Nordic Maritime Law Gathering

The fifth annual Nordic Maritime Law Gathering took place in Gothenburg from March 13-14. Master’s students from the universities of Gothenburg, Oslo, World Maritime University, and others, were invited to law firm Manheimer Swartling, the Swedish Club, and Stena. Our hosts gave us excellent presentations on current issues in the industry and insights into working in the maritime sector. The invitation from the Sven-Olof Bodenfors seminar and professor Kristina Siig’s presentation on "The threats from the sea - law, legitimacy and the shadow fleet in a shifting maritime order” was much appreciated. 

A big thank you to Stena, The Swedish Club, Manneheimer Swartling, for presenting and hosting us. In addition to building networks and preparing for life after university, the students gained many ideas for their master's thesis projects!

Funding was generously provided by Stiftelsen Dispachören Kaj Pineus Forskningsfond.

Nordic Maritime Law Gathering 13–14 april, 2026

Program

Monday 13 april

11.00-13.00 Mannheimer Swartling

Visit the maritime department of the Swedish law firm Mannheimer Swartling. What do the maritime lawyers of Mannheimer Swartling work with at the moment?

14.00–16.00 The Sven-Olof Bodenfors seminar (event for the faculty, guests and NMLG)

The Threats from the Sea – How can we deal with the shadow fleet through legal means, and what does Nordic maritime law have to do with this and the future of the North? Insights from maritime law professor Kristina Siig, University of Southern Denmark. 

16.15–17.45 The Swedish Club

Meet the representatives of the Swedish Club, a very special and very maritime club, with a lot of maritime law.

19.00-21.00 Reception at Malmstensvåningen

Get together at the Faculty club. Enjoy something to eat and the view from level A6 of the faculty.

Tuesday 14 april

08.59–11.00 Stena AB and the Maritime Law

Meet and listen to the lawyers and representatives from Stena AB at the Fredrikshavn terminal. 

12.15–13.30 Stena AB and their ships

A rather realistic presentation of what a big ship is like. 

14.30–16.30 How can I utilize the NMLG when writing my master thesis? 

Get guidelines from the Ocean Law Group at the law department and from invited researchers and guests. Hosted by professor Claes Martinson and others.

The fourth annual Nordic Maritime Law Gathering took place in Gothenburg from March 13-14. Master’s students from the universities of Gothenburg, Oslo, and this year, Lund, were invited to law firm Vinge, the Swedish Club, and Stena, where they received excellent presentations on current issues in the industry and insights into working in the maritime sector.

The lasting impression is that people in shipping love their work! 
A big thank you to Stena, Vinge, and the Swedish Club for hosting us, and to VTI and AON for participating. In addition to building networks and preparing for life after university, the students gained many ideas for their master's thesis projects!

Funding was generously provided by Stiftelsen Dispachören Kaj Pineus Forskningsfond.

Nordic Maritime Law Gathering was arranged for the third year on 7-8 March.

On day 1, Stena and Stena RoRo CEO Per Westling welcomed a group of enthusiastic students with content-rich presentations and discussions by and with contract experts Mattias Kjellberg, Filip Feurst and Örjan Karlsson.

After this, a visit to the bridge and engine rooms of Stena Jutlandica and a tasty lunch from the Stena restaurant together with Johan Gyllén, Operations Manager, Stena RoRo. Stena's presentation of one of last year's NMLG-participating students as a new employee naturally aroused interest

After lunch and a short walk to Mannheimer Swartling's nicely looking premises at the top of Våghuset for an overview of their maritime law work and a lecture with Mattias Arnesson, Senior Associate and Alexander Ivarsson, Partner.

Day one ended with a cosy mingle in the Malmstensvåningen at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg.

On day two, the Swedish Club welcomed us at the classic conference table and, as in previous years, offered a lot of useful information about how Martin Birgersson, Claims Manager and Aron Leth, Claims Executive reason. We were given presentations of both their work in insuring a global fleet and how a claim is handled from start to successful end. At the Swedish Club, we were also offered lunch and information about the opportunity to apply for a position.

The afternoon was devoted to discussions about theses on site at the School of Business. Both department staff and invited practising lawyers participated. The students also had the opportunity to discuss with each other in groups. Sowing the seeds for degree projects in maritime and transport law

The organisers, Professors Ellen J. Eftestøl and Claes Martinson, would like to thank all participants and especially the industry experts for their contribution to making the Nordic Maritime Law Gathering possible. Funding was generously provided by Stiftelsen Dispachören Kaj Pineus Forskningsfond.

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At the end of March, the Ocean Law Group welcomed master students from Helsinki,
Oslo and Gothenburg to a special training event. It was the first Nordic maritime law
gathering and the ambition was to let the students from the three faculties meet and
exchange experiences. To also gain new common experiences, the students and teachers
attended lectures from Stena staff and the Swedish Club.

During the meeting in Gothenburg, the students also had the opportunity to discuss and
listen to presentations of some of their respective degree projects, as well as two PhD
projects. The participating teachers advised on methodology, how to deal with common
law and what we expect from a master thesis at a Nordic university.