Gerhard Hoffmann

More than 30 years across complex, highly automated technical systems. Throughout, the continuing development of the people who run them. Extensive experience across industry, building services and shipping: heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration, solar and heat pump systems, production and special machinery, and later ship automation.

Chief engineer of the world’s first cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), carrying up to 8,000 people, with engineering responsibility for commissioning and operating every technical system aboard. As fleet chief engineer, technical audits against ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, and investigation of incidents and technical failures.

Developing people further is a role in its own right, not a side task: work as a dedicated training engineer, IMO-certified instructor, and a corporate position as deputy head of Human Resources, responsible for personnel development across the group and its European subsidiaries, with apprenticeship programs for 70 trainees. Technical teams of 80 to 100 at sea; up to 30 ashore.