The TikTok Captain demystifying container shipping

For the latest episode of our podcast, we go onboard a Maersk post-panamax containership with Captain Mark Maguire, the straight talking, no-nonsense star of TikTok, demystifying container shipping one video at a time. Interview by Helen Kelly

As one of the world's largest container shipping companies, Maersk has a fleet of truly mammoth vessels plying the global trade routes. At the helm of these floating behemoths are experienced master mariners like Captain Mark Maguire, who has spent more than 20 years at sea, working his way up from a young deckhand to now commanding some of the biggest ships afloat.

A ship the size of the Empire State Building

At 353 meters long and 53 meters wide, the post-Panamax container ships that Capt Maguire sails can carry an astounding 15,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) – the standard shipping container size. 'It's like having 7,500 articulated lorries' worth of containers on board, stacked high above and below deck,' he explains. 'The scale of these ships is truly mind-boggling until you see them up close.'

Responsible for the overall safety and operation of these colossal vessels, Capt Maguire's role is a complex one, blending technical expertise, administrative duties, and high-level decision making. His typical day begins at 07:00 hrs with a meeting of the ship's senior officers: the chief engineer, chief mate, and second engineer. 'We go through any issues or upcoming events, review the passage plan, and ensure everything is running smoothly,' he says.

From there, it's a whirlwind of activities – inspections, email correspondence, and providing guidance and support to the bridge team as they navigate the ship. 'There's always something that needs my attention, whether it's a budgetary concern, a maintenance issue, or preparing for an upcoming port arrival or departure,' Capt Maguire notes. 'The buck stops with me, so I have to be across everything that's happening.'

Embracing the digital age at sea

As technology continues to transform the maritime industry, Capt Maguire has witnessed firsthand the growing role of automation and AI in day-to-day operations.

'A huge amount of data is now transmitted from the ship to our shore-side teams,' he explains. 'This allows them to monitor our fuel consumption, engine performance, and other key metrics in real-time, helping us optimise our voyages for maximum efficiency and sustainability.'

Rather than viewing this increased digitalisation as a threat, Capt Maguire sees it as a positive development, one that is reducing the administrative burden on captains like himself. 'The captain's job is mostly admin these days,' he notes. 'There's a lot of paperwork and email correspondence that comes with running these massive container ships. Anything that can be automated or handled remotely by our shore-side colleagues is a welcome change.'

This embrace of new technologies aligns with Capt Maguire's broader focus on decarbonisation and environmental sustainability. By leveraging data and AI-powered systems, he and his crew can make more informed decisions to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.

'We're under a lot of pressure to reduce our carbon footprint, and rightly so,' he says. 'Having accurate, real-time data on our operations is crucial for us to plan the most fuel-efficient passages and optimise our operations.'

While regulations in the maritime sector can sometimes lag behind technological advancements, Capt Maguire is optimistic about the industry's digital transformation. 'It's an ever-changing landscape, but I see it as a positive thing overall,' he says. 'Anything that can help us operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably is something I'm fully on board with.'

Of course, the captain's role isn't just about spreadsheets and emails. When the ship is approaching or departing a port, Capt Maguire is on the bridge, personally overseeing the complex manoeuvring required. 'It's a critical time, and I need to be there to make sure everything goes smoothly and safely,' he says. 'We're talking about a ship the size of the Empire State Building, so there’s no room for error.'

The TikTok Captain

Capt Maguire shares behind-the-scenes videos about the daily lives of seafarers with his growing following of 180,000 on TikTok. But his origin story was much more humble.

'People had always asked me the same questions whenever I came home, such as: "When are you going away again?" and "How long are you on for?"' Captain Mark says. 'I realised that a lot of people just don’t know what's happening on ships at all, even the most basic stuff.'

Inspired by these frequent queries, Capt Maguire decided to start creating video content to educate and inform people about the realities of working at sea. From showcasing the massive scale of the containerships he commands to detailing the engine room and crew living conditions and daily routines, his videos provide a unique window into an industry that is often hidden from public view.

'I didn't know if it was going to take off at all. And then I had like, 500 followers, and I was like, "Oh, wow. This is getting quite serious."'

As his following has grown, Capt Maguire has maintained a focus on keeping his content 'honest and positive'. He avoids sensationalism, instead aiming to educate and engage his audience with the technical and operational aspects of his work. 'I just kind of get an idea in my head, and I just go off and I shoot it,' he explains. 'For some reason, people seem to enjoy watching it.'

By sharing his experiences and insights, Captain Maguire hopes to not only satisfy the curiosity of the general public but also provide a valuable resource for those with loved ones working in the maritime industry.

Career advice

Despite the scale and complexity of his work, Capt Maguire remains passionate about his career at sea. 'I've been incredibly fortunate to see the world, visit amazing places, and work with fantastic crew,' he reflects. 'Yes, there are challenges, but the sense of responsibility and the technical mastery required make this a truly rewarding profession.'

For young seafarers considering their options, Capt Maguire has some sage advice: 'Be prepared for the physical and mental demands, but don't be daunted. The maritime industry offers so many diverse opportunities, from container ships to offshore energy to luxury yachts. If you have the right mindset and are willing to work hard, it can be an incredibly fulfilling career.'