Colleen Kallestad
Friendswood,TX
Summary
Seasoned maritime operations leader with 20+ years of experience in LNG shipping, port operations, vessel vetting, and regulatory compliance. Proven expertise in ship-shore compatibility, marine logistics, and terminal procedures across U.S. and international LNG ports. Recognized for strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to lead high-performing teams in complex and high-pressure environments. Committed to upholding the highest safety and operational standards while aligning marine functions with broader business goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Marine Advisor
Freeport LNG
Freeport, TX
2025 - Current
- Coordinate LNG terminal operations with charterers, vessel operators, and local stakeholders.
- Conduct ship-shore compatibility studies for safe and compliant cargo transfer and berthing.
- Vet vessels for operational readiness, technical compliance, and safety standards.
- Manage daily lifting plans and vessel schedules to optimize marine traffic and terminal output.
- Support marine project scoping, contract execution, and delivery.
- Liaise with internal teams (Commercial, Production, Regulatory) on marine-related issues.
- Maintain the Marine Operations Manual in alignment with regulatory updates.
Marine Advisor
Cameron LNG
Hackberry, LA
2022 - 2025
- Led vessel compatibility studies and coordinated safe LNG cargo operations.
- Acted as liaison with Customers, leading quarterly stakeholder briefings.
- Managed tug contracts and marine support services, including performance oversight.
- Reviewed and approved Vessel Security Plans for compliance with FSP requirements.
- Maintained the Marine Terminal Manual and associated terminal procedures.
- Recognized as a dependable team player with strong alignment to organizational goals.
Marine Superintendent
Freeport LNG
Freeport, TX
2017 - 2022
- Served as sole marine representative during critical operational periods.
- Conducted vessel vetting and compatibility studies supporting commercial readiness.
- Issued vessel arrival instructions and managed internal/external communications.
- Coordinated dredging operations to maintain berth and basin operability.
- Supported RTM, PMT, and Safety teams in executing vessel loading and port procedures.
- Compiled marine operations data for monthly customer reporting.
Senior Shipping Analyst / Neptune Deepwater Port Operations
ENGIE Gas & LNG (formerly GDF SUEZ)
Everett, MA
2008 - 2017
- Managed the safe and timely transfer of over 360 LNG tanker shipments into the Distrigas Import Terminal in Everett, coordinating global cargoes from Trinidad, Egypt, Yemen, and beyond.
- Coordinated 100+ LNG cargoes to Puerto Rico and 13 other international destinations, including full operational and regulatory oversight of the Neptune Deepwater Port off the coast of Cape Ann, MA.
- Directed vessel scheduling and voyage planning for ENGIE’s LNG fleet, working closely with U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, and shipping agents to ensure safe and compliant deliveries.
- Supervised port operations personnel, managed tug contracts, and contributed to vessel vetting and compatibility efforts across global terminals.
- Managed operations, maintenance, purchasing, and regulatory compliance for the Neptune Deepwater LNG Port, including oversight during commissioning and repair phases.
- Managed the revisions of the Operations Manual, and Suspension Plan; supported environmental compliance.
- Contributed to revisions of the Operations Manual, Facility Security Plan.
- Trained support, inspection, and maintenance crews; worked closely with federal regulators and ENGIE legal to maintain MARAD crew compliance.
- Served as a member of the NDWP Decommissioning Team.
Marine Science Technician
U.S. Coast Guard
Boston, MA
2007 - 2009
- Led Port State Control Branch; supervised 7-member team conducting >1,100 annual vessel boardings.
- Conducted foreign vessel inspections for compliance with U.S. and IMO standards.
- Trained reservists and managed rescue/survival equipment inventory.
- Certified Fishing Vessel Safety Inspector.
Boatswain’s Mate
U.S. Coast Guard
Boston, MA
2002 - 2007
- Served aboard USCGC Seneca during missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
- Qualified in multiple safety and operational roles: Quartermaster, Small Boat Crewman, Damage Controlman, Helmsman, Watchstander, and Helicopter Tie-Down Team.
- Participated in drug and migrant interdiction missions.
Skills
- LNG Shipping & Marine Operations
- Vessel Compatibility & Vetting
- Regulatory Compliance (USCG, PHMSA, MARAD)
- Port & Tug Operations Coordination
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Incident Response & Safety Management
- Strategic Scheduling & Voyage Planning
- Crew Training & Mentorship
- Stakeholder & Agency Communication
- Adaptability in Complex Marine Environments
Affiliations
- Chairperson – Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee, Freeport Subcommittee
- Executive Board Member – Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee
- Member – SIGTTO General Purposes Committee (GPC)
- Member – Chamber of Shipping of America
- Member – Propeller Club of Boston
- Member – Human Relations Council, USCGC Seneca
Awards
- USCG Good Conduct Medal
- USCG Achievement Medal
- Special Operations Ribbon (2 awards)
Certifications And Clearances
- Held Secret Security Clearance
- TWIC Card
- Vessel, Company, and Facility Security Officer Course (2015)
- 40-Hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Training
- ICS Training (Incident Command System)
- USCG Leadership and Management
- Optimoor Training
- Emergency Response Training
Timeline
Marine Advisor
Freeport LNG
2025 - Current
Marine Advisor
Cameron LNG
2022 - 2025
Marine Superintendent
Freeport LNG
2017 - 2022
Senior Shipping Analyst / Neptune Deepwater Port Operations
ENGIE Gas & LNG (formerly GDF SUEZ)
2008 - 2017
Marine Science Technician
U.S. Coast Guard
2007 - 2009
Boatswain’s Mate
U.S. Coast Guard
2002 - 2007
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