Inside Baseblue: How Fani Panagiotidou Drives Innovation and Excellence

#LifeAtBaseblue

In this blog, Fani Panagiotidou, Senior Post Fixture Operator, shares insights about her experiences and growth at Baseblue, highlighting key projects, her daily responsibilities, and the importance of teamwork and adaptability.

As the first member of Baseblue’s post-fixture department, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to build and develop this department from the ground up under the strategic guidance of our management. Establishing this department has been a pivotal achievement, demonstrating its crucial role in providing a full, five-star service to our clients. I take great pride in being a part of this development journey and in seeing the department grow alongside me.

Another significant opportunity came when I was invited to join the Fuelink development and quality assurance team. Fuelink represents an innovative tool within our company, and being involved in its development and testing has been both exciting and creatively fulfilling. Each of these roles has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to Baseblue’s success while also expanding my own professional horizons.

My day typically starts with an extensive review of all pending deliveries, ensuring that we stay updated on the vessels’ prospects at the bunker port. I liaise closely with various stakeholders, including agencies, surveyors, suppliers, and more, to ensure we have all the required information—whether it’s regarding supply restrictions, weather issues, or necessary documentation.

Success in our line of work demands a proactive monitoring approach and a problem-solving mindset. When complications arise, we always strive to find solutions that align with our clients’ best interests. The dynamic nature of this role is something I truly enjoy, as it challenges me to think critically and act swiftly.

In my dual role, another part of my day is dedicated to discussions with Fuelink’s development team. Here, I focus on new feature discussions, QA testing for newly released tickets, and bug hunting. Balancing both roles keeps my day diverse and engaging, ensuring that no two days are ever the same.

There are times when weather conditions significantly disrupt port operations, leading to suspensions and backlogs in deliveries. During these challenging periods, our workload often increases as we navigate the complications that arise with pending deliveries. For the most complex cases, teamwork between our department and our traders becomes essential. We collaborate closely to explore all possible solutions and alternative options to overcome these challenges.

This collaborative spirit is crucial to our success. It’s not just about finding a solution; it’s about finding the best solution for our clients, and that requires a collective effort. The synergy within our team, especially during high-pressure situations, is something I deeply value and am proud to be a part of.

Throughout my 5.5 years at Baseblue, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects beyond my current role. These have included EU-funded LNG-related projects, navy tenders, and lubricants. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in helping me gain a wide range of knowledge and skills.

My advice to anyone starting their career at Baseblue is to embrace the opportunities that come your way. Baseblue is a company that stays ahead of industry changes, and new opportunities continuously emerge. No matter how daunting a task might seem, seize every chance to learn and grow. This approach has been instrumental in my own career, and it’s something I believe can benefit anyone looking to make their mark at Baseblue.