A Career Across the Oceans with Capt. Eric Saint Plancat

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A Career Across the Oceans with Capt. Eric Saint Plancat

Decades of seagoing experience have taken Captain Eric Saint Plancat from the shores of the Mediterranean to some of the most remote waters on Earth. His career began in France as a teenage sailing yacht skipper and expanded into merchant shipping, tall ship command, and expedition cruising in the high latitudes. Along the way, he spent 15 years living aboard his own sailboat, crossing oceans and raising a family, thus reinforcing a life truly shaped by the water.

In this Q&A, Capt. Saint Plancat, now Master of the MV Isabelle X, talks about his path through the marine sector, the responsibilities of leading Canada’s first floatel for the Woodfibre LNG project, and the roles and opportunities coming out of this evolving part of the industry.

Q: Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

Capt. Eric Saint Plancat

I was born and raised in France, by the Mediterranean Sea, where I developed a deep passion for the ocean that has driven me my entire life. I began my career as a sailing yacht skipper at age 19 and quickly climbed the ranks of the Merchant Navy. Since then, I have worked on just about every type of ship, including tankers, general cargo ships, research vessels, harbor tugs, and specialized roll-on/roll-off vessels. As I turned 30, I was given command of the renowned historical tall ship Belem, France's flagship. I then spent over a decade in charge of some of the finest private sailing yachts in the world, before transitioning to expedition cruising, which brought me to the fascinating high latitudes of the polar regions.

Alongside this exciting and rewarding career, I lived on my own sailboat for 15 years, sailing from France to New Zealand across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and raising two children along the way. I still live on the water today, but mainly based in Canada, on Vancouver Island.

As you can see, my career is no accident; the ocean is where I belong.

Q: Working aboard the MV Isabelle X, the first floatel for the Woodfibre LNG project, is a unique experience. What’s it like to lead a crew on a vessel that serves as a floating home for hundreds of workers?

Being a captain is not just about driving a ship; it can encompass many different roles, depending on the mission. Our mission here is to provide over 600 workers with a comfortable home away from home. After working hard all day, these men and women come on board to enjoy a hot shower, a good meal, and some rest in a cozy, safe, and relaxing environment. As their leader, I inspire the crew to recognize the beauty and importance of their mission. I want them to take pride in providing this hospitality service and in being the reason these residents feel good after a day of work.

Q: This project is bringing hundreds of new jobs to the region. From your perspective, what kinds of skills or roles are needed to keep a floatel like this running smoothly every day?

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One might think that, since it is stationary, a floatel does not require the same skills as other ships. Nothing could be further from the truth. While navigational skills are obviously less critical than when slaloming through Antarctic ice floes, a floatel is still a fully operational ship where safety and quality of service are our top priorities. The technical crew must ensure that the ship is well-maintained and always operates seamlessly, while the hospitality crew is responsible for providing quality service to residents. It is important that the entire crew has a positive attitude toward challenges and a genuine desire to excel in their mission.

Q: Floatels offer a new way to support large projects while protecting local communities and the environment. Beyond the technical side, what is the most meaningful part of your job? Is there a moment or experience on the floatel that stands out to you?

Floatels are the best solution for providing temporary accommodation for industrial projects near bodies of water. A ship is like a self-sufficient village that can be brought on site when needed and removed once the project is complete, leaving no trace of its presence. In terms of practicability, flexibility, and sustainability, I cannot think of a better way to respond to the need. When I heard about this concept, I was very impressed by the vision carried by Bridgemans’ founder, Brian Grange. I am proud to have added this unique experience to my already varied career.

Q: With a second floatel arriving soon, what does that expansion mean for Bridgemans and for people who might be looking to start or grow their careers in the marine sector?

Bridgemans is growing at a fast pace, not only bringing a second floatel into Canada but also expanding their fleet of small vessels to support the mother ships. These developments open a great deal of opportunities for Canada-based seafarers and hospitality workers. It's a real chance for the local industry.

Q: For someone considering a career on the water, what do you find most rewarding about working in a setting like this and what piece of advice would you share with them?

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The Bridgemans' fleet is highly versatile, ranging from passenger transfer boats to unique multi-cats with endless capabilities, as well as floatels. A career at Bridgemans could be very rich and varied, offering many different missions and challenges. You won't get bored working here! The most rewarding part, to me, is belonging to a team of problem-solvers who find answers to every challenge. It’s a great environment to learn and grow in.

My advice? Embrace the mission, take pride in it, and make it happen!