Working with trust and curiosity: Shanna van Berchum on building a career in the maritime industry

A route shaped by roots and opportunity

Shanna comes from Werkendam, a community with deep links to shipping and shipbuilding. Family, friends and the wider environment all had connections to the sector. After studying Economics and Sales in Breda, she chose a role in maritime that felt logical and close to home.

She started her career at Damen Shipyards in inside sales, then moved into marketing, focusing on fairs and events across the group. After more than eight years, she stepped into a role connected to the yachting segment and industry association work, broadening her view of how the sector operates and how networks are built.

When Holland Shipyards Group approached her, it came through people she already knew, from the same region. The timing was right. She joined in January, directly in the Commercial Manager role.

Work culture matters more than status

Shanna’s view of career success is not centred on job titles. She has never set a single target role and chased it. What matters to her is the environment: trust, clarity and the freedom to do the work properly.

Over the years, she has learned what kind of working environment suits her best. A place where responsibilities are clear, where people trust each other and where focus stays on delivering quality rather than navigating layers or processes.

“If you are respected, if you get the space to do your work properly, then I am happy,” she says. “I do not need a fancy title for that.”

That is why she values the culture at Holland Shipyards Group. The company feels human. People walk in and out of each other’s spaces easily. Customers feel comfortable. Office and yard stay connected. It makes daily collaboration easier, and it makes long term relationships stronger.

Building trust through everyday work

Shanna is realistic about the fact that maritime is still a male-dominated sector, but she does not experience that as a barrier. “I never really think: I am a woman and they will look at me differently,” she says. “I stay focused on the work, show up as my authentic self, and make sure the journey is just as enjoyable as the results.”

Her advice is practical: do not carry the idea that you will be judged differently into every room. Bring your energy. Be yourself. Build relationships with colleagues, suppliers and clients the same way you would in any other field.

The highlight is the network

When asked about career highlights, Shanna does not point to a single vessel or a single deal. For her, the real achievement is the network she has built and the trust that comes with it.

Trade fairs are a good example. She describes the warmth of people stopping by, clients from today and clients from years ago, people who are not even in the middle of a project but still want to connect, share a drink and catch up. It reflects what she believes is unique about maritime: people value a good feeling and trust. If they trust you, they want to work with you and they want to help you.

That also explains why the commercial side of shipbuilding suits her. It is not about pushing. It is about listening, aligning and working together.

Advice for young professionals: take the step

Shanna’s advice to young people is direct: if you are curious, step in. Maritime is open to new talent, and the sector rewards enthusiasm and motivation. She points out that maritime offers opportunities for people who are willing to take initiative.

“If you show enthusiasm and a bit of courage, doors will open,” Shanna says. “You often get a lot of space to shape your own role.”

That applies not only to engineers, but also to people in commercial, financial or communication roles, as well as skilled trades and technical professionals. Maritime needs people who build, maintain and improve vessels just as much as those who design, sell or manage them.