Meet the Team - Michael Reid, Head of Special Projects

Meet Michael Reid – Head of Special Projects

“You don’t know how far you can go until you try…”

As part of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we aim to learn more about our colleagues from various parts of the business; understanding their role, journey and passions.

From a young apprentice stepping aboard his uncle’s vessel for the first time to leading some of North Star’s most ambitious projects, Michael’s journey through the maritime industry is a testament to his dedication, ambition and adaptability. His work spans continents, time-zones and an ever-evolving industry and his story is one of hard work, leadership and a deep-seated passion for the maritime world – one that continues to shape the future of North Star.

What is your name and job title at North Star? And how long have you been with us for?  

Michael Reid, Head of Special Projects. I joined North Star as an Assistant Superintendent, which lasted 2 weeks and then became a fully-fledged Superintendent. After 3 years I became Technical Manager - then SOV New Build Manager followed by SOV and Technologies Manager, SOV New Build Lead and currently Head of Special Projects.

‍

What inspired you to join the maritime industry?

My uncle. He was a chef at sea, and he took me on board one of the vessels he sailed on when I was sixteen and gave me a full tour from top to bottom. I think seeing this at such a pivotal age really cemented my decision to go to college and study to become a mariner. I remember being really impressed, thinking that everything looked huge. After gaining my qualifications I started on deck and then went to the engine room. I’m very ambitious and always have been, you don’t know how far you can go until you try.

Later in my career I have been asked to take a new role rather than applying for them. Often people can see where you would be a good fit for a new position as companies evolve and new opportunities arise.

‍

What kind of training/ experience is required to get into your line of work?

A lot of it is on the job training and experience. I couldn’t have got the next job without doing the previous one. I have 30 years’ experience in the maritime industry; around 20 years at sea in oil and gas and oceanographic survey as a marine engineer then 11 years on shore. The combination of understanding offshore and onshore really helps in my role.

‍

Can you walk us through a typical day in your role? What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

The biggest thing is communication with the team; locally, nationally and internationally. The team I work with are in; Cochin, Langsten – Norway, Lowestoft and Aberdeen and I am the central point of communication. My main task is to project manage the build of the new vessels, ensuring that we are going by client requirements and all relevant specifications as well as managing the dry docks.

The most challenging thing is balancing my time as there is always so much to do, its constant but a good team helps and I have a fantastic team. They’re all very good at what they do and have a lot of experience which makes my job easier. It’s all about great communication and I know that we have that; we do daily teams calls, phone calls any time of the day – my phone is always on, I visit the dry docks in person and I’ve just come back from Norway. Presence is a key factor.

‍

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to do your role?

They would have to be ready to put in the time required to get the job done, be empathic to other’s needs; the team, clients, suppliers whilst being firm and remain focused on the common goal.

It’s often about finding balance that keeps all parties happy. I spend a great deal of time managing expectations of what is feasible meaning that there is a lot of research involved. This is also why it is so important to have a good relationship with the project managers on site; getting a good relationship with the project managers ensures you’re working to their experience as well as your own.

‍

What is the one aspect of your role that people outside of your team might not fully understand but is crucial to the success of your work?

The time – yesterday I started work at around 06:30 and turned computer off around 22:30, with the different time zones I must be contactable and perhaps give an answer to question in relatively short notice. It’s around the clock because of the different time zones and I am always contactable.

Do you have a favourite vessel in our fleet and if so, why?

Kestrel [said without a moment of hesitation] – because the design from that vessel is the first one I have been wholly involved in from design to delivery. The Kestrel started out as me doodling in the board room and it has had a lot of my personal input and I am so proud of it, it’s my baby. I’m very passionate and really looking forward to delivery.

‍

What excites you the most about the future of our industry and where its heading?

New vessel, building 40 vessels by 2040. Seeing what was a relatively small company, transfer itself into a big company. We are in process of evolvement and I’m excited to see where we are going next. There is nothing that can really stop us. It’s just exciting to see and I just want to be part of it from beginning to end.

‍

What has been your favourite memory or experience whilst working here?

The first SOV that was delivered, the Grampian Tyne. There is a picture of me holding the certificate of markings and carvings and you can see I’m beaming with pride. It was delivered through the difficulties of covid, and it was such a monumental achievement for me.

‍

And finally, what do you like to do when you’re not at work?

Golf, gaming, guitar and listening to music. And in my spare time I work 🤣.