A targeted effort to secure future leaders in shipping—that is the purpose of the mentorship programme recently established by members of Danish Shipping and the talent network Future 100 in Shipping.

The programme works by having shipping companies within The Shipowners Club – a group consisting of several members of Danish Shipping – sign up as mentors for young talents.

“Shipping is very much a relationship-driven industry, and there has always been a strong tradition of helping the next generation get off to a good start. We are building on that by systematically pairing experienced industry leaders with young talents. It is an investment in the future—because we will certainly need more skilled leaders in an industry that is highly competitive and operates globally,” said Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.

The mentorship programme is a pilot project and is being launched at the same time as the Young Propellers Club changes its name to Future 100 in Shipping. The association has existed since 2013 and is a sister organisation to The Shipowners Club, which consists of members from shipping companies within Danish Shipping. The Shipowners Club has existed since 1941. To become a member of Future 100 in Shipping, candidates must be nominated by their manager and be between 25 and 40 years old.

“Denmark is a strong and major shipping nation – even on a global scale. That does not happen by chance. If we are to maintain this strong position, we must ensure a pipeline of highly skilled young leaders. That is why it is only natural that we formalise the development of the shipping professionals of the future,” said Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.