Meet Karin Orsel, CEO of MF Shipping Group
If you’re looking for an inspiring success story, then look no further than Karin Orsel. She was only 23 years young when she began her journey as a shipowner and maritime entrepreneur in the charming Dutch village of Farmsum. Owning only six ships manned by a handful of crew, she laid the foundations for something big. Nowadays, Karin stands at the helm as CEO of MF Shipping Group.
MF Shipping Group's memberships include
The future of the maritime industry
Karin’s passion for the maritime world knows no bounds. She has not only achieved personal success, but is tirelessly dedicated to a future in which the maritime industry flourishes and is accessible to all. Diversity, inclusivity and the well-being of seafaring crew members worldwide are not just rhetoric in her case; these are principles which she genuinely embraces.
It therefore came as no surprise that Karin's dedication was recognised by the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which granted her an honorary doctorate in Public Administration in 2017. But the recognition did not stop there. Karin has received other prestigious awards, including the ‘Industry Leader Award 2019’ and the ‘Personality of the Year’ in 2019 and 2023.
The power of cooperation
Karin is an advocate for progress in the maritime industry, and strongly believes in the power of cooperation. She is a board member of the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners and also chairing the Diversity panel of ICS and the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network.
After many years as vice-chairperson, she was recently appointed as chairperson of ECSA (European Community Shipowners' Associations), as of 1 January 2024.
