Timo Vanhala

Senior Cargo Superintendent, Finnlines Plc

Kotka, Kymenlaakso, Finland

About

I am a project and heavy cargo specialist at Finnlines Plc, working as Senior Cargo Superintendent in the Port Operations unit. I am responsible for the technical leadership of the project cargo team: cargo acceptability assessments, stowage planning and safety and the continuous development of the project cargo process. My background is in maritime studies — I hold a Master Mariner degree (Master's level, XAMK 2020). My thesis was the first systematic study of Finnlines project cargo customers' requirements, and it has since served as a strategic reference for several development initiatives and as a foundation for two subsequent academic studies in the field. Over recent years I have driven a number of development projects. I have coordinated technical cooperation with a naval architecture firm to update the vessel design load framework, piloted the MariLash cargo securing software in a demanding special cargo operation and developed a new operating model together with the FL Belgium office — distributing technical assessment responsibility closer to the customer interface supported by internal training. The result was a measurable improvement in response time. My technical expertise covers international cargo safety standards (CTU Code, CSS Code, IMO circulars) and Finnish maritime legislation. At the core of everything I do is the same question: how do we make the process of handling complex special cargo predictable, documented and repeatable — both for the customer and for our own organisation.

Experience

  • Finnlines (12 yrs 6 mos)
    • Senior Cargo Superintendent
      May 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

      Leading and supervising cargo operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and seamless collaboration with port and logistics teams to meet client expectations. Managing project cargo planning and prioritization, consistently achieving efficient turnaround times and high customer satisfaction rates. Fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving and accountability.

    • Cargo Superintendent, Ship Management and Port operations
      Jun 2016 - May 2022 · 6 yrs

      Collaborated across departments to improve cargo handling procedures, contributing to enhanced operational safety and efficiency. Actively engaged with clients to address cargo safety concerns, ensuring compliance with industry standards and fostering strong client trust. Led initiatives in damage prevention for project cargoes, enhancing risk mitigation practices and reducing incident rates.

    • Loss Prevention Specialist, Ship Management
      Aug 2015 - Jun 2016 · 11 mos

      Cargo damage prevention. Project cargo planning and supervising.

  • Chief Officer at Valborg Oy
    Jun 2013 - Sep 2013 · 4 mos

    s/v Valborg. Tall Ships Races 2013.

  • Neste Shipping Oy (4 yrs 7 mos)
    • Deck Officer
      Jan 2011 - Sep 2012 · 1 yr 9 mos

      Tanker operations and navigation at oil/chemical tanker Futura.

    • Deckhand
      Mar 2008 - Dec 2010 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      OS and AB at oil/chemical tanker Futura.

  • Captain at Fregatti Oy
    May 2010 - Sep 2010 · 5 mos

    Charter in Helsinki with sailing vessels.

  • Deckhand at PKL Tugs Oy
    Sep 2009 - Aug 2010 · 1 yr

    AB at ASD tug Janet.