Cruise ship management is a team effort on an awe-inspiring scale: It takes a community of thousands of people – whether behind the scenes onshore or cruising the waters as a crew member aboard the vessels. In this regular series, we will provide a look at key positions within the COLUMBIA cruise services operation. First up, meet Sofia Miltiadou, a Port Operations Specialist based at our CCS offices in Cyprus.
What are your primary responsibilities as a Port Operations Specialist?
With so many vessels in our fleet travelling to ports around the world, there is a steady stream of supplies that must be in place for the vessels and a lengthy list of documentation to ensure each port visit goes smoothly. One of my major responsibilities is arranging the supply of bunker fuels to the vessels under CCS’ management, as per the clients’ requirements and vessels’ actual needs. This responsibility literally keeps the ships moving! Another vital part of my responsibilities is itinerary management to ensure each port has all the documentation required before one of our CCS vessels approaches. I ensure there is coordination with all parties involved for port calls, and also address anything needed if there are any deviations from the fixed itineraries. Lastly, I am responsible for obtaining and checking port agents’ documented accounts, while ensuring port prefunding is made on time to the relevant authorities and agents.
What is your background and why did you choose the cruise industry?
My university studies were in Finance and Logistics Management so I had good grounding in the business and logistics side of things. I am soon to celebrate my 10-year anniversary working in the maritime industry, where I started with a freight forwarding agency and with a commodity trading company, trading base oil and other petrochemical products. I had always wanted to be in the operations side of a ship management company and I was thrilled to join CCS in Cyprus and work in the vibrant cruise industry.
What do you like best about your job?
What I enjoy the most about my job is the interaction I have with so many people around the world. It is fascinating to learn how similar or dissimilar port operations can function in different countries.
Have you been able to visit many ports yet? Which is your favourite?
As my entry to the cruise industry is relatively new, I have not visited many ports yet, even though I know people assume that anyone working in the industry gets to travel a lot! My most memorable visit so far is to the small port Skiathos on a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. This port combines the perfect views of both the mountain and sea, especially if you come into port at dusk, when the scenery is breathtaking.
What are your future goals for working in the maritime industry?
I love the maritime industry and am dedicated to enhancing my knowledge about this thriving global industry. My goal is to always be a valuable member of the team and to successfully grow and develop as a professional.
