Giedrius started his career at our terminal just eight years ago, and today he is considered one of the best ship-to-shore crane operators and was named KCT Employee of the Year. This is not just a sign of recognition – it is a story of how a fast track to the top of your career can be achieved if you have one simple but crucial goal: the desire to grow. We talk about all this with Giedrius Kutniauskas.

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- First of all, congratulations on becoming KCT Employee of the Year! What does this recognition mean to you?
- Thank you. I am truly honored. When you are recognized, not only are your mistakes noticed, but you are also told, "You are doing a good job," which creates internal motivation. Such recognition is unexpected, because I have never worked for awards, but I am very happy that someone sees your efforts. It proves that I am on the right track.

- Do you remember your first day at the terminal?
- I remember it very well. I felt completely "green." I didn't know where anything was, who anyone was, or what anyone did. I just tried to fit into a system that at the time seemed like organized chaos—containers, a huge territory, walkie-talkies. Everything was new, even the port itself. Until then, I had been working as a truck driver in England, and here it was like a completely different planet.

- How did you get to where you are now – the position of STS crane operator?
- I started my career at the "lowest" position – dock worker-mechanic, working with a forklift, port trucks, followed by increasingly complex loading equipment trials. One of my first bosses said, "I see you working in the crane cab and operating the crane." At the time, it sounded like something far off, but a year later I was already trying to get used to the RTG (Rubber Tired Gantry) crane, and later the STS. About two and a half years after I started working, I was already an STS operator. The opportunities came on their own, but I was ready to take them.

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- What was the most difficult part of this journey?
- Without a doubt, the beginning. When I started working, there wasn't such a structured induction system for newcomers as we have now. I had to figure everything out on my own—where everything was, how the equipment worked, how to communicate via radio, how to distinguish between the voices of my colleagues, which at the time sounded like hissing background noise. One of the biggest challenges was not the technology itself, but the people—or, more precisely, the lack of communication.
However, all of this made me stronger. I learned not only how to work, but also how to prove that I am capable and worthy of more. Today, the situation is completely different—the company has fundamentally changed its attitude toward employees. New colleagues are assigned mentors, training is organized, and managers are involved. This shows that the company is growing, and I am happy to be part of that change. Looking back, I realise that everything I went through was worth it. Without that stage, I wouldn't be where I am today.

- Was there a moment at work when you realized, "I'm doing well, I can do even more"?
Yes, there was. And it wasn't one specific moment, but rather a process. I never pursued a career at all costs—I didn't make such efforts to prove that I deserved to be promoted. But I always worked in such a way that I could be accountable for my actions, and I hope that I never disappointed my managers or colleagues. And when you see that your managers are starting to give you more and more complex tasks and offering you the chance to try out new positions, you realise: "They trust me." This means that your work speaks louder than words.
My aunt always tells me: "You were born under a lucky star." And I feel it myself. I am really lucky – both in my career and in my personal life. Not because everything falls from the sky, but because there are people who see my potential at the moment when I need it most. Sometimes I wonder – why me? But the answer is simple: when you work sincerely, when you don't force things, when you are ready to accept opportunities – they come. So maybe that star above my head shines brighter, but I lit it myself with my work.

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- Your first time in an STS crane – what were your impressions?
- Space. The speed, height, precision – everything seemed superhuman. The first time I stood up from the crane chair, my palms were wet and sweat was dripping down my back. But when you understand how to control this powerful technology, you start to feel like a real operator. Now it's everyday life, but I still have respect for the technology.

- How does it feel to work at a height of 54 meters? Are you afraid of heights?
- The feeling is extraordinary. Every time you climb into the cabin above the terminal area, you feel as if you have broken away from the ground and routine for a moment. When you trust the technology and know what you are doing, the fear disappears. The biggest challenges arise not because of the height, but because of the weather—wind, rain, or fog can throw even an experienced operator off balance.

- Does it ever happen that the giant STS cranes "get angry" and "don't want to listen"?
- It happens. One day everything goes like clockwork, the next day it seems that the crane doesn't want to listen to you. Then you take a breath, calm down, and repeat the process. You know, it sounds funny, but even STS cranes have their own character, and working with them is a real art of cooperation.

- Do you have a secret ritual before your shift: a cup of coffee, special music, breathing exercises?
- Yes, I do - although it's not really a secret! I arrive at work early, calmly drink coffee with my colleagues, joke around, and then the STS crane knows that today it will have to obey a well-disposed operator. It's important to start the day without rushing and stress – then the containers stack better and the crane doesn't get angry.

- You've worked with all the loading equipment at the terminal. So why did you choose to work with the STS crane?
Yes, I have tried practically all the equipment that KCT has – from a small forklift to a mobile Liebherr crane that lifts non-standard cargo such as wind turbine parts or electric generators. Such a wide range has given me a lot – you start to see not only how a single machine works, but also how the entire terminal functions as an organism. You understand the entire loading chain – from the arrival of the truck to the loading of the container onto the ship. This is very useful because even when working high up in the cab, you know what is happening below.
But the STS crane is on a whole other level. I like to say that it is the Formula 1 of the crane world. It is powerful, fast, huge, and requires maximum precision and concentration. When operating an STS crane, you become responsible for the final point of the entire logistics flow – you are the one who puts the finishing touch when a container reaches the ship or is unloaded from it.

Why did I choose to work with an STS crane? Because it's a challenge. There's no monotony here. Every day is different – different cargoes, weather conditions, ships, and their configurations. You have to be able to adapt quickly while maintaining your composure. Besides, I've always been impressed by responsibility. An STS crane operator is someone the whole team trusts. And when you feel that trust, work becomes not only a responsibility but also an honor.

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- If you had known as a child that you would become a crane operator, what would you have done differently?
- (Laughs) Maybe I would have played with LEGO blocks more. But honestly, I never would have thought that I would end up doing this kind of work. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a police officer. But life has a way of working things out.

- What skills are necessary for an STS operator?
- Responsibility. Not just working, but thinking about what you're doing. Precision, alertness, self-control. There are people working around you, so you have to be the guarantor of their safety. This technology is always a great force that must be managed responsibly.

- Can anyone become a crane operator?
- If you have the desire, yes. Working with technology can be learned. But you need patience and responsibility, which cannot be taught, you have to have it within yourself.

- What would you say to someone who is considering working at the terminal but is unsure of their abilities?
- The terminal is not just a job, it is an opportunity. If you show initiative, you will definitely be noticed here. The doors to a career are open, you just need to not be afraid to start.

- Do you feel that you have become an inspiration to others?
- Perhaps. But I think we all inspire each other here – managers, colleagues. When everyone speaks the same language, a common goal emerges. This encourages growth.

- Do you see yourself with KCT in 10 years?
- Definitely yes. I am a person who likes stability. If everything is fine, why change? I see myself here for a long time.

- And finally, what do you think is the key to your success?
- I come from a family of nine children. I always knew that I wanted to create a family of my own. Therefore, my formula for success is simple: desire, effort, and responsibility. Everything else comes naturally.

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