Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has promoted Nikola Đurđić to Staff Captain, advancing him from his previous position as Safety Officer.
The Staff Captain acts as the ship Master’s deputy and is one of the most senior members of the deck department. The role normally carries responsibility for supporting the Master in the safe operation of the vessel and overseeing key deck, safety and emergency-preparedness functions.
Career progression at Fred. Olsen
Đurđić joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in July 2018 as a Third Officer aboard Braemar. He later transferred to Borealis and continued progressing through the deck department.
Before his latest promotion, he spent four years serving as Safety Officer. That position placed him closely within the ship’s safety management structure and provided experience directly relevant to the responsibilities of Staff Captain.
Fred. Olsen confirmed the promotion through its official social-media channels, describing Đurđić as a former Safety Officer and congratulating him on reaching the senior rank.
Đurđić marks professional milestone
In a personal announcement, Đurđić described the promotion as a major professional milestone and thanked his family for supporting him through the demands of a career at sea and extended periods away from home.
He said he was proud of the journey that had brought him to the position and ready for the challenges ahead.
The promotion follows more than eight years with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and reflects a progression from Third Officer to one of the most senior operational roles aboard ship.
Senior role aboard Borealis
Fred. Olsen’s official newsroom had already identified Đurđić as Staff Captain aboard Borealis in material published on 17 August 2026, when the company became the first cruise line to sign the Merchant Navy Welfare Board’s Seafarer Pledge.
The pledge includes commitments to support career progression, recognise maritime skills and improve long-term opportunities for seafarers. Đurđić’s advancement provides a current example of an officer progressing through the ranks within the company.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines currently operates a three-ship ocean fleet comprising Balmoral, Bolette and Borealis.