NEWS
Engaging with students to explore careers and maritime innovation and sustainability
Jumbo welcomes Hanze Hogeschool Groningen students
On 16th February, Jumbo welcomed a group of nine mechanical engineering students from the Hanze Hogeschool Groningen to its premises in Schiedam. The event was one of a number that Jumbo has recently participated in, in a bid to increase its engagement with students and education establishments in the Netherlands.
Presenting Jumbo
During their time at Jumbo’s office, the students were invited to a series of presentations detailing the work of Jumbo Shipping and Jumbo Offshore. They also attended a presentation by Jumbo Marine Engineers Bas Milatz and Martijn Witvoet on beginning a career at Jumbo. Bas and Martijn began working at Jumbo just over a year previously, following the conclusion of their studies at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).
Since their graduation, Bas and Martijn have been working hard to raise Jumbo’s profile amongst the student community, as Bas explains. “Having only recently graduated, we still had access to a strong network in our university and the world of academia. This offered us the opportunity to make connections on behalf of Jumbo that could be mutually beneficial.
“The idea was well received at Jumbo – a good indication of the freedom to take the initiative that is such a strong part of our company culture. We see events such as this as an opportunity to present Jumbo and the maritime industry to students and graduates and show them the great potential that exists for careers in our sector.”
Forward to the energy transition
To demonstrate their capabilities for innovation and logistical problem solving, the students were invited to take part in a case study where they would design a newbuild vessel to carry out installation of a North Sea offshore wind farm. Having been presented with the details of components – monopiles, transitions pieces (TPs) and turbines – the students were invited to select which parts their vessel would install.
This required them to outline the size of their vessel and select the relevant equipment for the job, including a heavy lift crane. They were also required to work out a schedule showing how many voyages would be necessary, as well as detailing how they would perform the installation while minimising environmental impact.
“The sustainability angle is particularly important,” says Martijn. “It’s something we are asked about frequently by prospective employees and a topic we are very focused on at Jumbo. This is one of the many areas where we hope to work together with the next generation of engineers to help pave the way forward for the offshore energy transition.”
Stijn Linneman, first year Mechanical Engineering student at the Hanze Hogeschool Groningen, says, “It was an inspiring day during which we gained valuable insights into the offshore wind industry in which Jumbo plays a significant role. It’s inspiring to see that at Jumbo, the lines between different departments are short, and projects are tackled with great motivation.”
The event proved to be a great success, says Bas, including for those less familiar with the maritime industry.
“Some of the students were not familiar with the sector and their interest was notable. They asked a lot of very good questions. At the end of the day, you could tell they had really learned something.”
