Meet Sesinando Conception: 30 years of happy sailing with Solvang
After sailing for 30 years with Solvang, Sesinando Concepcion is closing in on his ultimate destination: Seeing his kids embark on their own voyages.
«Every single morning and every night at the cabin I send my prayers and thanks to God,» says Mr. Sesinando Concepcion, cargo engineer on Clipper Eris.
For 30 years, he has been sailing for Solvang, building one of the longest careers in the company.
«I started sailing back in 1990, first as a wiper, then motorman, before I was promoted to fitter on board Hera, Clipper Victoria and Clipper Eris», Sesinando says.
Having graduated as an associate marine engineer a few years earlier, the young fitter found himself captivated by the intricate gas systems onboard Solvang’s carriers.
«I developed a strong desire to learn the process of cargo operation and maintenance. Luckily, the cargo engineer was willing to assist, as was my Norwegian captain and the chief engineer on board Clipper Eris. They all let me participate in cargo operations, and I learned as much as I could», Sesinando says.
Dream coming true
The young Sesinando Concepcion’s eagerness to develop as a seafarer was noticed by his superiors. Before the end of his contract as a fitter, Sesinando was told by the captain to go and complete his formal papers for the cargo engineer position, then return to Heros.
«I was emotionally overwhelmed when I rejoined Heros for the third time in 2001, as a cargo engineer. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity», Sesinando admits.
The following two decades tell a story of ever deepening relations between the committed cargo engineer and his crew at Solvang.
«I got the job of my dreams. My long stay in Solvang has made a big impact on my life and my family, granting us a strong sense of purpose, as well as stability and security», Sesinando says.
Team efforts
As a cargo engineer on board Clipper Eris, Sesinando ensures the operation of the cargo plant systems as well as the maintenance of the cargo cooling plant system on board one of the world’s most sophisticated gas carriers. Reporting goes to the chief engineer for technical issues and to the chief officer for operations. Sesinando explains:
«A team working together and sharing the awareness will improve the efficiency of the vessel, as well as securing the environment due to less errors».
Bulding a family tradition
After sailing for 30 years with Solvang, Mr. Sesinando Concepcion reckons that loyalty and hard work has paid off. If everything goes according to plan, he can look forward to retirement already in 2026.
«We feel like a family on the vessel, supporting each other. But at my real home, I will be surrounded by a loving wife, two sons and a daughter who has just graduated from university», the proud father says.
He has good reason to enjoy, as his ultimate goals in life are being realized this year: «My two sons have received contracts as sailors, and they are about to board their vessels for international routes».
