Some operations test every part of you; patience, precision, and even how you get back on land.
This one took place at Ternium (Siderar), Campana, loading steel bars bound for Veracruz and Houston.
A 10-day operation, with constant supervision from the first bundle to the last.
We were onboard the entire time, working on behalf of the shipowner and coordinating with the charterer and the terminal.
The biggest challenge? The plan kept changing.
Steel bars were produced in rolling batches.
That meant we had to adjust the stowage plan multiple times, ensuring the correct sequence for each port, without compromising safety or cargo integrity.
– Counted every bundle
– Supervised dunnage and stowage
– Checked every lashing and spacing
– Adapted plans as material became available
– Issued a Letter of Protest when crane issues halted the job
And after 10 days on board, there was only one way back to shore: crane bucket style.
Not the most elegant exit, but one we won’t forget.
That’s what makes this job so unique.
It’s not just about inspections or checklists. It’s about staying sharp, adapting in real time, and making sure everything moves. Even when the plan doesn’t.
