In our special column this month, we are glad to host an interview with Sinikka Hartonen, Secretary General for the One Sea Association who notes that the shipping industry is going through a transition period, and she is excited for being part of that change and responsible for reshaping existing business models and create new ones.
Regarding maritime automation, she wishes legislators and the industry could find a way to discuss and envision the use of new technologies in a broad and open-minded way.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
Sinikka Hartonen: I started my career working on merchant ships. After sea time, I worked in maritime and transport administration with diverse areas of responsibility before joining my previous job at the shipowners’ association. So I’ve spent my whole career in shipping and seen the industry from “different sides of the table”. My current job offers a perfect position to utilise the knowledge and networks I’ve built over the years.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
S.H.: The current and new technologies have strong potential to improve the environmental efficiency of shipping and enhance the safety of navigation. They also offer possibilities to reshape existing business models and create new ones. The shipping industry is going through a transition period, and being part of that change is inspiring.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
S.H.: I have worked with so many amazing people that it is impossible to identify just one. Many former bosses and colleagues have encouraged me to push my boundaries and trust my skills and knowledge. And, of course, my family and closest friends have impacted my personal development and influenced who I am today.
S4S: What is the best and what was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
S.H.: The best advice is “Just be yourself”. This is an excellent reminder of the value of authenticity. I believe it’s better to be valued for who I am than to be liked for something I pretend to be. The worst advice must be the good old “Pursue your passion and make it your career”. What I have passion for and what I am educated or good at doing are not the same.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
S.H.: All time and energy I’ve used to learn something new have been worthwhile, whether studying to obtain an official degree or participating in some individual courses. The conversations outside any formal training with bright-minded and talented professionals have also been a valuable source of learning.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
S.H.: In general, I hope that shipping can get rid of the image of being an industry stuck in a rut and unwilling to renew itself because this is not true. Regarding maritime automation, I’d like legislators and the industry to find a way to discuss and envision the use of new technologies in a broad and open-minded way that would support the creation of well-functioning regulations.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
S.H.: When life gives you lemons, grab tequila and salt.
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
