Shaping the future of shipping

05.01.2024
During December, two schools visited us at the headquarters. These are just some of many students who have met with Odfjell’ers throughout the year, reflecting our commitment to shaping the future of shipping by fostering the connection between the maritime industry and the younger generation.

We had the pleasure of welcoming 38 eager Ship Builder students, travelling all the way from Hamburg. The students were greeted with refreshments and a well-received presentation by Veine Huth, Manager Research & Development. The topic of the evening: Energy efficiency and the Future Fleet. 

Merely 48 hours later, we received a visit from students of the Norwegian Naval Academy. The itinerary for their visit was extensive, covering topics such as the operation and maintenance of ships, safety and training, the business model for chemical tanks, new environmental requirements and future fuels, financing and ownership, maritime law, and digitalization.

Students of the Norwegian Naval Academy

Collaboration Across Departments

What makes these school visits particularly impactful is the collaboration across all departments within Odfjell. From logistics and deck operations to engineering and more, our team members work together, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the shipping industry.

 

Diverse Engagements

The variety of school visits is impressive, ranging from presenting to logistics engineers at NTNU to conducting online loading training with the Maritime School in Kristiansand.

“We believe it is important to engage with students at different levels of their educational journey, from those just embarking on their maritime studies to those preparing for specific roles such as deck officers.”

- Karianne Grønseth, Manager Competence Development


These visits added to the growing list of educational institutions that have crossed paths with Odfjell throughout the year:  

  • Presentation to logistics engineers at NTNU, by Bjørn Hilmar Baug, VP Fleet Scheduling/CPP and Manager Competence Development Karianne Grønseth  
  • Online loading training with the Maritime School in Kristiansand for deck officers, by Karianne Grønseth and Lise Henriksen, Captain 
  • Presentation at Vilvite, by Eva Storeide, Senior Crewing and Social Officer, Dennis Boge, Ship Operator and Karianne Grønseth  
  • Visit from second year nautical students from the Maritime School and Vestland Higher Vocational College. Karianne Grønseth, Vegard Marken and Jan A. Opedahl 
  • Visit from Laksevåg and Bergen Maritime High School. Karianne Grønseth 
  • Career Day (booth) at the Maritime School and Vestland Higher Vocational College. Eva Storeide and Karianne Grønseth 
  • Career Day at HVL in Haugesund. Eva Storeide and Karianne Grønseth 
  • Presentation at Havlunsj and other maritime network arenas such as ‘Kvinner i kuling’ 
  • Presentation at “Think Tech” event, by Niki Bayatbarouni, IT trainee and Henrik Nepstad, IT trainee 
  • Recruitment tour on M/S Gann by Eva Storeide and apprentice seaman Emil Andre Myksvoll. Includig a presentation to the students who will be applying for apprenticeships after the new year, and an open ship event in the evening.  
Apprentice seaman Emil Andre Myksvoll and Senior Crewing and Social Officer Eva Storeide aboard M/S Gann

Highlighting Career Opportunities

A significant aspect of these school visits is the focus on career opportunities within Odfjell. By opening our doors to students, we provide them with firsthand insights into the dynamic and rewarding careers that the maritime sector offers. Through presentations, interactive sessions, and real-world scenarios, we aim to inspire the next generation of industry leaders and professionals. 

In summary, Karianne Grønseth underscores the importance of these engagements:

"These school visits are not just about showcasing Odfjell but about sowing the seeds of curiosity and ambition within the next generation of maritime professionals. It's promising to see the enthusiasm and potential in these students, and we are committed to nurturing their growth and interest in the industry." 

“Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this trend of active participation in upcoming events that further contribute to the maritime dialogue,” Karianne continues.  
 

Kicking off a busy new year 

In Bergen, there’s busy times ahead. Already on January 9, the Sotra Rotary event at Sotra Arena sets the stage for conversations with 10th graders from Øygarden municipality. Following this, Odfjell will participate in the career day at HVL Haugesund on January 17. On January 25, the Askøy Rotary-organized event at Askøy Videregående school provides another opportunity to engage with students, thanks to the support of the Bergen Shipowners’ Association. 

Moreover, the upcoming Education Fair on January 24 and 25 is a prime example of our ongoing commitment to showcasing the maritime sector's diverse opportunities. The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s participation, along with our collaborative efforts, will ensure a strong presence under the “Maritime Career” umbrella.