Meet our experts: Filip Svensson
This month’s "Meet Our Experts" column features Filip Svensson, Head of HSE in Marine Operations. A former captain, Filip brings hands-on experience from life at sea to leading fleet-wide safety initiatives. Through careful planning, collaboration, and insight, he is making a tangible difference for crews, vessels, and the customers who rely on their safe and timely delivery.
At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, preventing incidents is about more than rules. It’s about fostering a culture where concerns are raised early, risks are mitigated, and people feel genuinely supported.
Filip’s approach to safety started on deck, where he learned the value of speaking up whenever something seemed unsafe. That early experience instilled a strong culture of trust and accountability, which now guides every decision in his role.
Meet Filip
Filip Svensson leads the HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) team in Marine Operations and has been with Wallenius Wilhelmsen for 20 years, overseeing crew safety, operational procedures, risk management, and environmental protection across the fleet.
With a background as a ship captain, Filip applies his hands-on experience at sea to fleet-wide safety initiatives. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and deep industry insight, he is enhancing safety for crews and vessels while ensuring customers’ cargo is delivered reliably and on time.
From Inspections to Action: Continuous Improvement
Safety compliance across the fleet has steadily improved in recent years. Annual Port State Control (PSC) inspections show deficiency rates dropping from 1.05 in 2023 to 0.88 by Q3 2025, including decreases in more challenging Code 17* deficiencies. These improvements reflect the collective efforts of Filip, the HSE team, and the wider crew — and they translate directly into safer voyages and more reliable operations for customers.
From my very first day at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, whether it’s a busy weekday or a quiet weekend, my priority has been the same, supporting our crew and ship managers as they navigate challenges onboard. For me, safety isn’t just a checklist of procedures. It’s about protecting people, building trust, and ensuring everyone feels genuinely supported.Senior manager, Operations & HSE
Building a culture of safety
Initiatives such as the “See it, Say it, Stop it” campaign and targeted trainings have strengthened the crew’s ability to identify and report risks before they escalate. Mandatory Risk Assessments ensure hazards are systematically reviewed, while continuous monitoring, shore support, and regular inspections reinforce a fleet-wide safety culture.
This proactive approach to safety not only protects people onboard but also safeguards the cargo that customers entrust to Wallenius Wilhelmsen. Every improvement in compliance and incident prevention contributes to operational reliability, timely deliveries, and peace of mind for customers worldwide.
Focus areas and ongoing challenges
Fire safety, equipment maintenance, and adapting to new cargo types, such as EVs and AFVs, remain key focus areas. Life-saving appliances, propulsion and auxiliary machinery, pollution controls, and certificate management require continuous attention.
Over the past three years, both total incidents and serious Level 3 events have declined, proving that the strategies implemented from shore and at sea are effective — for both crews and customers.
Then what does this mean for our customers?
Filip and his team ensure that Wallenius Wilhelmsen operates with safety as a shared responsibility across all levels. For our customers, this translates to:
- Reliable operations – Safer vessels mean fewer delays and disruptions.
- Protected cargo – Every decision onboard and onshore contributes to the safe transport of goods.
- Continuous improvement – Lessons from every incident enhance procedures and performance.
- Collaboration in action – A strong partnership between shore teams and crew ensures safety and operational excellence.
Through data-driven strategies, open dialogue, and a culture that prioritizes safety, Filip is helping Wallenius Wilhelmsen deliver safer, more dependable shipping solutions, benefiting both people at sea and the customers we serve.
