People

The LNG, liquified natural gas, is typically transported in a semi-cooled slushy state of -160 degrees and is usually transported from Norway, the U.S., or the Middle East.

The Independence restores the gas into its original gaseous state before it can be used for industrial purposes or in households around the destination. The gas from Independence is a crucial part of the energy infrastructure in Lithuania and supplies large parts of the Baltic region with power.

“The LNG was certainly an exciting industry to come into at the time I joined. You’d see a lot of new technologies and a lot of opportunities for mariners. Höegh also had, and still has, the most modern ships and cutting-edge technology. We have plenty of professional mariners and leaders who I get to work with everyday.”

As an officer, he typically follows a work rhythm of ten weeks on, ten weeks off, before going home from Klaipeda to his family in Massachusetts, U.S.

Serving as a lieutenant commander in the navy reserve in the U.S. Navy, together with a family life, it is safe to say that he is also staying occupied off duty.

“I basically try to pursue two careers and find it very rewarding. At Höegh, I think about how important our operations are, particular here in Klaipeda and for Lithuania, how our team has to work together to make sure that we have a reliable and safe energy send-out on a day-to-day basis.”

While Independence is based in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Grace is stationed in Cartagena, Colombia.

“My primary responsibility is to prevent operational failures and to basically make sure that the uptime in our business is as high as possible. Together with the team, we try to predict what is going to happen and to schedule maintenance in advance as far as possible. Of course, we are also the technical team responsible to fix machinery if and when something happens on an ongoing basis.”

“I came from a period of working with different oil majors and wanted to try something else, something else than being one employee out of a very big team. In Höegh, with the family-owned history, my experience has been that your efforts really count and that you are able to build your reputation.”

“My experience has been that your efforts really count and that you are able to build your reputation”

“This is not saying that everything is always sweet and sparkling, but at least your effort is appreciated. Because of our history, we also have a legacy to carry forward – we’re here for the long run, which is something I appreciate.”

He also believes Höegh is taking its responsibility very seriously as a steady supplier of energy, given the situation in today's energy markets and the war in Ukraine.

“At the same time, our working situation is relatively similar to a few years ago. Our production capacity has increased which involves some adjustment and engineering challenges in the daily operations, but the essence is still to maintain good operations and a stable supply of gas to the customers.”

“I was a seafarer and worked as a sailor from age of 17 years old and until I became an officer and master. This was an amazing experience.”

“I grew up on a small island on the west coast of Norway and didn’t know anything about the big world. At age 17 I was sent to Japan, to a big hotel and to a ship with a substantial workforce. This has basically been my motivation to later become a master and to continue the work in this industry. I sailed all the different ships that Höegh had at the time and also gained experience from an LNG vessel.”

“I grew up on a small island on the west coast of Norway and didn’t know anything about the big world”

“When I return to Höegh in 2009, it was like coming home and today I am doing the things that I really like – making the business resilient and meeting a lot of fantastic people”

According to Cepauske you get to participate in a lot of areas from this function, as compliance is a management priority.

Beyond that, there’s also time for fun after working hours.

“We have Höegh Sports, which is a group responsible for arranging initiatives related to cycling, hiking, go cart and other activities. There are different activities and different groups, typically very low-key. My favourite is hiking, but I’ve also done cycling with the top cycling people in the company and have appreciated that they are kind enough to wait for me when we are going up the steepest hills. In general, I find the environment sociable and including.”

“I was familiar with Höegh LNG and knew about Independence before joining the company. Today am very proud to work for a company that provide a solution for Lithuania. The name “Independence” name of our vessel in Klaipeda is not accidental – it really makes the nation more self-sufficient from Russian gas.”

“The name “Independence” name of our vessel in Klaipeda is not accidental – it really makes the nation more self-sufficient from Russian gas”

“I also appreciate the flat organisational structure we have and that the door to the senior management is always open. You can really influence and shape the organisation. In addition, I think it’s great to work in such a diverse working environment with more than 15 different nationalities – including colleagues from U.S., U.K., Germany, India, China, Singapore, Denmark and Sweden just to mention a few.”