Ida Kiri Dame (22) was offered a permanent position as Junior Ship Operator at Odfjell before finishing her studies.
The below is a translated version of an article in the Norwegian shipping business media ‘Skipsrevyen’,
published on August 1, 2025. Written by Ruben André M. Njøtøy.
“I have been at sea since I was very young, before I could even walk, actually,” says Ida Kiri Dame. “My family had a sailboat, and we spent weekends and holidays along the coast. The ocean has always been part of my life.”
Her interest in the maritime industry grew stronger during her military service in the Royal Norwegian Navy. There, she worked in both office and operational roles, and found out that she enjoyed both types of work.
“I understood that I wanted to work with people, and I also wanted to work with something maritime. Shipping was the perfect mix”
Dame applied to Solent University in Southampton to pursue her education, and already after her first year she joined Odfjell as a summer intern. At a company summer party, she started a conversation with a shipbroker who encouraged her to stop by their department and learn more about how they work.
Ida Kiri Dame (22) works as a Junior Ship Operator at Odfjell SE, following each voyage from beginning to end
“The brokers sat close to the operators, so it was the first time I really saw what an operator actually does,” she recalls. “I started my internship with the brokers, but spent the final weeks in the operations department, and that is when everything clicked. I knew this was the job for me.”
“I immediately connected with the people and the culture at Odfjell. Everyone is so knowledgeable, and generous in sharing what they know. I knew I wanted to come back.”
Following Ships Every Step of the Way
Today, Dame is a Junior Ship Operator, a role she secured even before completing her bachelor’s degree. No two days are the same. “We usually start the day by reviewing emails and sending ETA updates, but after that, anything can happen.”
She is in constant contact with captains, brokers, and the technical team, coordinating across the board. Currently, she is responsible for three chemical tankers. That means following the vessels from before loading begins until the voyage is completed, and everything in between.
“I enjoy having a full overview. Acting as the link between so many stakeholders is challenging but very rewarding. There is always something new to learn, and that is what I love.”
Just a month into her new role, she had the opportunity to join one of the ships, Bow Sky, to see operations firsthand. “I was smiling the entire trip. I was so impressed by the scale of everything, the size of the engine, how clean the tanks were, and the deep knowledge of the crew. It gave me a whole new level of respect.”
Shortly after starting at Odfjell, Ida Kiri Dame joined the chemical tanker Bow Sky, gaining valuable insight into life at sea and a deeper respect for the work seafarers do.
Wants to Get Good at Her Job
Ida is not focused on money or status. What matters most to her is learning.
“What motivates me most right now is becoming good at what I do. I am surrounded by such talented people, and that inspires me. I want to learn as much as I can.”
She is appreciates that Odfjell support learning and growth, allowing her to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and improve.
“The learning curve is steep, but I feel safe. Everything is set up so that I can do well.”
Archive photo: Bow Sky
Thrives When It Gets Hectic
Dame admits the transition from student life to full-time work was intense, but in a good way. “As a student, you have time to ease into things. In this job, everything happens at once. You have to stay calm even when things heat up, but I enjoy that. I learn best by doing.”
On more quiet days, she uses the time to review documentation, get organized, and prepare for what comes next.
“I never quite know what the day will bring, and that is what makes it exciting.”
Make the Most of Internships
Dame is clear about what helped guide her career path. “Without those internships, I wouldn’t have known what I wanted. I got to try brokering, crewing, HQ, and operations, and it helped me realise that operations was the best fit for me.”
She encourages other young people considering a maritime career to stay curious.
“Do not narrow your focus too early. Talk to people, try different roles. There is so much more out there than what you learn in school, and there is definitely something that is a perfect fit for you.”
Focused on Building Experience
Even though she has landed what she calls her dream job, she is also thinking ahead.
“I have palyed around with the thought that I might take an MBA at NHH one day. But right now, my goal is clear: I want to become a good operator. The rest will follow.”
