ALAN CROWLEY

What do you do at Stena Drilling?

I am the Master/OIM on Drillships, currently assigned to the Stena Evolution project in Korea.

What made you choose Stena Drilling?

I had spent many years working my way through the ranks in the Merchant Navy and later in the offshore sector. I had heard very positive feedback about Stena Drilling and how they manage their vessels and treat their personnel.

I applied to Stena Drilling and met with Nick Anders (Marine Manager at that time) for a Bargemaster interview. The interview went well, and I really got a feeling that Stena managed their business in a very professional manner.

I was taking a step back from Master to Bargemaster (Chief Officer), however, looking at the long game I felt that Stena Drilling was the company that I wanted to work for. That was in 2011 and I was given the opportunity to sail as Master/OIM again in 2014.

What do you like about working for Stena Drilling?

Every day is different and new challenges are always just around the corner.  To be able to manage change we must have the right people both offshore and onshore to rely on – Stena Drilling has that.

What is the best thing about your job?

Being part of a focused and driven professional team – everyone is aware of the end goal and will go the extra mile to achieve more.

Tell us about your career path

I attended marine college in cork (Ireland) studying Nautical Science. While in college I was offered a cadetship with Mobil shipping (now ExxonMobil), primarily working on their VLCC deep sea fleet doing five-month trips. Having worked for Mobil shipping as 3rd Mate after leaving college I was given the opportunity to work on a Dynamically Positioned FPSO (Floating Production Storage & Offloading) vessel which specialised in extended well testing. I spent 9 years with that company starting as 3rd Mate and progressing to Deck Officer, DPO and eventually getting to Master/OIM. I then had a brief time with another drilling contractor in the role of Master. In 2011 I joined Stena Drilling as Bargemaster and was lucky enough to be assigned to the Stena DrillMAX. 

In 2013 I was promoted to the position of trainee Master/OIM.  This was an excellent initiative giving me the time to get around the fleet and see how the Master/OIM’s managed their vessels before getting overall responsibility myself.  In 2014 I was permanently assigned as Master/OIM to the semi-submersible Stena Clyde working offshore in Australia.  In 2016 I was seconded to work in the Aberdeen office as a Marine Assistant. This was a varied role that resulted in working on numerous successful projects. From 2018 until October 2022, I was the Master/OIM on Stena Forth before moving to Korea in October 2022 to begin my current role.

What are the values that drive you?

Always give 100% to everything – if it doesn’t work out then at least you have tried your best. With proper planning and the right focused team, you will be amazed at what you can achieve.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given?

Teamwork is key for a successful operation.

Tell us a surprising or fun fact about you?

I am Ireland’s worst surfer. It looks more like controlled drowning!

What are your top 3 favorite podcasts/books?

‘Finding my Voice’, Mike Reilly

‘Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong’, David Walsh

‘Extreme Ownership’, Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I enjoy spending time with my family. 

I have also just completed my first full Ironman Triathlon and want to continue challenging myself at this sport.