Young Port Talent Selin Ogis (Marsh): “Collaboration makes the port stronger”
The Port of Rotterdam is a place where logistics, energy, trade, digitalisation and climate challenges come together.
For Selin Ogis, Risk Consultant at Marsh and recently named Young Port Talent, this complexity is exactly what makes the sector so interesting. In her work, she focuses on risks that can affect organisations – from extreme weather events to cyber threats and supply chain disruptions. At the same time, she sees how important it is for companies and professionals in the port ecosystem to stay connected.
In this interview with RMSC, Selin shares her motivation, her work at Marsh and why young professionals play an important role in connecting knowledge and experience within the port community.
“It is recognition, but also a responsibility”
Being named Young Port Talent was a meaningful moment for Selin.
“It is an important recognition of my work and I am very proud of it. It shows that my efforts contribute beyond my daily responsibilities. At the same time, I do not see it only as a title, but also as a responsibility to represent young professionals and contribute to the future of the port.”
The role also allows her to engage with a wide range of stakeholders across the maritime sector and gain new perspectives.
A sector where everything connects
Selin explains that her interest in the maritime industry comes largely from the complexity of the port environment.
“The port is essentially a system where many different elements come together: logistics, trade, energy, politics and climate. Everything is interconnected, and decisions made in Rotterdam can quickly impact global supply chains.”
Her family also influenced her decision to pursue a career in the maritime sector. Her sister works in the industry as well.
“Growing up, I saw how she worked in this sector and the challenges involved. That inspired me to become part of the maritime industry myself.”
Working on risk management at Marsh
Selin has been working at Marsh for approximately one and a half years as a Risk Consultant within the Strategic Risk Consulting team. While studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam, she already knew she wanted to work for the company.
“What attracted me to Marsh is that it is an environment where you can grow, develop leadership skills and make a real impact. The company supports continuous learning and values different perspectives.”
In her role, she helps organisations gain insight into the risks they face and how they can manage them more effectively.
A key part of her work focuses on climate and sustainability risks, but also includes cyber risks and disruptions within global supply chains.
Climate risks becoming increasingly visible
One of the topics Selin works on most is the impact of climate change on ports and maritime companies.
“Extreme weather events are increasingly recognised as one of the most significant risks globally, both in the short and long term. In a port environment, this can lead to storms, flooding or heat that damages infrastructure and disrupts operations.”
According to Selin, it is important for organisations to start preparing now.
“Ten years may sound far away, but in reality it is quite close. Companies need to start thinking today about how they will deal with these risks.”
Green and digital developments
At the same time, Selin is optimistic about the developments she sees in the maritime sector.
She closely follows the port’s progress in sustainability and digitalisation.
“The shift towards alternative fuels, electrification and smarter logistics shows that the sector is moving forward. At the same time, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as the port continues to digitalise.”
According to her, the combination of green innovation and digital transformation makes the sector particularly exciting for young professionals.
Growing by stepping outside your comfort zone
Since being named Young Port Talent, Selin regularly attends networking events within the port community. These experiences have also contributed to her personal growth.
“I notice that I grow the most when I step outside of my comfort zone. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards; it is about having meaningful conversations and sharing experiences and perspectives.”
Those conversations often lead to valuable insights.
The strength of the port network
When talking about the future of the port, Selin emphasises the importance of maintaining strong connections between companies and professionals.
“The maritime sector consists of many different stakeholders – from ports and terminals to shipping companies and service providers. If we address challenges and risks together, we can also prepare for them more effectively.”
For Selin, networks such as RMSC play an important role in bringing these stakeholders together.
“It is a platform where you can learn from each other and where different perspectives come together.”
Looking ahead
When asked where she sees herself in the coming years, Selin’s answer is clear.
“I definitely see myself continuing to work in the maritime sector. I want to further develop my expertise in climate and sustainability risks, while also helping organisations understand the risks they face and how they can prepare for them.”
A message for Young RMSC
Selin also has a clear message for young professionals in the maritime sector. “Networking is extremely important. By meeting people and exchanging knowledge, you can learn and grow.”
Her advice is simple: stay curious and stay connected. “By sharing experiences and insights with each other, we can ultimately strengthen the sector together.”
About Marsh (RMSC member)
Marsh is a global leader in risk management and insurance brokerage. The company helps organisations identify, analyse and manage risks – ranging from climate and cyber risks to disruptions in global supply chains.
As a member of Rotterdam Maritime Services Community (RMSC), Marsh contributes to knowledge sharing and collaboration within the maritime sector.
