Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by PALFINGER
At PALFINGER, we believe in more than just providing exceptional products and services. We believe in the individuals who shape and contribute to our success. Faces of PALFINGER MARINE is a blog series highlighting the diverse talents and perspectives of our colleagues across roles and locations. For our latest edition, we sat down for a chat with Brazil-based service coordinator Elayne to talk about the nature of the lifesaving appliances (LSA) service business in Latin America (LATAM).
A LONG CAREER IN TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE
49-year-old Elayne joined the PALFINGER MARINE family in February 2023, but her illustrious career in the industry started much earlier than that. “I’m a trained industrial maintenance technician and petroleum engineer, and I can look back on a 15-year career serving multinational oil companies in capacities ranging from technical roles to various service positions,” she explains. It therefore goes without saying that Elayne was a very welcome addition to the team.
A CHALLENGING TASK IN A MANIFOLD FIELD
“At PALFINGER MARINE, I am a LSA service coordinator across the entire LATAM region. My role primarily involves coordinating the respective service teams from our base in Macaé, Brazil. We cover almost the entire process, including job preparation, technician briefings, toolbox assemblage, remote technical support, service report revision, and even the billing process,” Elayne explains. The essence of her manifold job therefore revolves around managing schedules and resources, clear communication with clients and teams, and the proactive anticipation of issues and changing needs. When asked what it takes to fulfil such a wide variety of tasks, she is quick to answer: “Leadership skills, strategic thinking, a problem-solving mindset, and great deal of organizational talent.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
So, how does a typical workday for Elayne shape up after practicing Chi Kung every morning? “A typical workday mostly involves overseeing the daily operations of my team and ensuring that all service requests are managed efficiently. I review ongoing service contracts, monitor performance and quality, and talk to clients.” Given the broad scope of tasks on her plate, she is keen to point out how important her team is in terms of day-to-day operations: “I heavily rely on the direct support of my skilled team of service and operations managers, as well as my other colleagues across the board. Ultimately, my daily goal is to build client loyalty by maintaining a continuous relationship based on product and service excellence. This commitment is reflected in the trust we’ve earned from our clients – most of whom come from the oil and gas industry and offshore vessel operations, including many well-known companies in these sectors.”
In 2024, I coordinated more than 80 services – from quick jobs to complex projects.
Reflecting on one of her most challenging projects, Elayne recalls overseeing the maintenance of LSA systems both onshore and offshore. The job began months in advance with an offshore survey to assess repair needs and prepare for the five-year inspection. This took place during dry-docking at the Port of Suape – 2,000 km from PALFINGER MARINE’s base in Macaé – requiring precise coordination of equipment logistics and technician travel. Six technicians, split into two teams, successfully carried out the five-year inspection, which included wire and spare parts replacements as well as load tests across 8 lifeboat stations, 8 liferaft davits, and 1 fast rescue craft.
Another project she highlights was the spectacular commissioning of our KISS 1000 lifeboat for a drilling rig. “That lifeboat is huge, yet it was transported to Brazil by cargo plane,” Elayne remembers with a glint in her eye.
However, she is eager to point out that one of the most fulfilling aspects of her role is the rewarding feeling that every project makes a difference: “We all strive to meet and exceed standards every day. This industry is inherently multidisciplinary – I love that!”
THE EMBODIMENT OF DIVERSITY IN LEADERSHIP
Elayne is the first to acknowledge that being a woman in the male-dominated industry like offshore oil and gas isn’t always easy. “From the start of my career, I encountered situations, where I needed to prove my capabilities and earn the respect of colleagues.” Yet she is also quick to point out the rewards: “I’ve always perceived these challenges as opportunities for growth and self-development. You learn how to deal with such situations over time, especially given how supportive PALFINGER is in creating a diverse and inclusive working environment.” Today, she is proud of contributing to the balance within the service team: “In my experience, leadership diversity strengthens teams and motivates everyone to contribute to the success of the organization. If I inspire that sort of mindset, I couldn’t be happier. We all work as a team and support each other. Having the chance to work with cutting-edge technology makes my work even more stimulating and rewarding.”
Eager to find out more about the career path of other PALFINGER MARINE employees? Keep an eye open for the next edition of Faces of PALFINGER MARINE right here.