Europort Industry Leaders Q&A - Karin Orsel
Next up in the #Europort2025 Industry Leader Series is MF Shipping CEO, Karin Orsel. With over 20 years of experience as a CEO, Karin co-founded MF Shipping Group when she was only 23 and has been responsible for Group’s significant growth. Known within the maritime community for her entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to diversity and inclusion, Karin shares her journey and insights on some of the key challenges facing shipping today.
1. What attracted you to the maritime industry and how did you get started?
My journey into shipping was actually quite unexpected. I started working in financial administration and happened to join a shipping company. Shipping wasn’t in my blood—it was pure coincidence. When the company went bankrupt, I was given the opportunity to take over the business at a young age. With the support of a great accountant, among others, I decided to take the plunge. Luckily, I discovered I could swim quite well! What captivated me was the dynamic, international nature of the industry. The fast-paced environment, the global connections, and the passionate people I’ve had the privilege to meet and work with have made every day unique. Over time, I’ve built lasting partnerships and even friendships in this sector, which has been incredibly rewarding.
2. Over the last few years, there has been an industry-wide drive focused on attracting the next generation. Is there anything else the maritime sector should be doing to attract new talent?
While the maritime sector has made significant strides in attracting young talent, there is still more to be done. A crucial step would be to develop targeted programmes that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that people from a wide range of backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. Initiatives such as mentorship schemes and partnerships with schools and universities can foster a more inclusive talent pipeline.
The sector must also continue to invest in technology and innovation to appeal to digital natives seeking advanced and challenging career opportunities. It's not enough to merely talk about these changes—actions speak louder than words. "Seeing is believing." The industry needs to showcase its progress in sustainability, digitalisation, and innovation through tangible demonstrations, open days, and transparent communication about real achievements.By making projects like green shipping initiatives, the use of AI in vessel operations, and sustainability goals visible, we can inspire young professionals and demonstrate that the sector is truly evolving. This approach not only highlights opportunities but also builds credibility by proving that the maritime industry is a place where meaningful contributions can be made.
Finally, it's essential to emphasise the versatility and global career opportunities that the maritime industry offers. By showing young people how they can make an impact on sustainability and global trade, we can convince them of the value and excitement that a career in shipping can bring.
3. What is the best piece of advice you have been given over the years, and what advice would you give to someone considering a career in our industry?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to stay authentic. Early in my career, I realised that true success doesn’t come from pretending to be someone you’re not, but from embracing who you truly are. Know your values, understand your standards, and let them guide every decision you make. Authenticity in the workplace means showing up as your genuine self, consistently demonstrating reliability, integrity, and hard work. It’s through this authenticity that you earn the trust and respect of others. In addition, flexibility and curiosity are essential for anyone entering our sector. The maritime industry is continuously evolving, with new technologies, changing regulations, and global challenges. Those who embrace change and actively seek opportunities to learn won’t just keep up—they’ll lead the way. Stay open to developing new skills and remain adaptable. The ability to grow and learn continuously will be a defining factor in your success. The journey may present its challenges, but the rewards—both personally and professionally—are immense.
4. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge for the industry at the moment when it comes to the merchant maritime sector? How could this be overcome?
In general, the sector is confronting significant challenges, particularly regarding sustainability and regulatory compliance. For example, the implementation of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which came into force on 1 January, will require ships over 5,000 gt calling at listed European ports to use cleaner fuels, with targets increasing over time. In addition, from 1 January 2030, container ships of more than 5,000 gross tons and passenger ships will also have to connect to shore-side power supply (OPS) or use equivalent zero-emission technologies while at berth in listed EU ports. This requirement requires significant infrastructure investment and operational adjustments. These regulatory requirements introduce mechanisms such as banking and pooling to support the transition. But don't forget the need for a skilled workforce capable of managing these changes. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel remains a pressing issue as the industry needs seafarers with resilience and adaptability to cope with the evolving technological landscape.
5. What is the most interesting change/trend you have seen over the last 12 months, and what impact will this have on the wider industry?
One of the most significant trends I’ve observed over the last 12 months is the growing emphasis on sustainability, driven primarily by tightening regulations and compliance requirements. As governments and international bodies, such as the IMO and the European Green Deal, impose stricter environmental laws, the maritime industry has had to adapt quickly. The push to reduce carbon emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and meet sustainability targets is requiring companies rethink their operations and invest in green technologies. These regulations are not just about compliance—they are creating strong incentives for innovation and change. Moving forward, companies that fail to align with these standards will face increasing challenges, while those that embrace sustainable practices will gain a competitive edge in the sector. While the pace of change might feel slow at times, we are moving in the right direction. The key now is to maintain momentum and keep pushing forward, as we are far from finished.
6. Finally, new technology, digitalisation and AI continue to transform operations and ways of working. What impact is this having in maritime?
There is no doubt that the integration of new technologies, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence is significantly transforming the maritime sector. These advancements help operators optimise routes, assess weather conditions, reduce CO₂ emissions, and streamline the entire transport chain, leading to more flexible operations, improved customer communication, and the ability to meet evolving expectations with services such as real-time updates.
In addition, the adoption of blockchain technology brings further advantages. It secures data by encrypting it and preventing unauthorised access through distributed storage across multiple systems, which reduces the risk of data breaches. Smart contracts also automate transactions once specific conditions are met, eliminating the need for third-party involvement, thus ensuring more secure and efficient processes and addressing issues such as fraud and corruption. These technological advancements also pose challenges, particularly in the training and education of seafarers. The implementation of digital systems on vessels requires comprehensive training to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, seafarers must develop skills such as problem-solving and resilience, alongside their technical expertise, to adapt effectively to the changes brought by digitalization.
Join us at Europort from 4-7 November 2025 where we will take a deep dive into the complexities of creating a greener, smarter and more sustainable future for the maritime industry. Stay tuned to find out more!