We sit down with Ndapewa Ntinda-Mwapopi, Vessel Manager at Debmarine Namibia, and the only female vessel manager in the company, as she shares her inspiring journey of leadership, technical expertise, and resilience in the maritime industry.
For Ndapewa, the journey to becoming a Vessel Manager was shaped long before she stepped into the maritime industry. Growing up in Oniimwandi village in the Oshikoto Region, her early years were deeply rooted in strong Christian values, instilled by her mother, a woman of remarkable strength and dedication. With her father working in Oranjemund, her mother took on the responsibility of raising their six children, ensuring that education remained a top priority.
Her passion for learning emerged early. Watching her older siblings head off to school each morning, she instinctively followed, eager to absorb knowledge beyond her years. This curiosity led her to write her matric exams at just 16, setting the foundation for a disciplined and ambitious academic journey. She completed her primary education at Onamulunga Combined School before attending Oshigambo High School, where she honed both her academic skills and personal discipline.
Outside of academics, Ndapewa was vibrant, social, and endlessly inquisitive. She thrived in group activities, often stepping into leadership roles simply because it felt natural. She asked questions, sought solutions, and enjoyed bringing people together, traits that would later define her leadership style in the corporate world.
From her Chemical Engineering background to navigating the challenges of offshore operations, Ndapewa provides insight into the skills, experiences, and mindset required to excel in her role. She reflects on her 13-year tenure at Debmarine Namibia, the transition into leadership, and the balance between family life and working at sea. Join us as we explore her story, the challenges she has overcome, and her aspirations for the future of MV SS Nujoma and Debmarine Namibia.
1. Can you share a bit about your educational background and the journey that led you to become a vessel manager at Debmarine Namibia?
My path to becoming a vessel manager started with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), which provided me with a strong technical foundation and taught me how to approach complex systems with a problem-solving mindset.
During my studies, I developed a deep understanding of process design, safety protocols, and operational efficiency – skills that are directly relevant to managing mining and processing operations.
After graduation, I worked in roles that allowed me to apply my engineering background while also gaining hands-on experience in sustainability management, people management, establishing and monitoring performance indicators for production and cost efficiency. Over time, I took on more responsibility, leading projects and collaborating across departments to improve process performance, efficiency and safety. These experiences, combined with my technical training, naturally led me to the role of vessel manager, where I now oversee safe sampling operations, ensure compliance, and support the crew to deliver the business objectives.
2. How long have you been with the company, and how has your experience evolved over time?
I have been with Debmarine Namibia for 13 years, having joined the company following my tenure at Rio Tinto Rössing Uranium Mine. My journey here has been a rewarding experience of continuous learning and growth, both professionally and personally.
I began my career at Debmarine Namibia in a technical capacity as a Mineral Processing Engineer, supporting various vessels and gaining extensive experience in diamond processing and treatment plant commissioning. I transitioned into leadership in 2024 as Acting Vessel Manager on the MV Mafuta, before receiving a permanent appointment on the MV SS Nujoma. In my current role, I have developed strong capabilities in team leadership, performance management, strategic planning, and decision-making.
3. What does your role as a vessel manager entail daily basis, both in the office and when you are at sea – name the vessels you are responsible for?
I am responsible for the SSN, the sampling vessel mandated to deliver the resource area for the recovery vessels, so my daily preoccupation is to coordinate all functions responsible for the safe and sustainable achievement of critical vessel sampling parameters (engineering availability, vessel utilisation and time per sample) to ensure continuous delivery of the required quality samples per year. This also includes managing and controlling the allocation of funds to ensure adherence to approved budgeted expenditure.
Additionally, together with the Vessel Master, I am responsible for ensuring that crew welfare and safety is maintained and that the company policies and procedures relating to safety, health, environmental and security are promoted and adhered to.
As a vessel Manager, it is also critical that I stay abreast of new technologies and innovations and advance their implementations on our vessel to ensure long term sustainability.
4. Balancing family life while occasionally going to sea must be challenging – how do you manage that dynamic?
Balancing family life as a mother and wife while working offshore does come with its challenges but it is something I have learned to manage through clear communication, planning and a strong support system at home. My family understands the nature of my work and we make the most of the time we have together when I am home.
Debmarine Namibia also ensures that I stay connected with my family when I am offshore by providing reliable Wi-Fi at sea. I have also become more efficient with my time, and I focus on being fully present, whether I am at work or at home. It is not always easy, but it is rewarding, and I am proud to show my children that it is possible to pursue a demanding career while also being a dedicated parent and partner.
5. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your first six months in this position, and how have you navigated them?
In my first six months, two of the biggest challenges I faced as a Vessel Manager were learning how to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders and managing a diverse team. As a technically trained professional, I had to adjust my approach to focus more on communication, relationship-building, and understanding different stakeholder perspectives.
At the same time, stepping into the Vessel Manager role required me to improve and adjust my team management skills – appreciating individual strengths, building trust, and creating a supportive yet accountable environment.
As someone who is always open to learning, I navigated these challenges by actively seeking feedback, seeking counsel from experienced fellow vessel managers, and making a conscious effort to learn as much as possible, communicate clearly, listen actively, and adapt my leadership style based on the situation.
These experiences have helped me grow quickly and build stronger, more collaborative relationships.
6. What do you find most rewarding about being a vessel manager, and is there a particular moment that stands out for you?
I work with a great team of individuals on the SSN, and it is rewarding to work with such a great team and seeing what we can achieve together. There is a real sense of pride in knowing that each person on the vessel plays a vital role in meeting and exceeding our targets.
A recent moment that stands out for me is when the vessel achieved six days of 24 hours operations in one-week, excellent sampling rate and no safety incidents. Moments like this remind me of how much can be achieved when a team is aligned and committed to achieving its objectives.
7. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the role and the impact you hope to make within Debmarine Namibia?
My aspirations as the MV SS Nujoma Vessel Manager are to ensure that our vessel continues to deliver on its mandate of delivering reliable resource area for the mining fleet, safely, efficiently and within the allocated budgets. The safety of our men and women at sea remains a top priority for me and it is a culture I will actively seek to uphold every day.
Beyond achieving operational targets, my goal as a leader at Debmarine Namibia is to continue fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and growth within my team. I strive to lead by example through integrity, consistency, and empathy ensuring that every team member feels valued, heard, and proud of their contribution. I believe this approach not only drives performance but also helps shape a strong and sustainable future for the company.
8. Where do you draw your inspiration?
Through it all, my greatest source of inspiration remained my mother. Her unwavering commitment to education and hard work ensured that all six of her children earned university degrees. That level of resilience and determination shaped my approach to life and leadership, an approach I now carry into my role as the only female Vessel Manager at Debmarine Namibia.
9. Any other information you would like to share with us?
Something I would like to share is that I genuinely love working with people and connecting across different backgrounds. I also have a passion for traveling, which has helped me gain perspective, and appreciate the value of diverse experiences, something that has shaped both my personal life and leadership style.
Most importantly, I am a committed mother. My kids are amazing, and they inspire me every single day to grow, push harder, and be the best version of myself. They are a constant reminder of why I strive for excellence, not just for myself, but to set an example of what’s possible with hard work and determination. That motivation carries through into how I lead, how I work, and how I show up for others.
Contributed by Debmarine Namibia
