A class of its own
21 OCTOBER 2025 | #TEAM
Keeping a vessel like the MTS Talisman running during a special survey (the periodic ship inspection at the yard) requires more than just craftsmanship on board. Behind the scenes, there’s continuous work on maintenance, safety, and coordination.
In this interview, Remy, skipper of the Talisman, and Marnix from the Technical Department share their two worlds that meet daily through one goal: making sure everything on board works. And keeps working.
From army and offshore to bunkering and technology
Remy has been a skipper at AMS Barging since April 2019 and immediately started on the Talisman when the vessel had just been purchased. His journey to the wheelhouse went via the army, the construction industry, and eventually inland shipping. “I knew early on that I wanted to end up in the wheelhouse. At my previous employer I couldn’t make that step, but at AMS I was thrown in the deep right away. I started in the middle of a special survey, which taught me a lot.”
With a wink, Remy summarizes his role: “What do I do? I sail. We break things, and then we call Marnix, haha. No, seriously: as skipper I make sure everything keeps running, and I handle everything that comes with life on board: from the barge and bunkering to the crew.”
Marnix has been part of the Technical Department since June 2024. Before that, he worked as a maritime researcher and sailed the world, until, after starting a family, he wanted to stay closer to home. “As a Superintendent you’re a kind of ‘shore captain’. I make sure the barges stay in good condition. I arrange maintenance, solve malfunctions, and keep oversight. It’s less large-scale than my previous work, but you’re dealing with so many different factors. That’s what makes the job here still challenging.”
“With fixed points of contact, bonds grow stronger and you know what to expect from each other. That makes the work nicer and more enjoyable for everyone.”
An exceptional craft
At the beginning of July, the MTS Talisman was at the yard for a special survey, which demands a lot from both the crew and the Technical Department. Think of installing Mass Flow Meters, checking anchor chains & propellers, and the new Tank-Eye system.
Remy: “A special survey is more intense than sailing. You’re dealing with new regulations, technical inspections, and time pressure; the barge needs to be back to work immediately afterward.”
For Marnix, it was the first time he was involved in a special survey from beginning to end. “You try to plan everything perfectly, so each party can do their work. But in practice, it always turns out differently. Then it’s great when the crew thinks along and you can rely on each other. They help and push through when everyone else has already gone home. That mentality makes the difference.”
Remy responds: “There’s just so much happening. You’ve got about 40 people on board all working at once. The crew tries to keep the barge clean and maneuverable. When everyone leaves at 6 p.m., we put in a few extra hours ourselves. Painting, cleaning, that sort of thing.”
Mutual support
Where skippers often used to solve technical issues themselves, the division of roles is now clear, which brings peace of mind. “If something happens now, we take a photo of the problem, call Marnix, and he takes care of it. That saves frustration; when I’m sailing, I don’t always have time to arrange it myself,” says Remy. “We also try to plan maintenance on changeover days, which I’m really happy with.”
Marnix confirms: “The crew, especially the skipper, can just carry on sailing. The TD handles the rest. We monitor certifications, arrange mechanics, and keep oversight. With fixed points of contact, bonds grow stronger and you know what you can expect from each other. That makes the work nicer and more enjoyable for everyone.”
A streamlined future
With the development of the Technical Department and a clear division of tasks, more structure is emerging. “We now work with overviews that are the same for every vessel. You can easily find information, and everything follows fixed lines,” explains Marnix.
Those improvements are appreciated on board. “There’s more stability,” says Remy. “You know what to expect. In the run-up to the survey, we make a list of things we encounter on board, which can then be addressed during the yard period. That way you avoid double work and can be as efficient as possible.”
Both colleagues are realistic: there will always be room for improvement. “But by doing things you learn a lot,” says Marnix. “And because the contact is personal, it’s easy to adapt. You get to know each other better at the yard.”
Trust as foundation
Remy and Marnix see open communication as their strength. “I think you should always be able to just say things,” concludes Remy. “Be honest with each other. If there are things we can handle ourselves during busy times, we just do them.”
Marnix adds: “I’ve noticed that already. Recently, the crew of the MTS Amulet called me because they’d heard from the crew of the Talisman that our work might take a bit longer. They thought along with the planning and tried to take on things themselves. I’m the fixed point of contact, which creates mutual trust and willingness to help each other. That way, I can also do a little extra for the crew.”
By staying involved, listening to each other and giving room for development, we are building an organization together in which everyone feels at home and takes responsibility.
