May 12th, 2025
Today we meet Stephen Aucomte, Head of the engineering department within the Technical Department, based at the Group’s headquarters in Le Havre.
"When I first walked into the engineering department for my internship in 2009, I had no idea I would build my career there. Today, 15 years later, I’m leading that same department. And I can say one thing: I live and breathe this job.”
A engineering department with many facets
At Sogestran, the engineering department is far more than just blueprints on screens. It’s a cross-functional hub that designs, adapts, models, and innovates for all entities of the Group.
A few examples:
- integrating a boiler on an inland vessel;
- creating a pedestal to test the Wisamo sail developed by Michelin on the MN Pelican;
- modifying a tank for the industrial sector;
- modelling a gangway to ensure the safe maintenance of wagons;
- conducting civil engineering studies for a storage warehouse.
"We’re involved in every line of business within the Group, and that’s what makes every day unique. Earlier this year, we even worked on the electrical power balance of the Class40 Sogestran-Seafrigo racing yacht to optimize the battery pack. The idea was to assess actual needs to reduce the number of batteries and save weight."
The team? Eight permanent staff and three apprentices, with diverse areas of expertise: engineering, industrial design, naval architecture, energy transition…
"It’s a close-knit, committed team with real complementary skills."
Energy transition as a driving force for transformation
"We don’t do the same job we did 10 years ago. Today, we design with decarbonization in mind from the outset. We have to balance technical performance, environmental impact, economic constraints, and sometimes evolving regulations. Sometimes the regulations are still being drafted while we’re developing the project — that’s what happened with the ZULU 06 and its hydrogen propulsion system."
A real challenge, but also a source of pride: “It’s motivating to be on the cutting edge of innovation.”
A steady progression, always attentive to others
"After high school, I enrolled in a work-study BTS program in Industrial Product Design with the engineering department. After graduating in 2012, I signed my first permanent contract as a designer. Three years later, I moved into a project management role. Then in 2019, I established a department dedicated to heavy load transport. In 2023, I joined the management team. And since March 1, 2024, I’ve officially been in charge."
During our conversation, Stephen mentioned a key project in his career: Distri-Seine.
"That was THE project that marked a turning point for me. We designed an elevator system to load/unload trucks onto a barge. For the first time, I was involved in the design, fieldwork, and site monitoring. I learned to listen, to communicate with operational staff, and to adapt plans to real-world conditions. That project gave me confidence, even if it wasn’t ultimately continued."
The words Stephen often comes back to: learn, understand, share.
"I’m convinced that we grow by engaging with others. I’ve progressed over the years thanks to what I’ve learned in the field, on the docks, on construction sites, and in meeting rooms."
Leading a engineering department means…
"Distributing tasks, validating technical decisions, but also mentoring younger colleagues, negotiating with suppliers, and making calls that reflect on-the-ground constraints. I operate at the intersection of strategic vision and execution detail."
And the key skills for this profession?
Patience: some projects take months — or longer — to materialize.
Communication: you need to listen and reconcile the needs of field teams, supplier constraints, and administrative requirements. It’s about being attentive while also being clear and assertive when the project demands it.
Humility: being able to question yourself, listen to different viewpoints, and consider alternative perspectives.
And above all: having solid field knowledge. Because a good plan is one that’s realistically feasible and truly meets operational needs.
Photos : Gauthier Mignot - Sogestran
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