“Earlier this October, I had the privilege of representing Odfjell at SHIPCON 2025, hosted by YoungShip Italy during Genoa Shipping Week.
The event brought together maritime professionals, educators, policymakers, and students from across the globe to explore the evolving landscape of the shipping industry. But more than that, it was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we carry—to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of maritime talent.
A movement, not just a network
YoungShip Italy’s story is one of grassroots leadership and global vision. What began as a local initiative has grown into a dynamic platform for young professionals to connect, collaborate, and lead.
At SHIPCON’s “Navigating the Future” panel, speakers emphasized that mentorship, inclusion, and structured opportunities aren’t optional; they’re essential. As one speaker said, “Pass the torch to the next generation as a united industry.”
This message echoes Odfjell’s own commitment to nurturing talent through our cadetship program and partnerships with NSA Cadet Program and partner institutions.
The human factor is the future
In the panel “Attract–Develop–Retain”, industry leaders spoke about the shifting expectations of the emerging generation, highlighting flexibility, mental health support, and purpose-driven work.
Dr. De Martini reminded us, “We talk about automation and innovation, but the human factor remains at the heart of shipping.” As we embrace AI, digitalization, and sustainability, we must never lose sight of the people who make it all possible—our seafarers, our shore colleagues, our future leaders.
At Odfjell, we’ve already taken meaningful steps in this direction. Initiatives such as Bow Fitness, our focus on mental health and working environment onboard form part of a broader strategy to make seafaring a sustainable and fulfilling career path.
Prof. Martin Stopford: Wisdom for the future
Prof. Martin Stopford’s keynote was a masterclass in maritime economics and leadership. He reflected on the cyclical nature of shipping, the importance of human resources, and the realistic integration of digital technologies were both sobering and inspiring.
He emphasized the maritime industry's inherent resilience and adaptability, noting its capacity to respond effectively to global economic fluctuations. and the need for thoughtful integration of digital technologies. His message: AI and automation can support–but never replace–good seamanship practices onboard.
Looking ahead: Odfjell’s role
SHIPCON 2025 is a call to action. For us at Odfjell, this means continuing to invest in our crew, expanding our partnerships through innovation, and creating a culture where young professionals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
We are not just preparing them for a job—we are preparing them for a lifetime of leadership in a rapidly changing industry. And as one speaker reminded us, "Together we are not drops—we are an ocean."
