDBALTIC” 33.850 tdw 2478 TEU 2003 

M.V. “NORDMED” 33.850 tdw 2478 TEU 2003 

M.V. “NORDSTRAND” 34.062 tdw 2280 TEU 1993 

M.V. “NORDEAGLE” 27.000 tdw 2105 TEU 1997 

M.V. “NORDFALCON” 27.000 tdw 2105 TEU 1997 

M.V. “NORDHAWK” 27.000 tdw 2105 TEU 1997 

M.V. “NORDSTAR” 22.878 tdw 1730 TEU 1998 

M.V. “NORDSEAS” 22.420 tdw 1684 TEU 1996 

M.V. “NORDCLOUD” 22.420 tdw 1684 TEU 1997 

M.V. “NORDRIVER” 22.420 tdw 1684 TEU 1997 

M.V. “NORDCOAST” 22.420 tdw 1684 TEU 1997 

M.V. “NORDLAKE” 22.450 tdw 1524 TEU 1994 

M.V. “NORDPOL” 20.275 tdw 1354 TEU 1994 

M.V. “NORDPARTNER” 20.275 tdw 1354 TEU 1994 

M.V. “NORDSKY” 14.120 tdw 1158 TEU 1990 

M.V. “NORDSUN” 14.120 tdw 1158 TEU 1991 

M.V. “NORDBEACH” 14.120 tdw 1158 TEU 1991 

M.V. “NORDCLIFF” 14.120 tdw 1158 TEU 1991 

NEWBUILDING S1166 34.000 tdw 2600 TEU 11/2005 


NEWBUILDING 062 116.000 tdw Tanker 2/2007 




NEWBUILDING S1218 45.000 tdw 3500 TEU 6/2008

SUMMER 2005.qxd

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