Creativity and coordination is Andreas’ recipe for success

Maintenance, Planning and Operations were previously three separate departments that needed to communicate with one another. Andreas was in charge of maintenance. The fact that his remit now extends to planning has made coordination that much easier. “Not only is it easier now that only two parties need to communicate, but this arrangement also provides an entirely different overview. I know which vessels are on their way, what cargoes we will be handling and which machines we have available. This means that fewer questions arise along the way,” says Andreas.

He also appreciates the speed with which decisions can be made. “When we see that something needs to be addressed, it doesn’t take long to decide how to go about it.”

Creative solutions

“A typical working day might involve anything from discussing machinery and equipment or the work environment to considering the best way to load a vessel. This variety makes the job interesting and at the same time I feel that I can develop a great deal,” explains Andreas, who thrives in his job and particularly appreciates the opportunity to use his creativity. “When you work in a port, the days are almost never what you planned. A vessel might be delayed, a machine break down or a storm cause problems. Then it’s important to be creative and quickly find solutions – and that suits me perfectly.” The broad area of responsibility makes for a highly varied working day. Andreas also underlines the security of having so much collective expertise within the company. “I have amazing colleagues who contribute a great deal of knowledge and assistance. We work as a team.”

An expanding terminal

With the enormous investments made by SCA, including building the world’s largest kraftliner machine in Obbola, the annual volume of cargo passing through the terminal has increased by 400,000 tonnes. “Our growth benefits all of our customers, as scaling up is always advantageous in logistics,” says Andreas. Umeå Municipality is fully committed to investing in the port. This includes further improving ramps and dredging both quays and the shipping lane in the inlet, allowing the port to accommodate larger vessels. “The ongoing work is affecting us somewhat while some areas are closed, but in the long term it will be great. Larger vessels means lower freight costs and emissions per tonne-kilometre,” explains Andreas.

An interest in machines

Andreas has always been interested in machinery, something that led him to study mechanical engineering. Among other jobs, he has operated heavy machinery in the mining industry and worked on projects developing biofuels. His mechanical interest extends to his spare time and he enjoys working on various vehicles. “Otherwise, I love spending time with my family – my wife and four children. We spend a lot of time on snowmobiles and we love to watch ice hockey.” Naturally, they support local team Björklöven.

Andreas and his wife also enjoy riding their motorcycles. They also spend a good deal of time gathering mushrooms during the autumn. The family owns a cabin and adjacent woodland near Åsele in Västerbotten, and there is always something to do in terms of maintaining the buildings and forest. Another favourite pastime is taking the boat out to sea to fish for brown trout. “I enjoy the suspense of knowing that a large trout might bite at any moment, but also the peace and tranquillity while waiting.”

Andreas Wåhlstedt

Present position: Head of Planning and Maintenance.

Background: Head of Maintenance at the Umeå terminal, technical specialist at NCC, construction project coordinator at LKAB, etc.

Education: Mechanical engineering. Family: Wife, three sons and one daughter. Home: A house in Holmsund.

Interests: Fishing, mechanics, spending time in the family’s cabin and tending to their woodland.

Text: Kerstin Olofsson
Photo: Patrick Trägårdh