A student from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Cornelia Benjaminsen, recently completed a nine-week internship at sea. She sailed aboard the KCC CLEANBU vessel MV Balzani, visiting various ports across Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, and Tasmania. This immersive experience offered her a direct view into daily life and operations within the shipping industry, providing a practical education that complements her academic studies.
This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable for future professionals entering the logistics and shipping sectors. For freight forwarders and operations managers, understanding the realities of vessel operations, port calls, and the complexities of international maritime routes from a crew's perspective can enhance decision-making regarding scheduling, contingency planning, and client communication. It underscores the human element and operational challenges inherent in global supply chains.
While this article primarily focuses on an educational experience, it indirectly highlights the ongoing need for skilled personnel in the maritime industry. For forwarders, a well-trained and experienced workforce on the carrier side contributes to better schedule reliability and operational efficiency, ultimately impacting service quality for shippers.