As Crewing Partner Marine, Erik Sjöstedt is responsible for three vessels, m/v VISBORG, the newly built m/v FUTURE WAY, and one vessel that is still under construction, m/v WAY FORWARD.
“I have daily contact with the vessels and handle personnel issues that arise, such as voyage planning, training and help with certificates of various kinds.”
Erik Sjöstedt grew up in Åkersberga, north of Stockholm, where the Baltic Sea is always close.
“It was there that I realised that it is possible to have the sea as a workplace. All my life I have been striving for the opportunity to work with something to do with water.”
He started his career by studying to become an archipelago captain in Stockholm, but soon realised that archipelago transport is a seasonal industry. He therefore chose to study further to become a sea captain, which opened the possibility of working all over the world.
Why did you apply to Wallenius Marine?
“It was pure luck. I knew some people who worked here. When a temporary position came up on the vessel m/v VISBORG, I was asked if I was interested and Wallenius is a company that I have always heard good things about.”
After ten years at sea, working on everything from archipelago traffic to cargo ships on the great oceans, he decided last year to step ashore. A decision he is happy with.
“Being able to come home in the evening after work and be free every weekend is a life I haven’t had as an adult, and it’s such a luxury. Now I really enjoy working in an office.”
What is it that makes the maritime industry different from other businesses?
“The maritime industry literally never sleeps. Our ships are in service 24 hours a day, every day, all year round. There is always someone awake on board – it’s very different from working in a land-based industry where people go home at five o’clock.
How would you describe the culture at Wallenius Marine?
“It’s like a family, it’s a good culture that’s open where you never feel like you’re just one of the crowd. I feel that they really care about their co-workers, including the owners. It’s the same on the vessels, everyone is important, it doesn’t matter if you’re a cleaner or a captain – everyone has their role.
Wallenius Marine is a highly international company, how does that show?
“Above all, we have vessels in service all over the world. And in my work, for example, I have almost daily contact with our manning company in the Philippines.”
What do you like best about working here?
“The best thing is the variety, I was afraid that working in an office would be boring but there is something new happening every day and I am learning new things all the time. My colleagues who have worked here for many more years than I have also say that they learn new things all the time. I think that is important and fun.
