As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Aleksander Aira-Andersen, Vessel Manager at OSM Thome, and a standout emerging talent taking on significant technical and operational responsibility at just 27 years old.

As a Vessel Manager, Aleksander holds full technical responsibility for three to four dry bulk vessels at any one time. From maintenance, budgets, purchasing, and safety to coordinating with class societies, flag states, and shipboard management teams, his role is centred around keeping vessels operating safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime.

What makes Aleksander’s progression particularly impressive is the scale of the projects he is already trusted to lead. Over the past 12 months, he has led two dry docks, assisted with another, and been involved in the takeover of three vessels, leading two of these himself. Vessel takeovers can involve changes across ownership, management, flag, and vessel identity, requiring careful coordination and strong technical judgement to ensure a smooth transition.

Leading dry dock projects has also tested Aleksander’s ability to balance technical requirements with commercial realities. Delivering projects on schedule and within budget requires detailed planning, fast decision-making, and close collaboration across multiple stakeholders, responsibilities often entrusted to professionals with considerably more industry experience.

His role also means being ready to respond when things do not go to plan. From machinery breakdowns and Port State Control issues to conditions of class and other urgent operational challenges, Aleksander has supported vessels through situations where quick decisions can be critical to keeping them safe and operational. That responsibility does not always fit neatly within working hours, with urgent calls sometimes requiring him to step in during the night to help resolve problems and minimise disruption.

Beyond his day-to-day fleet responsibilities, Aleksander has been selected for OSM Thome’s leadership development programme and Talent Board, giving him the opportunity to contribute to wider corporate projects. His involvement has included initiatives focused on reducing plastic across the global OSM Thome fleet and projects involving vessel performance software, allowing him to contribute to improvements beyond the vessels he directly manages.

Aleksander is also actively involved in supporting the next generation of maritime professionals as Head of Sponsors at YoungShip Bergen, helping strengthen one of the city’s major networks for young people working across the shipping industry.

At 27, Aleksander has already demonstrated the technical capability, resilience, and leadership required to manage significant responsibility within ship management. His ability to successfully oversee vessels, lead complex projects, respond calmly to operational challenges, and contribute to wider industry initiatives makes him a standout example of the young talent helping shape the future of maritime operations.

Take a look at our full 30 here.