Young eyes on shipping – experiences from high school students’ visit ...

Young eyes on shipping – experiences from high school students’ visit to BIMCO

Published: 06 November 2024

As part of a work placement programme BIMCO recently hosted two high school students, Gina Zein Hoisangthong and Zaynah Mah Raza, at BIMCO’s headquarters in Copenhagen. The initiative is an integral part of studying an International Business Baccalaureate (IBB) at the Niels Brock International Gymnasium and is designed to give the students a firsthand look at the maritime industry.

During their two weeks at BIMCO, Gina and Zaynah were introduced to the various activities BIMCO is involved in, joined meetings with members and listened in on subcommittees developing various contracts and clauses.

"The experience has opened my eyes to the unique rhythm of the shipping life, where every day brings a new blend of cultural exchange, global issues, and the subtle art of moving one product or a service from A to B. I have learned so much about the maritime industry and the importance of clear contracts in ensuring smooth operations," said Gina.

Zaynah added: "Being able to attend meetings and see how decisions are made has been invaluable. It has given me a better understanding of the industry and the various career paths available – there will always be place for you to work with something of your liking in the shipping industry."

BIMCO supports educational initiatives such as the IBB work placement to promote shipping as an attractive industry and contribute to fostering the next generation of maritime professionals. By providing students with practical experience and exposure to real-world scenarios, the work placement was intended to showcase that the maritime sector is much more than just a means of transport.

“Despite being a very old industry, shipping is adapting rapidly to meet modern demands, like green technologies and digitalisation, making it a fascinating field to explore,” said Gina.

Zaynah added: “One of the areas that stood out was the safety and security agenda because of the very relevant topics impacting the industry at the moment, such as the Houthis’ attacks on ships in the Red Sea.”

As the students conclude their work placement, they leave with a wealth of knowledge and a newfound appreciation for the maritime industry.

Gina summed it all up: “Shipping connects economies, cultures, and people in ways we often overlook; almost everything we use or consume has likely travelled across oceans to reach us. It is a lifeline for global trade and an industry continuously innovating to meet environmental and logistical challenges.”

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