Connecting students and industry: Insights from life at sea during One Ocean Week
Together with The Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry and YoungShip, we hosted an event at Statsraaden during One Ocean Week in Bergen. The event brought students and industry together to spotlight the maritime sector, and the importance of young perspectives in shaping its future.
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The evening featured a conversation led by our partner Stian Johannessen, joined by the three winners of our student writing competition, Synne Pretorius, Jørgen Lorentsen, and Mia Wergeland Roos, all law students in Bergen who were awarded a place on the Bergen Shipping Voyage from Dublin to Bergen.
The competition invited students to write a “reflective take” on the maritime industry and why it is an attractive field. As Stian explained, the aim was to both highlight the industry’s opportunities and support recruitment into the sector.
“We thought this competition was a very good idea. We are also committed to contributing to recruitment and to highlighting what the maritime industry has to offer" he said.
Trygve Nøkleby from The Bergen Shipowners Association and our associate Kristine Engevik welcomed everyone warmly to the event.
Our Partner Stian Holm Johannessen on the stage at Statsraaden in Bergen together with the students Synne Pretorius, Mia Wergeland Roos and Jørgen Lorentsen.
Life on board the voyage
Synne Pretorius, described the transition to life at sea:
“We worked in shifts, so it was a big adjustment to go out on deck in all kinds of weather, but it also meant that we got to know each other very quickly.”
Jørgen Lorentsen reflected on the social experience onboard:
“At first it was a bit strange, but you are forced to talk to the people around you and find new things to do. I would almost say I got very well acquainted with many people very quickly.”
He also highlighted the strong group dynamic:
“It was especially the positive atmosphere in the group. Everyone kept their spirits up, and we took care of each other when someone was not feeling well.”
Mia Wergeland Roos described one of her most memorable moments at sea:
“We were on our way up the mast and it was very windy and raining. It felt quite frightening, but when we got out there and saw the sunset, it turned into an absolutely amazing experience.”
A recurring theme was life without mobile phones and social media. The students described how being offline encouraged conversation, new friendships, and a stronger sense of community on board.
Lorentsen noted that the lack of connectivity quickly changed habits, making interaction with others the natural focus of daily life at sea.
A lasting impact
The voyage also left a strong personal impression. Synne described how arriving in Bergen from the mast gave her a new sense of connection to the city and even a feeling of belonging.
The evening highlighted how experiences at sea can shape perspectives on both the maritime industry and future career paths, and the night continued into Bergen’s sunset at The Great Ocean Party 2026.
Below you can see some more pictures from The Bergen Shipping Voyage.
Mia Wergeland Roos, Jørgen Lorentsen, and Synne Pretorius were challenged by varied weather conditions on the voyage to Bergen.
The students ready for the voyage from Dublin to Bergen
Life on Statsraad Lehmkuhl includes challenging tasks in the rigging and climbing the ship’s masts.
Mia Wergeland Roos and Jørgen Lorentsen.