Shipbuilding is an industry where experience is built over many years and trust is earned through results. Some specialists come and go, while others build their careers steadily, one step at a time. Tomas is one of them.
Today, he leads the Marino Group team at one of France’s largest shipyards. However, his journey began with the fundamentals of the trade — working as a hull fitter in Klaipėda.
Over more than two decades in the shipbuilding industry, he has worked across different countries, projects, and teams. Yet the most important lesson has remained the same: the strongest results are achieved when you are surrounded by people you can trust.
A Career That Began with Ship Hulls
Tomas was first introduced to shipbuilding in 1998, when he started working at a shipyard in Klaipėda.
“I started as a hull fitter. A few years later, I was invited to join the quality management department, where I worked for around ten years and gained a great deal of valuable experience.”
This period laid a strong foundation for his professional career. Working in production allowed him to understand shipbuilding processes first-hand, while his role in quality control gave him a broader understanding of technical requirements, industry standards, and responsibility.
After more than a decade with the same company, the time came for a change.
“Eventually, it was time to leave the company and decide on the next step in my career. That path took me to France and to one of the country’s largest military shipyards.”
It marked the beginning of a new chapter — one in which he had to return almost to where he had started.
“At first, I had to return to the hull fitter’s trade. I worked at the company for nine years, progressing through every stage — from fitter to team leader and, eventually, site supervisor.”
It was in France that Tomas gained most of his international experience and met many of the people who are now part of the Marino Group team.
From Six People to One of Marino Group’s Key Projects
Tomas’ journey with Marino Group began with a single phone call.
“My first step with Marino was a call from Aurimas, who invited me to join his team.”
At the time, no one could have known exactly how much the project would grow. Today, it is one of Marino Group’s most important operations in France.
“The beginning was modest — six of us arrived to launch the site.”
From the very first days, however, it was clear that long-term success would depend not on promises, but on results.
“We quickly earned the client’s trust and began receiving additional orders. The project continued to grow and is still developing successfully today.”
This story reflects Marino Group’s approach particularly well. The company does not enter projects with big statements. It arrives with skilled specialists who know how to do the job.
The client’s trust follows as a natural result of consistently high-quality work.
Projects You Do Not Encounter Every Day
Over more than 25 years in shipbuilding, Tomas has worked on a wide range of projects. Some, however, have stood out because of their highly specialised nature.
One of the most interesting areas has been working with armoured steel in military shipbuilding projects.
“Both the structure of the material and the assembly and welding procedures are completely different from those used in standard shipbuilding.”
For understandable reasons, the details of these projects cannot be discussed publicly. However, this type of work requires exceptional precision, responsibility, and specialised technical knowledge.
“I have been working in this field for around fifteen years.”
This experience allows Tomas to understand not only the technical side of a project, but also the importance of having a reliable partner from the client’s perspective.
What Makes Marino Group Valuable to Its Clients?
When asked how clients see Marino Group, Tomas does not hesitate.
“From the client’s perspective, Marino Group is a reliable partner.”
Reliability in international projects does not develop on its own. It is built through everyday decisions, meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, and adapting effectively when circumstances change.
“The company stands out for its flexibility and its ability to achieve the agreed objectives on time and to a high standard.”
These qualities are among the key reasons Marino Group successfully works with some of Europe’s largest shipyards and continues to build long-term partnerships.
People Who Grow Together with the Project
Over the years, Tomas has seen hundreds of specialists join different projects. Some arrive highly confident in their abilities, while others doubt whether they are capable of meeting the demands of the job.
“I have met many different employees — from those who rate their abilities very highly, although reality does not always support that confidence, to those who doubt themselves but achieve excellent results when given encouragement.”
In his view, the most important factor in a person’s development is not talent or previous experience, but their attitude.
“It depends entirely on their own motivation and willingness to improve.”
He applies the same principle to his own team, which he considers one of the most important parts of a successful project.
“I am grateful to the team because, in reality, you manage the process, but all the work is carried out by their hands.”
For Tomas, this is why having people you can rely on is the most valuable thing a manager can have.
“In my opinion, having a team you can trust is the most important thing.”
The Goal Is to Maintain What Has Been Built
Today, the Marino Group team in France has established a strong position. Yet Tomas approaches the future in the same way he approached the project’s first days — with responsibility, consistency, and a focus on the work that needs to be done.
“Our plans for the future remain the same: to maintain the pace we have achieved and ensure that everyone is satisfied with the work — the client, the employer, and the employees themselves.”
It is a simple principle, but one that accurately reflects what long-term success in international projects requires.
Experience Is Built Over Time
Tomas’ story is a reminder that a strong career in shipbuilding is not built overnight. It develops over decades — through hundreds of decisions, demanding projects, and the people encountered along the way.
From working as a hull fitter in Klaipėda to leading one of Marino Group’s most important projects in France, his journey demonstrates what can be achieved through consistent work, accumulated experience, and a strong team.
It is people like Tomas who continue to build Marino Group’s reputation in the international shipbuilding industry.