Employees who build long careers at Höegh Autoliners contribute experience that strengthens the organisation at every level. Their deep understanding of vessel operations and maritime realities reinforces our safety culture, shaping procedures and decision making across teams.

This continuity of knowledge supports operational stability, enabling better planning, risk awareness, and collaboration between ship and shore. Long serving colleagues also play a key role in mentoring and developing newer generations, ensuring practical expertise and leadership behaviors are passed on.

Through decades of accumulated insight, they help preserve maritime know how, maintain strong professional standards, and support a culture built on trust, respect, and accountability. This heritage remains a defining strength of our global organisation.

Across geographies and generations, Felimon, Ronaldo, Dante, and Steinar share the same conviction: careers at Höegh are not confined to a single role or a single deck. They evolve – from sea to shore, from hands-on work to guiding others, from learning to leading. Their dedication strengthens our safety culture, supports operational performance, and builds the next generation of maritime professionals.

We honour their decades of service and the values they embody: loyalty, mastery, humility, and leadership.

FELIMON DORADO (Philippines)

– 40 years at sea and shore, a life of service and seamanship

When 24 year old Felimon Dorado joined Höegh in 1986 as a Wiper, he stepped into a life shaped by the sea. For 31 years, he worked across vessels, facing storms, long months away from home, and the discipline required to keep ships safe and operational. In 2017, he brought that deep experience ashore, becoming a Vessel Manager known for his hands-on-experience and practical wisdom.

As he approaches 40 years with Höegh Felimon reflects on a career defined by perseverance and purpose:

“I spent 31 years at sea-away from home, facing storms and learning to be strong every single day. Then came ashore where I spent almost 10 years as a Vessel Manager, guiding others and sharing what the ocean taught me. Now as I prepare to retire, I look back with a grateful heart. From Seafarer to leader, it was a long journey-but every wave, every challenge, and every sacrifice was all worth it.”

RONALDO CALINAWAN (Philippines)

– from Cadet to Fleet Manager

In 1988, 21-year-old Ronaldo stepped aboard the Höegh Drake as a Cadet. By 2002, the cadet had become the master of his craft, earning the rank of Chief Engineer aboard the Höegh Marlin.

In 2015, he transitioned ashore to a Technical Superintendent role in Singapore. The biggest motivation was to be present for his children’s university years. Yet the transition was challenging with navigating new cultures and software. Ronaldo was promoted to Fleet Manager in 2017 upon returning to Manila, and he now leads a team of three superintendents, passing on the wisdom he has collected through his career.

After nearly four decades, Höegh is no longer just a workplace – it is home. As Ronaldo states:

”With a supportive company and a clear “why,” the horizon is limitless.”

DANTE ELPEDES (Philippines)

– Building teams, building a legacy with 37 years of experience in Hoegh

Dante Elpedes joined Höegh as a Cadet in 1989, quickly drawn to a company culture that felt both familiar and inspiring. After two decades at sea, he moved ashore in 2009, first as an ISM Auditor, later rising to Head of HSSEQ, where he helped strengthen safety and operational governance.

In 2015, Dante moved into crew management as Head of Höegh Fleet Services Philippines, supporting hundreds of Filipino seafarers. Since 2023, he has also overseen the administrative governance of Höegh’s largest global office in Manila – an expansion of responsibility that reflects his trusted leadership.

Dante credits the company’s culture for enabling his growth:

“It is our company culture – something that is hard to define but easy to feel – that has allowed me to grow and created such a true sense of pride & belonging. From day one, I knew I was in the right place to give my best.”

STEINAR JØRGENSEN (Norway)

– From teenager on deck to 50 years in operations

Steinar Jørgensen joined Höegh in 1975, just 17 years old, as a Ship Mechanic Apprentice. Over 11 years at sea, he rose to Chief Officer, gaining the practical expertise and seamanship that would shape the rest of his career.

In 1986, he transitioned ashore, first in accounting, then into a series of operational and cargo-related roles, including Head of Accounting, Supercargo, and Port Captain. Today he serves as Head of Cargo Planning (West), ensuring ships are safely and efficiently loaded across complex global trades.

Now approaching 50 years with Höegh, Steinar’s career spans sea, shore, technical, and operational leadership. His path reflects adaptability, deep knowledge, and a lifelong commitment to doing the job well. From a teenager on deck to a senior operations leader, Steinar’s story is a rare example of true maritime longevity.