Elin Stenberg joins the board of the Seafarers’ Church
After nearly 17 years in shipping, Elin Stenberg knows how much it matters to see the person behind the job. Now, she has become the first woman to join the board of the Seafarers’ Church in Stockholm, taking on the role alongside her work as Crew Manager at Wallenius Marine.
Elin’s career in shipping began with a summer job in Stockholm’s Frihamnen and Värtahamnen ports. Since then, she has built extensive experience across the industry, particularly in HR and workplace health and safety. She joined Wallenius Marine in 2021 and has spent the past three years as Crew Manager, overseeing day-to-day HR matters for crews on vessels managed from Stockholm.
When a former manager, who has long been involved with the Seafarers’ Church, asked whether she would consider joining the board, she said yes.
A friendly face in port
The Seafarers’ Church plays an important, if sometimes overlooked, role in shipping. Through ship visits, practical help and personal support, it is there for seafarers calling at Swedish ports.
“What’s so special about the Seafarers’ Church is that it’s there for the people on board. They’re not there to carry out checks or make demands, but to listen, help and offer a bit of human kindness,” says Elin.
Its work is familiar territory for Elin. She has previously worked closely with the Seafarers’ Church and accompanied its chaplains on ship visits. During a period living in London, she also experienced first-hand how much that sense of community can mean.
Fresh perspectives, changing needs
As the first and only woman on the board of the Seafarers’ Church in Stockholm, Elin brings both a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. She is looking forward to helping shape its work so that it continues to meet the needs of today’s seafarers.
“We shouldn’t keep offering the same services simply because that’s what we’ve always done. What matters is understanding what people working on board actually need today, and making sure we evolve with them.”
She is also keen to highlight the dedicated people working to make everyday life better for seafarers, often with little recognition.
“There are so many passionate people doing wonderful work behind the scenes. Having the chance to learn more about what they do, and to play a part myself, feels both exciting and worthwhile.”
About the Seafarers’ Church
The Seafarers’ Church operates in several locations across Sweden, with local organisations offering seafarers support, companionship and practical help. Through ship visits, conversations and social activities, it helps make life safer and better for people working at sea.
Founded in 1917, the Seafarers’ Church in Stockholm now carries out outreach work in the ports of Stockholm, Nynäshamn and Södertälje.
