Meet Gustaf – gaining hands-on experience in maritime law

Future maritime competence doesn’t grow on its own. It requires not only solid education, but also real-life experience and the opportunity to put knowledge into practice. That’s why Wallenius Marine takes part in initiatives that help open doors to the industry.

One such initiative is the trainee program for young maritime lawyers, launched in 2024 by The Swedish Club, Svenska Skeppshypotek, Svensk Sjöfart, Stena and Wallenius Marine. Over 18 months, participants rotate between the organisations and gain practical experience in insurance, financing, legal work, and day-to-day shipping operations.

This autumn we welcomed Gustaf Bergstedt for a placement focusing on legal support and advisory tasks within Wallenius Marine.

“Maritime law brings together my two main interests—law and shipping. Following the full transport chain, from contract to ship operations, has given me a deeper understanding of both the risks and the craftsmanship involved.”

During the program, Gustaf has worked with claims handling and insurance at The Swedish Club, vessel financing at Svenska Skeppshypotek, and policy and advocacy at Svensk Sjöfart. At Wallenius Marine, he also had the opportunity to join one of our vessels on a voyage between Södertälje and Gdynia.

“Seeing how everything works in real life—loading and unloading, manoeuvring in narrow fairways, navigating on open sea—was incredibly valuable. It gave me a true appreciation of the crew’s focus on safety and how complex maritime operations really are. It’s something you can’t learn from books alone.” he says.

By taking part in the trainee program, Wallenius Marine contributes to giving young professionals both practical insights and a deeper understanding of the maritime sector’s challenges and opportunities.

“I’ve gained insight into several parts of the industry, and at Wallenius Marine I’ve been able to connect the dots between legal work and real operations. It makes me even more motivated to continue my career in shipping,” Gustaf says.

Supporting the next generation in shipping

For Wallenius Marine, participation in programs like this is part of our long-term commitment to strengthening competence and ensuring that shipping continues to attract engaged and knowledgeable people. Other programs and initiatives we take part in includes Lighthouse summer jobs and Trainee program, KTH Sailtech, Worldtime Maritime University and collaborations with maritime upper secondary schools.