Studying law or training as a shipping agent? Christine Willenborg opted for both. Today she works as Director Legal & HR at a Hamburg-based shipping company. Here she talks about her exciting day-to-day work and why she thinks training to become a shipping clerk is unique.
How did you find your way into the maritime industry?
Christine Willenborg: I was already interested in shipping after leaving school. However, as I had already been accepted to university, I started my law studies first. However, my interest in shipping stayed with me, and after graduating I looked for my way into the shipping industry.
That’s why I also trained as a shipping clerk and got to know and love the maritime industry.
To this day, I don’t regret this decision, because shipping is an incredibly exciting field and never boring.
Your job in a nutshell – what do you do and where?
Willenborg: I work at MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping GmbH & Co. and have been responsible for the Legal & Claims department there for 13 years and have also been responsible for Human Resources (HR) for a good three years.
The Legal & Claims department primarily deals with damage claims, accidents and all kinds of “hot potatoes” when it comes to disputes arising from shipping contracts, charter parties or with bunker suppliers. We also take care of insurance requirements (P&I, hull etc.) and insurance processing for our entire fleet.
In HR, we are responsible from Hamburg for the personnel of the entire group at all our European locations.
What does a typical day in your job look like?
Willenborg: When I come into the office in the morning, I spend the first 30 minutes catching up on what happened the previous afternoon. As I work part-time, I am not in the office every afternoon.
After that, I focus on the tasks of the day, which are largely driven by current issues within the company. Whether it’s team meetings about ongoing claims, staff meetings in response to current developments, drafting responses to claims, or reviewing contracts – there is no such thing as a “typical day” for me.
What do you love most about your job?
Willenborg: What I love most is that every working day brings something new. In both departments, you are forced to regularly get out of your comfort zone and deal with topics that are new to you. That has a very special appeal for me.
What advice would you give to young people aspiring to a career in the maritime industry?
Willenborg: I would definitely recommend training as a shipping clerk to start with. This apprenticeship is unique in the maritime industry and incredibly valuable. The training and the wealth of knowledge that graduates bring with them are known and appreciated even beyond Germany. What’s more, I believe that anything is possible with this apprenticeship as a foundation.
Why did you join WISTA and what does membership mean to you?
Willenborg: I actually joined because of the “Muddi-Stammtisch” (an informal regular get-together for mothers). But I was also interested in the excellent network. The exchange with other women in what used to be a very male-dominated industry is very interesting, and I wouldn’t want to miss this network, even if I don’t have much time to get more involved at the moment due to the balancing act between work and family.
What topics are you most concerned with at the moment?
Willenborg: That actually changes on a daily basis. Yesterday morning it was an accident, then at lunchtime a personnel issue and tomorrow morning perhaps a lengthy contract that I have to review. However, I have to admit that the topic of personnel – whether as HR manager or manager – is always at the forefront of my mind. The people who work with and for us are simply the greatest asset we have and need to look after. That’s why my prioritization has shifted significantly in recent years.
About Christine Willenborg
- Christine Willenborg grew up near Hamburg
- After studying law at the University of Hamburg, she completed an apprenticeship as a shipping clerk specializing in liner shipping at MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping. The opportunities and the family-friendly environment that the company subsequently offered her were a perfect fit and are the reason why she has enjoyed working there for 17 years – currently as Director Legal & HR.
- In her private life, she is married and has two children of kindergarten and primary school age.
About MACS
- MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping GmbH & Co. is a Hamburg-based family business with a fleet of several multipurpose vessels on three liner services between Europe, southern Africa and the USA
and Mexico. - The versatile fleet can transport almost any cargo – from bulk and general cargo to project cargo and containers – and thus offers a variety of specialized transport solutions.
HANSA and WISTA empower women in the maritime industry
As part of an exclusive partnership with the German Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association
& Trading Association, HANSA regularly profiles a member of WISTA Germany e.V.
