“No women allowed”: The announcement from the shipyard is clear. And yet there is a woman in blue dungarees in the huge dry dock, topping up the oil. The shipyard employee is confused. “What are you doing here? Are you a cook on board?” he wants to know from Lea Seiffart. The East Frisian woman, tall with long blonde hair, reacts calmly. “He didn’t mean any offence, he was just curious. I then explained to him that I was the third female engineer on the ‘Sonne’ (‘Sun’) – and that in Europe, women are among those who work on engines,” she says with a smile. For the shipyard worker, it was an almost unimaginable job for a woman, but for Lea Seiffart it is her dream job.
The German research vessel spent a total of two months in the shipyard in Singapore for her ten-year class inspection, a kind of major MOT inspection for ships. “The propulsion systems were completely removed, we inspected the tanks and looked at the docked ship from below. I got to know it from a completely different perspective, and now I know exactly where the individual intakes are. This gives me a better understanding of the technical connections.”
From the office to the sea
The 26-year-old discovered her enthusiasm for ships and machines by chance. In 2016, Seiffart embarked on an apprenticeship as a shipping clerk at a Leer-based shipping company following completion of her A-levels. During an assignment at the inspection department, she realised how fascinated she was by the technical world. “I actually wanted to stop my apprenticeship at that point, but we found a solution with the HR manager,” says Seiffart. She transferred to the shipping company’s internal workshop and completed a basic metalworking training programme while continuing vocational school to complete her commercial training. “I had barely received my diploma in 2019 when I boarded ‘Meteor’ to start training as a technical officer’s assistant (TOA),” says Seiffart with a laugh. It was her first formative contact with a research vessel. “That’s when I knew: I want to do this – and I am not going to waste any time.”
I had barely received my diploma in 2019 when I boarded Meteor to begin training as a Technical Officer’s Assistant (TOA).“
Lea Seiffart
Years of hardship
At the same time, Seiffart began her studies in marine engineering (SBT) – the fastest route to a career in engineering. What followed were tough years. She even spent her semester holidays at sea to gain the necessary seafaring experience. “I wanted to get to know different types of ships so I also worked for Briese Schiffahrt on heavy-lift and multi-purpose vessels.” Not always an easy situation: “The crew consisted mainly of Russians and Ukrainians. They were quite reserved. I had to manage a lot on my own,” says Seiffart. However, the experience made her grow as a person and craftswoman. “I’ve grown up and become more independent and learned to improvise.” Being a university studying at the same time is quite demanding: she completes 16 learning modules per semester. But she knows what she is doing it for: a job opportunity on board the research vessel “Sonne” has opened.
On the sunny side
In June 2023, she completed her Bachelor’s degree. At the beginning of 2024, she joined the “Sonne” as Third Engineer. She is responsible for all auxiliary systems on the ten-year-old research vessel. “This includes the waste water system, drinking water production, refrigeration systems, steering gear and the boilers for heat generation,” explains Seiffart. The hierarchies are barely noticeable, the team spirit is warm: “We are a super-young team, everyone is motivated to roll up their sleeves and is open to new ideas.” She is the only woman on the engine – but there are no stupid comments ever. “Yet, as a woman you have to give 120 percent to be recognised 100 percent,” she emphasises.
Nevertheless, during expeditions she is by no means the only woman on board. Up to 40 female and male scientists join the 32-strong crew. “That’s something special. We accompany the researchers on their projects, which they have spent years preparing for.” The atmosphere is usually relaxed, a bit like a school trip. “Everyone is happy to finally collect the data after doing all the theory work.” They travel to breathtaking destinations such as Mauritius, New Zealand or South Africa.
Lea Seiffart
Age 26 years
Works at Briese Research
Maritime experience: Shipping clerk, TOA + SBT studies
Job highlights: Assisting in the ten-year class inspections at the dock
Research on board
After work, the crew and scientists chat, watch films together or go to the gym. “I’ve made lots of friends on board. Almost all of my female friends in Kiel work at Geomar,” she says. Seiffart’s boyfriend is also a researcher and is very understanding of her long assignments at sea – usually two to three months at a time. She already knows her schedule up until 2026. “That’s a luxury in the industry. My time on the cargoships has made me really appreciate this,” says Seiffart.
Notwithstanding all the nice sides of the job, “It is and remains hard work. But for me, there is no better job. I like the challenge.” Lea Seiffart would prefer to stay in research shipping and become a chief engineer one day. She has found her calling.
Briese Research
Briese Research, a division of the Briese shipping company, has been managing German research vessels for 20 years. The Leer-based company co-operates with international research institutes, takes care of logistics, provides qualified crews and oversees the construction of newbuild projects. The construction of “Meteor IV” is currently underway. She will be 125 metres long and is scheduled to launch in 2026.
www.briese-research.de
Ocean research. The 118-metre-long “Sonne” was launched at Meyer Werft in 2014. She is owned by the Federal Republic of Germany and managed by Briese Research.
