Although Max is only three weeks into his LPC career, his connection to the port doesn’t start there.

Max is one of six new PRPs to join LPC, but previously, has spent many years at sea, travelling around the world, most recently as the Captain and Ship Manager of Heritage Expedition vessels.

These vessels spent time between Russia, his home country and Antarctica.

Sailing through the sub-Antarctic islands and the Ross Sea to McMurdo station and beyond to the southernmost point you can get to by sea, Max has supported many expeditions.

“I’m proud to have supported the research that has taken place in this region as well as seeing some amazing wildlife like penguins and orcas.”

As Ship Manager, Max also looked after the crew, managed the supply chain and coordinated dry dockings.

Max’s career at sea started in 2005, and he has travelled to around 27 countries during this time.

“The standout countries would be Argentina, Spain, Japan and Greenland,” says Max.

“It was amazing travelling around the fiords and watching polar bears walking along the land.”

The longest stint he spent on a vessel was eight months.

“If the vessel is well set up for living aboard, and you are visiting different ports often, then it was a great time being at sea for that long.”

Max has now hung up his captain’s hat permanently and swapped it for a hard hat, wanting to be based land side.

“I knew I wanted to work at a Port, it’s a reliable job, and there are many opportunities here.”

It also means he gets to spend more time exploring New Zealand with his wife and three sons.

So far, Max is enjoying his training and learning about the whole port team.

“It’s great to see how you fit into the operations, it’s a really interesting place.”