I started the day by watching the sunrise with Dr. Streiner and Jodi, our program coordinators from the University of Pittsburgh. Despite seeing the sunrise numerous times, the sight of the blazing red sun peeking from the Northern mountain range over an ocean filled with shipping vessels never gets old.
After breakfast, we went to Vassiliko Port & Vassiliko Cement Works. There we learned about how Vassiliko employs vertical integration to maintain their relevance in the cement industry and continue to expand their influence across the world. It was intriguing how they controlled all aspects of their supply chain from procurement of raw materials, to alternative fuel production, and even to shipping and delivering their products. I also appreciated Vassiliko’s investment in sustainable development as evidenced by the 1.2 million dollar cement loading crane they purchased to limit dust and protect both the environment and crew health.
With everything said, my favorite part of this visit was definitely wearing the hard hat and vest during the tour because it gave me a slight glimpse into what my life could look like if I chose this path.
Following the site visit at Vassiliko we traveled to the Old Fish Tavern in Zygi, where we feasted on a fish meze. A meze is a traditional Cypriot meal comprised of many small dishes served one after another. Despite being daunting at first, this was an astonishingly fun, unique experience that I will never forget.
After strolling around the beach, we traveled to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Ship Management Limassol.
MSC by far had the most engaging, informed, and well-prepared presentation. Something that Nita Jha said to me that struck a cord was that “even when the world stopped for COVID-19, the ships kept moving”. This statement is what forced me to finally recognize the critical nature of shipping for the prosperity of the world in every scope imaginable.
I was fascinated by MSC’s technologically advanced monitoring system that enables them to track the most relevant details about hundreds of their vessels. I particularly admired the way they only partially automated their alert system with specific algorithms so that the superintendents for each vessel could find problems faster and make the final decision. I though it was really ingenious how MSC divided their 500+ ships into 25 fleets, with 5 -10 vessels in each fleet being monitored by one team. This made me wonder how hospitals could also use a similar strategy to care for hundreds of patients in critical condition when resources are limited.
At the end of the presentation, I asked Nita Jha how MSC addresses medical emergencies on deck. She gave me a comprehensive response about their plan of action. The first step is to refer to the “International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers” books which is carried by every vessel. Then if needed, one should establish telecommunication with a healthcare professional that speaks the same language as the crew member. All ships carry a medical stock and diagnostic devices that can be used to assess the patient’s situation. If the patient’s condition cannot be controlled on board, then the ship will either dock at the nearest harbor or request a Medical Evacuation by helicopter. Through this conversation with Mrs. Jha is became quite evident that their crew members’ safety is their greatest priority, which is reflects positively on MSC’s company values.
