Karin Orsel, CEO of MF Shipping Group
At the young age of 23, Karin Orsel took the path few dared to venture: she pursued her dream and started her own shipping company, despite having no family history in the maritime industry or any knowledge of being an entrepreneur - to top it off, she had zero capital.
"I began working in the shipping industry when I was 18. The decision to start my own business came after a few years when it became apparent that the next generation who took over the family business was not inspired or passionate the way the founder was. If you don't care, you don't succeed, and this led me to follow my own path," she explained.
Fast-forward 25 years later, she is now the CEO of an international shipping company that manages and partly owns 55 dry cargo, cement carriers and chemical tankers.
Safety at the forefront of operations
The success of MF Shipping Group is no small feat. She attributes their success to their safety culture which is at the forefront of their operations.
"We are committed to achieving our goal of being 100% accident-free. We manage this by providing critical safety information to all ship and shore personnel. We also ensure that vessels, ship and shore personnel comply with international legislation, regulations and requirements," she said.
Challenges in promoting safety
Stressing on the need for safety to be promoted by the top management of their company, Karin said that she regularly visits vessels to talk with seafarers and check on their welfare.
One of the greatest challenges was reaching out to all their seafarers, and have their health and safety messages understood, she explained.
"I also attend Officers' Days at our office and company days in the Philippines, Russia and Europe to discuss and explain safety concerns with the ships' staff," she said.
3 Questions with Karin Orsel
Q1. What does it take to build a maritime safety culture?
"It is important that both ship and shore staff are fully involved, talking with the same voice, listening to each other and ensuring safety is their top priority. You need clear communication lines and an open culture to report, with equality in gender, function and origin."
Q2. What was your proudest moment in your career since you started in the maritime industry?
"Winning the prestigious 'Shipping of the year Award" in 2016 during a high-profile ceremony in Manila, Philippines. The ceremony was part of ISWAN's celebrations for the IMO Day of the Seafarer on 25th June. The awards were presented by IMO Secretary General Mr Kitack Lim to seven recipients who had provided exceptional services to improve the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers, and that made me very proud!"
Q3. What words of wisdom would you give to the next generation of talents entering the maritime industry?
"Dare to live your dream and always be aware of where your feet are. This means staying in the present moment, and not worrying about the past or future. Be fearless and focus on what you need to do right in order to achieve your dream!"
