Meet Thulio: From Machinery Officer to leading ship repair operations
Thulio Barros has been part of Vard Promar’s story almost from the beginning - growing alongside the shipyard as it developed. Over the years, he’s taken on new roles, adapted to changes, and built a career shaped by hands-on experience and curiosity.
12. June 2025
12 years at VARD
This year, Thulio marks 12 years at VARD. He started out as a machinery officer, before rolling up his sleeves and jumped into a different role - as an electrical engineer helping to get the shipyard up and running. That mindset - staying open to change and ready for the next challenge - has shaped his entire journey in the company.
Since then, Thulio has taken on roles in maintenance, operations, and production. Today, he leads production and planning/control for ship repair - a responsibility that includes managing complex shipyard operations and keeping everything on track.
It’s about transforming the raw into the extraordinary. That goes for steel plates that become ships, and for people who come here with no shipyard experience and grow into experts.
Thulio Barros
All about the people
Thulio’s career is backed by a strong academic foundation. He’s an electrical engineer, Merchant Navy officer, and holds a Master’s in Energy Planning and an MBA in Project Management. Currently, he’s pursuing a PhD, developing underwater sensors to improve docking safety.
When asked what he’s most proud of, he doesn’t talk about tech or savings.
- It’s the people, he says. - Seeing colleagues who started as bricklayers or electricians now becoming engineers and leaders - that’s the real legacy.
Made friends across the world
Working in a multicultural company like VARD has also been a highlight for him. - I’ve learned so much from working with people in other countries. It opens your mind. Thanks to VARD, I’ve made friends across the world.
Outside of work, Thulio is all about family. - They’re my motivation and my fuel, he says simply.
Where our heart beats stronger
If he had to describe VARD in one word? Opportunities.
- Here, those who prepare and deliver, grow. You need to be ready, but if you are - you’ll find your path.
For Thulio, the decision to join VARD was deeply personal.
- I’ve always been fascinated by ships, he says. - Working for a giant in the naval sector is a source of great pride for me. My wife often says my eyes light up when I talk about VARD. I believe we need to be where our heart beats stronger.
Give it your best
And for anyone considering a career in the maritime industry - or at VARD - Thulio has one piece of advice:
- Keep learning. Stay curious. This industry rewards those who mix real-world experience with solid technical know-how. If you're drawn to challenges, innovation, and being part of something bigger, show up prepared and give it your best. The reward will follow.