Riga manning centre of Norbulk Shipping, a ship manager with more than 70 vessels under full technical management. Recruits crew for all vessel types in worldwide trade.
I have worked with Hanza, including on its LPG fleet. Salaries are paid, bonuses are available, and pay can be increased. The vessels are not new and some jobs can be quite demanding, but supplies and food are generally in order, internet is available, and the management is reasonable.
I was supposed to join Hanza on a bulk carrier, but I asked for a shorter contract. After that, the company stopped responding for about a month and a half, despite initially replying promptly. I never worked for them and will not contact them again.
I applied to Hanza for a Junior Officer position on an LPG/LNG vessel. I was told to first sail as a deckhand, that there was an opportunity for career progression, and that I needed to pass some tests. After that, the company stopped responding; I called again three days later but still received no clear answer.
I worked as a mechanic on container ships of the Del Monte type. If you are assigned as a security mechanic, you will be stationed at the gangway and will have to prepare and clean the pilot ladder. Port calls are often at midnight or during the night. After your watch at the gangway, you may be called to work in the engine room. There are no days off, every day is a working day, and there are no holidays or barbecues. Your main tasks will be washing and painting. If you think you will be walking around the ship in white socks, you are deeply mistaken. Even if you arrive as a regular mechanic, you might still end up at the gangway. After completing the contract, I had no desire to return.