“I studied to become a Master Mariner. After several years at sea as a Deck Officer, I joined the Port of Helsinki in 2013. After my job interview, I remember going for coffee and chatting with the Port crew. It gave me a very positive impression of the work community,” recalls Head of Sustainability Andreas Slotte.

It has been over ten years since Andreas first started working at the Port of Helsinki. His first role was Traffic Manager for the Vuosaari cargo terminal.

“It is an incredibly interesting job, since I get to see the whole of Finland’s maritime landscape. As if I were a spider in the middle of the web, working closely with customers, stakeholders, and authorities. There is a good balance between operative work and learning. Not to mention, really nice colleagues. Everyone is unique at the Port, and that is okay.”

“A challenging part of working as a Traffic Manager is how you manage your time. I got better at that over the years.”

“How can Finland’s leading port help build a more sustainable society? That’s incredibly exciting to be a part of!”

“Since then, I have worked in the same role for five years. When the Port’s strategy changed, they sought a new Head of Sustainable Development. It sounded exciting, so in late 2018 I applied for the role and got the job!”

“I wished to develop myself via studying, and the Port of Helsinki supported my MBA studies alongside work. It was hard to combine work, family life, and studies all at once, but with good organization, everything stayed in place. I studied every day from 10 p.m. to midnight, when I had put the kids to bed,” Andreas says, reflecting on his challenging (but rewarding) years from 2016 to 2018.

From 2024 onwards, his responsibilities expanded again. The scope of the Head of HSEQ and Sustainability position is broad, and the team has grown significantly over the years. His work now includes development and managerial tasks, environmental matters, corporate responsibility, risk management, quality, land-use planning, and sourcing.

“From the different development projects, we get to affect the Port’s overall ways of working. We also develop our own ways of working while the team is still new. Our team consists of experts in their own fields who like to work independently, but we also find it good to work together in a group.”

“I get to work on important issues, supported by both the directors and owners. My work has a tangible impact on our cargo and passenger traffic customers and stakeholders, which keeps me motivated.”

“I enjoy working in an international environment and exchanging perspectives with people from different cultures and backgrounds.”

The field is global by nature, which Andreas also appreciates.

“International cooperation takes place between ports, and we carry out this cooperation through joint projects. I really like this environment and exchanging perspectives among people from different cultures and backgrounds.

“I’ve been pleased to see how the Port’s internal culture has evolved. A new way of thinking and a stronger understanding of responsibility have developed significantly.”

Andreas’ multigenerational work has had lots of turns.

“A few significant milestones have been the Port’s first carbon-neutral project and the introduction of shore power connections for ships. I’ve been especially pleased to see how the Port’s internal culture has evolved. Initially, sustainable development was a new topic, but now I’m being asked how things should be done to support carbon neutrality. The overall understanding and mindset have developed significantly.”

Staying calm is an essential part of Andreas’ work, as is the ability to collaborate with a wide range of people. At its core, the role requires strong planning skills and strategic thinking. Visions are brought to life through projects, but it’s important not to get lost in the details. Maintaining focus on the bigger picture is key.

“Curiosity is essential, and you need to be able to turn new ideas into concrete actions. Timelines, budgets, and investment cycles must be aligned. Decisions must be based on facts and data, while keeping economic responsibility in mind,” Andreas says, describing the qualities needed for the role.

“My work and free time are well balanced. With my family, we often spend time at our cottage, and I’m actively involved in my sons’ ice hockey activities. That’s where I can switch off from work. I’ve found a working style that best suits my lifestyle.”

“Social interactions energize me. It feels great when we discuss things as a team, find a shared rhythm, and get things done.”