The International ShipCon Conference, organized by YoungShip Denmark, was recently held in Copenhagen and focused on the challenges of attracting the new generation to the shipping industry. This conference was hosted by Denmark for the first time this summer, with representatives from four continents participating for three days.
Challenges of Attracting Young Talents
The shipping industry needs to attract a new generation of talent and help young professionals find their way in a changing world influenced by technology, regulations, and geopolitics. YoungShip Denmark aims to promote job opportunities and create networking connections to support the growth and development of young talents.
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This network, established in Norway, currently has over 5,000 members in more than 30 countries. In Denmark, YoungShip Denmark has grown from nearly none to about 600 members in the past three years, demonstrating its rapid growth and impact in the shipping industry.
The Role of Meritocracy in Shipping
Marie Kristensen, President of YoungShip Denmark, and Mathilde Boye, Vice President and Events Coordinator, emphasized the importance of attracting young talents and providing job opportunities at the conference. Kristensen pointed to the professional diversity in this industry, stating, "This industry needs different perspectives, and every professional can help solve challenges."
The ShipCon conference featured speeches from prominent figures such as Simon Bergulf, Vice President of Environment and Climate Change at the Global Shipping Council, and Peter Appel, Senior Partner at Gorrissen Federspiel. The event included panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions that allowed participants to benefit from each other's experiences.
The event program provided participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the real challenges of the industry from a perspective beyond their daily roles. This conference also emphasized the importance of creating effective career paths for youth and collaboration among companies and various entities to address common challenges.
The shipping industry, as Denmark's largest export industry, generated 383.5 billion Danish kroner in exports in 2024 and created around 100,000 jobs in the country. This conference was held with the support of various companies in the maritime value chain and the A.P. Møller Foundation.
The hosting of the ShipCon conference in Copenhagen also highlighted Denmark's essential role as a global shipping hub and demonstrated how business decisions, regulations, technology, and energy transition are interconnected, and why it is important for young people to have a broader picture of this industry.
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