Closing Ceremony Shipcon 2021

During the opening speech Nicholas Serritslev, Chair YoungShip Rotterdam, thanked all sponsors, participants and supporting organizations for helping in making Shipcon 2021 happen. Serritslev said, “I am impressed by the commitment and organizing power of the Rotterdam based network. Together we we’re able to put the Rotterdam region on the map towards international maritime young professionals.”

Role and value of young professionals

During his keynote Louis Stolper of the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners, stressed the importance of a solid human capital agenda within the shipping industry. He specifically addressed the role and value of young professionals in the maritime industry.

Young Corporation Award

With the annual Young Corporation Award, YoungShip International wishes to promote and acknowledge efforts by individual employers to strengthen their focus on talent management and development of talented young professionals. This year various international companies were nominated. After careful deliberation the jury decided that Rotterdam based Friday & Co Shipbrokers deserves to receive the award.

Eleanor Scudder, Secretary General YoungShip International: “Friday & Co have a young team with a modern philosophy. Director, Rod Schlick has given multiple young enthusiasts a chance to join a company, even if they did not have a maritime background. This beneficial attitude itself opens up the pool of promising young talent which we at YoungShip consider should be reflective of the modern maritime and shipping industry as whole.”

Procuring the next generation of maritime professionals

The program included a final panel discussion between experts with inspiring visions towards securing the next generation of maritime professionals. The panel consisted of Rod Schlick (Director, Friday & Co Shipbrokers), Lisa Weggemans (Campus Recruiter Damen Shipyards), and Jan-Hein Reeringh (Consultant at the Maritime Marketeer). When asked for closing advice for young professional, Rod Schlick commented, “Young professionals should not be shy; don’t be afraid to act.”