At home at sea

When home is thousands of miles away, the atmosphere onboard matters. Seafarers spend months away from their families to keep global trade moving, often missing important moments back home. On Auto Way, a long term commitment to crew welfare has created more than a comfortable workplace. Through trust, respect and genuine care, the vessel has become somewhere people feel they belong – and want to return to.

Auto Way is a vehicle carrier operating on busy European trade routes, transporting thousands of vehicles and making frequent port calls. With a crew of 24 representing different nationalities and cultures, life onboard moves at a demanding pace. “Long working hours, changing weather conditions and the pressure of daily operations demand mental strength and resilience,” says Captain Sherwin Mark Villarta. UECC’s trade is similar to domestic trade, with voyages between ports often lasting only around two days. That makes the schedule fast-paced, mentally demanding and physically exhausting. On other vessels in the fleet, a passage can last up to 30 days, giving you enough time to breathe. “Despite the demanding schedule, maintaining a positive mindset, supporting one another and working as a cohesive team enables us to meet these challenges safely and professionally,” he says.

AUTO WAY IS NO LONGER SIMPLY A SHIP OF STEEL. IT HAS BECOME A HOME – A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND CULTURES LIVE AS ONE FAMILY AND WEATHER EVERY CHALLENGE TOGETHER, ONE VOYAGE AT A TIME.

For Captain Sherwin, leadership extends beyond navigation and operations. “Leadership isn’t just about giving orders,” he says. “It’s about building trust, providing guidance and creating a positive, open environment. Building that culture is just as important as navigating the vessel safely.”

When Captain Sherwin first joined Auto Way, he saw more than a vessel in need of refurbishment. He saw an opportunity to improve everyday life for the crew. With support from the Vessel Superintendent and Wallenius Marine, the transformation gradually took shape.

Since Wallenius Marine acquired Auto Way in 2024, extensive investment has been made in both the vessel and life onboard. The bridge wings have been enclosed, cabin bathrooms renovated and floor ing replaced throughout the accommodation areas. Last spring, Wallenius Marine’s Home Away from Home team also came onboard to refresh several of the communal spaces.

After 34 years at sea, Able Seaman Jerome Galaurahas served on many different vessels. For him, one thing sets Auto Way apart. “The most important word is respect,” he says. “Even though there are officers and ratings, the gap between us isn’t very big. We have a good, harmonious relationship onboard.”

Life at sea, however, also comes with sacrifices. Contracts on Auto Way currently last between four and six months. Such long periods away often mean missing birthdays, family celebrations and other milestones – as well as the smaller moments of everyday life. “Like most seafarers, I miss my family and the special occasions I cannot be there for. That’s the hardest part of the job. At the same time, working at sea allows me to provide a better life for my family, so there is a purpose behind the sacrifice,” says Jerome Galaura. For oiler Alberto Marcelo, the focus on crew welfare is another reason he enjoys working onboard – and an important reason he has remained with Wallenius for more than 20 years.

WALLENIUS ALWAYS SHOWS CONCERN FOR THE WELL-BEING AND SAFETY OF THE CREW.

For Jojie Carandang, it all comes down to the people onboard. “I feel at home because of the people here – the good crew and the kindness everyone shows,” he says.