Women in Maritime Today: Elin Saltkjel says no day working in maritime is dull 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the marine industry?

My father was a chief engineer. I grew up with him always bringing us gifts and showing photos from all over the world and I thought his work was super exotic. We visited him on ships sometimes, and I liked the sounds and smells and the atmosphere. I guess I romanticised shipping. Growing older, I realised the immense importance it has globally and thought I’d never be out of a job if I went in the same direction, hence I did a Master’s in marine technology, specialising in marine machinery to honor him.   

What are your responsibilities in your current role?

As managing director at Grieg Green, I oversee our strategic direction and initiatives, including the development of YardScore, a comprehensive evaluation system for shipyards. I lead a small team, manage risks and compliance, and ensure high-quality operations.

Was there anyone who inspired or encouraged you in your career?

I was fortunate early in my career to have two bosses after one another who both gave me opportunities and support. They were the kind of leaders I aspire to be, the kind that gets the best from their people by communicating clearly, allowing others to take space and giving lots of encouragement along the way.

What have been some of your biggest hurdles along the way?

My family is really supportive and we live in a country with free education, high gender equality and low unemployment. I can’t claim to have met any major hurdles. If I could go back in time and adjust something, I’d say that it took me a while to realise that some people are highly competitive, even with their own team. It’s useful to know that we’re not all in it for the greater good, and that it’s important to sometimes promote your own achievements. Apart from that, the hurdles have mostly been within me. The classic imposter syndrome and identifying with how I thought others were seeing me. These things hold you back and keep you from speaking and acting when your instinct tells you to. Self-reflection is necessary, but self-judgement is not useful.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for your company and the maritime industry?

The climate crisis is a danger to civilisation as we know it, and decarbonisation of ship operations is crucial. We have to transition to cleaner energy sources. We also need to ensure circularity – creating sustainable practices to reuse and recycle resources and minimise waste and environmental impact. From shipbuilding to ship recycling, select environmentally friendly materials and ensure safe disposal or neutralisation of pollutants at end of life.

The changes cannot take place without the necessary rules and regulations. International standards are essential to ensure compliance and drive an industrywide transition. Additionally, securing financing for these initiatives is a significant challenge, as it requires substantial investment and collaboration across the industry.

What would you say to a young person who was thinking of a career in the maritime or offshore industries?

I encourage any young person considering a maritime or offshore career to embrace the field’s global nature. This industry is constantly influenced by major international events, making it an exciting and dynamic career choice. Not one day is dull, as something is always happening, whether technological advancements, environmental challenges, or international collaborations. The maritime sector offers unique opportunities to develop skills that are highly valued worldwide and to expand one’s horizons both professionally and personally.

Elin Saltkjel, managing director at Grieg Green, brings 26 years of experience in oil and gas and shipping. With an MSc in marine engineering, her knowledge spans from early phase studies, through maintenance and operations and to recycling. Since joining Grieg Green in 2018, she has led ship recycling projects and inspections globally and developed YardScore, a tool for evaluating ship recycling facilities, advancing sustainability and transparency in the maritime industry.