Already in high school, she sailed across the Atlantic, and for a few years, she worked as a second engineer in the North Sea. Now, Elin Frändberg is returning to the maritime industry as she steps in for Lighthouse coordinator Caroline Ferning, who will be on parental leave in 2025.

There is quite a lot of maritime experience in Gothenburger Elin Frändberg’s CV, but it wasn’t sailing itself that attracted her to apply to the sailing high school in Öckerö.

"I wanted to travel and see the world."

And she did. Three months a year were dedicated to sailing at the school, and twice she crossed the Atlantic.

"The first time, we sailed from Cádiz in Spain to North Africa and then across to South America. It was, of course, very exciting for a 15-year-old. But every time the ship left port, I got seasick. By the time I graduated, I was convinced of one thing—I would never work at sea!"

But after a few years, she decided to study to become a marine engineer.

"I guess I had forgotten what it was like to be seasick," Elin says, laughing.
"I did internships with Wallenius, icebreakers, and other vessels."

And the seasickness remained. Yet, after her studies, she chose to work in the North Sea of all places.

"I worked as a second engineer on supply vessels for two to three years."

At the same time, she pursued further studies, which eventually led to a master’s degree in Global Studies and projects in Germany, Argentina, and India.

"After graduation, I got a job as a peace observer in Colombia for a year. After that, I worked with international aid at Björkåfrihet in Gothenburg and on EU projects at University West."

She sees the coordinator role at Lighthouse as an opportunity to combine the two different fields that have shaped her career.

"I have an interest in social and sustainability issues while also having experience in the maritime sector. It’s exciting to combine the two. I actually hadn’t realized that this opportunity existed before," says Elin Frändberg.