Equator tales and seafaring challenges: Second leg of Kjetil Borch's journey into shipping

The sun is almost at its zenith - a stark contrast to the ice-covered deck and barely any daylight in Gothenburg just two weeks ago.

For Kjetil Borch, the high midday sun is the most tangible sign of the maritime milestone that crossing the equator represents. Reflecting on his experience from the Atlantic Ocean, he says:

"The highlight of the day was when we crossed the equator, and I stepped out onto the deck early in the morning in flip-flops, carefully carrying my freshly brewed morning coffee from the small kitchenette in my quarters. From the top deck, I watched the intense yellow sun rise above Equatorial Guinea and the African continent in the east. My thoughts went to my late grandparents, who took this same journey in the early 1950s to begin their new life in Durban, South Africa."

"The days at sea have settled into a steady rhythm, reminiscent of the ebb and flow of the ocean - much like my earlier training camps. Time passes almost unnoticed, filled with assignments and work that keep me engaged. One of the highlights remains the camaraderie with the crew. They are very friendly, even though they more or less crush me in after-dinner basketball!," Borch continues.

Life on board follows a structured schedule, with breakfast served before 08:00, offering everything from Chinese breakfast pizzas and eggs to tasty buns and vegetables that look like sticks but taste like delicious potatoes.

Lunch at 11:30 is often excellent but sometimes spiced as hot as a fuel oil boiler, Borch jokes, noting that the chefs quickly discovered his love for the fiery flavours of Sichuan cuisine.

Dinner is at 17:30, though Saturdays often feature Hot-Pot - a shared meal where a large boiling pot sits in the middle of the table, filled with everything from beef and tofu to cow stomach and prawns.

"Yesterday, we celebrated the promotion of a couple of crew members with a festive dinner. There was plenty of food, a great atmosphere, and even marinated chicken and duck feet in chilli - which I really enjoyed," he says.

The frequent good weather in these exotic latitudes allows for jogging loops around the basketball court and helicopter pad on the top deck or workouts in the gym with Captain Huang.

Beyond daily routines, Borch’s primary focus on the voyage to Durban has been quality control, assurance, and testing digital solutions onboard.

One of the key improvements he has introduced is a digital checklist for the engine room, enabling real-time feedback and record-keeping - an enhancement that strengthens safety and efficiency onboard and across the fleet.

Borch is set to disembark in Durban next week, while Höegh Target continues its journey to Australia, with Fremantle and Melbourne on its port call list.

"During my time onboard, I’ve been amazed by the thoroughness of the crew and how tidy the vessel is. I’ve truly enjoyed being part of this team. After almost a month at sea, I’m also looking forward to spending time in Durban and diving into port operations south of the Sahara. I have great respect for the crew, who spend much longer periods away from home every time they embark."

The Höegh Target and Kjetil Borch are scheduled to call at the Port of Durban on 18 March.