An evolutive career path for a very satisfied seafarer...

Alexandre Motte started in the group as a trainee officer and then climbed the ranks to become captain. Today, he is Contracts / Operations & QHSES Manager, DPA and CSO for Les Abeilles. An overview of an exemplary career.

Still not 35 years old, Alexandre Motte has been entrusted with the responsibility for the entire company policy for quality, safety, security as well as the management of operations and assistance contracts for Les Abeilles (certification ISO 9001). This extended scope for action provides him with a global view of this activity. First of all, it is his job to oversee the charter contract between the French Navy and the company, but also to manage the requests of shipowners with vessels in difficulty. His role: to assess the needs and develop a commercial proposal before any operation can take place. When this proposal has been accepted, he conducts the crisis unit and coordinates the technical and human resources. From then on, there is only one objective: the success of the operation.

"It's a stimulating challenge, totally different from commanding a ship, especially for the financial and legal aspects of the job because salvage is such a complex subject. I received training at Smit Salvage, which exactly corresponded to the job, and further training with our law firm in London before spending two months in tandem with my predecessor," he explained.

Responsible for maintaining the company's quality standards (ISO 9001) and safety, Alexandre ensures the supervision, updates and continuous improvement of these processes. Finally, he is in charge of regulatory monitoring and updates, vessel support and the management of internal audits.

Before accepting this mission ashore, Alexandre Motte commanded offshore vessels from the age of 31. During his first tours of duty in this position, his mission was to reactivate Bourbon Explorer 518 at the Batam shipyard in Indonesia, and then conduct the deployment of the Smart Shipping program - notably including the DPO Flex - aboard Bourbon Explorer 508, for one year.

" I was lucky to participate in the establishment of the group's new operational model based on the digitalization of processes. A unique experience, with the impression of being at the heart of BOURBON's strategy. "
aLExANDRE MOTTELes Abeilles

"It was a human challenge as much as a technical one. I was lucky to participate in the establishment of the group's new operational model based on the digitalization of processes. A unique experience, with the impression of being at the heart of BOURBON's strategy. To successfully conduct such a mission, it requires a close-knit team whose members are all focused on a single objective. It is probably the most difficult part, but also the most satisfying when it works." He also remembers commissioning Bourbon Explorer 509, followed by the very first sea trials, which is always an exciting challenge.

Today, this experience provides him with a new perspective on the activity of assistance, salvage and pollution cleanup. He was thus able to develop a relationship of trust and dialogue with the crews, who he considers "excellent. I sailed for over 10 years on BOURBON OSVs, notably on anchor handlers, which enables me to speak the same language. In this job, I frequently make visits on board, which enables me to stay in direct contact with our salvage vessels, which are so special".

In short, Alexandre Motte is a very satisfied (shore-based) seafarer who does not rule out, one day, going back to sea.

PORTRAIT