Søren Bunch, Head of Service Center Denmark
MAN Energy Solutions

Great for the town, great for the port, great for MAN

MAN Energy Solution is a major international player in the maritime industry, but MAN Energy Solutions is also very much an integrated part of the local environment in which we operate. Not least in Frederikshavn, where we have been an active part of the town (and later the port), ever since the original motor manufacturing-facility was established in Frederikshavn in 1883. For this reason, the Port of Frederikshavn has asked me to contribute with our unique perspective as part of the ongoing series of blog posts from companies on the port. And I am happy to do so…

A long-standing relationship based on mutual support
MAN Energy Solutions has had a great, mutually beneficial relationship for many, many decades. Even before we were called MAN Energy Solutions both sides relied on the goodwill and support, we offered each other. One might say that we have grown-up together over the years. With this kind of history, we are certainly aware that we might not have gotten, where we are today without this long-standing relationship. For this reason, we are also very aware of our responsibility to ensure that the port, the town and the amazing people that live here continue to thrive and develop – alongside us. And one of our responsibilities in this regard, we believe, is to help attract, train and develop the best employees possible.

We believe in setting a great example
Unfortunately, Northern Jutland often struggles to attract enough competent employees to meet the demands. We realize that we as a major employer in the area share an equally major part of the responsibility in making sure that this changes, so we can continue to grow as a company, as a place of employment, and so that Frederikshavn can grow as a place of residence and the Port of Frederikshavn as a place of business. And for this reason, we have taken it upon ourselves to offer the best maritime industry-training possible – for as many trainees as possible.

We do this, because we firmly believe that by setting an example for others, we encourage a more communal business and educational environment. We do this by providing the best, broadest schooling for the trainees, where they develop skills that are not just beneficial for MAN Energy Solutions – but for most businesses in the maritime industries. This means that, even if MAN Energy Solutions is unable to take on all trainees in every case, their positive development – together with the age distribution of our colleagues – most certainly will mean that a job opportunity will arise at a later time. And, we will continue to do this, because we believe that by giving these young women and men the best possible foundation, we create the best business port, town and home, possible. We firmly believe that this is what will secure our mutual prosperity in the long run, and this is what will attract people to the port and to Frederikshavn. And, we encourage others to join us in this effort.

There is something special about Frederikshavn
Because, there is just something about the Port of Frederikshavn, the town itself and the people here. There is a certain intangible quality that is completely unique, and something I have not encountered elsewhere in Denmark. In Frederikshavn, we have some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative people and some of the best maritime businesses and professionals in Denmark – and we must nurture that culture! MAN Energy Solutions believes this is achieved through educating, developing and cultivating the best employees possible – for our mutual gain. Essentially, what is great for the town, is great for the port and is great for us as business! I am convinced this goes for all companies on the Port of Frederikshavn and in the municipality. For this reason, I urge my colleagues at Port of Frederikshavn to:

A) Come join the Maritime Network
B) Work closer together to educate and to create opportunity for young people
C) Join together in making and keeping Frederikshavn an attractive place to work and live

 

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This post is part of Port of Frederikshavn’s blog universe, which we have called THE PORT VOICE. The blog has been put into the world to give the word to businesses and business partners of the port. The purpose is to create a channel, where we can share knowledge, passion and demeanour in an inclusive, engaging and non-profit way. The goal is to have as many businesses, organisations and partners of the port as possible to contribute in order to obtain a platform, where we can learn more about each other, pass on learning, wisdom or demeanour and invite one another into the world, each one of us find ourselves in.