In 2005, a young Carmelo Espeja embarked on a journey that would transform his life and career. Fresh out of college, he was recruited by Odfjell. But his first assignment was not what one might expect for a Marine Transportation graduate.
Instead of starting on the deck, Meloy, as he is fondly called by the people around him, found himself in the ship's galley, beginning his career as a galley boy aboard Bow Panther. This unexpected role turned out to be the first step on a remarkable journey that would see him rise through the ranks to captain.
Reflecting on his early days, Carmelo recalls, “Odfjell recruited us from school. I was lucky to be chosen as one of those regular students to join the company.”
His initial role was not aligned with his education: “My first contract was not as a Deck Cadet, even though I was a Marine Transportation Graduate. It was as a galley boy on Bow Panther”, he shares. This unexpected start was accepted with humility and determination.
Carmelo’s entry into the maritime world was driven by necessity and ambition. Growing up in a remote village in the Philippines, his family lived without electricity until he was in high school, and he walked over three kilometers each day to attend school.
Financial constraints prevented him from immediately pursuing college after high school, but when the opportunity came, he seized it with both hands, determined to improve his family's circumstances.
Despite the initial disappointment of not starting as a Deck Cadet, he embraced his role, seeing it as a stepping stone rather than a setback.
His dedication and work ethic did not go unnoticed, and when he returned for his second contract, he was promoted to Deck Cadet.
From there, Carmelo's career began to ascend. He moved from Deck Cadet to Ordinary Seaman (OS) in 2007, and after successfully passing his officer exams, he became a Junior Third Officer in 2008 on his third contract. His journey was marked by a series of promotions, each one a testament to his skills and commitment.
By 2014, Carmelo had earned his Chief Mate license and was promoted to Second Officer. A year later, he advanced to Chief Officer, a position he held for six years before achieving his ultimate goal in 2021: becoming a Captain.
The qualities that Carmelo believes are essential for a successful captain—leadership, decision-making, flexibility, and resilience—are ones he has honed throughout his career. His leadership is rooted in his early experiences, where he learned the importance of motivating his crew and making sound decisions under pressure.
“Running a vessel is very challenging because of its complex operation. So, strong leadership and good decision-making skills are a must,” he states.
Carmelo's journey with Odfjell also shows the company's supportive culture, which he believes sets it apart in the maritime industry.
“The culture is different, especially when it comes to safety and camaraderie. That is why I believe Odfjell stands out compared to others, among other things.”
He is currently the captain of Bow Aquarius, his fourth ship as a captain, having previously commanded Bow Hercules, Bow Orion, and Bow Oceanic.
Carmelo's story is not just one of professional success but also of personal motivation. His childhood experiences instilled in him a strong desire to provide a better life for his family. He regards as his greatest achievement the opportunities he can now offer his children–education, skills development, and the chance to explore interests he could only dream of in his youth.
“I want to provide my family with a better life than what I had—especially my children,” Carmelo shares. He emphasizes the importance of giving his children opportunities he missed out on, saying, “If they wanted to learn a guitar, I could buy them one and send them to a music class. If they want to learn how to swim, I could send them to a swimming lesson.”
