In the coastal town of Jakobstad lives a captain Fellman whose life has followed the rhythm of the sea for over a decade. Today, he serves as the master of m/v Aurelie and has been part of RABN’s crew for ten years. Before joining RABN, his seafaring journey took him through tugboats and tankers, but it was the small coasters and close-knit crews that truly felt like home.
His RABN story began aboard the original Emilie—then still known as Emil. It was on that ship that he discovered what he truly loved about sailing: small ships, small crews, and even smaller ports. With only four people onboard, everyone did a bit of everything. The atmosphere was more than just collegial—it was like a family. While both the vessels and the company have grown since then, much of that same spirit still lingers on.
Life onboard Aurelie today is a balance of routine and responsibility. At sea, he keeps the 8–12 navigation watch. In port, his schedule shifts to something closer to regular office hours. Thanks to a skilled and experienced crew, he doesn’t need to be as hands-on as before—but that doesn’t mean he steps back. Instead, he focuses on supporting his team and making sure everything runs smoothly.
As captain, he also wears many hats—liaising with charterers, agents, cargo owners, surveyors, and the RABN office. It’s a unique position where you’re both an employee and, in many ways, an employer. “When I’m onboard,” he says, “it’s my ship, and I act accordingly.”
The biggest challenge? “Paperwork,” he says with a smile. “A lot more of it than there used to be.” He sometimes jokes that his dream job was the captain’s job—just eight years ago.
Still, the rewards are undeniable. There’s nothing quite like keeping the vessel sailing steadily from point A to point B, doing exactly what it was built to do.
And in ten years? He sees himself still at sea, hopefully aboard a brand-new RABN vessel—built just for them.