Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has partnered with Liverpool Cruise Port through the Next-Gen Horizons program to help inspire the next generation of maritime talent across the Liverpool City Region.
The partnership will showcase career opportunities across the cruise and maritime industries, both at sea and ashore, through experiences at the port and aboard the Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral.
Dominic Simpson, environmental and sustainability lead at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We’re delighted to be building on our partnership with Liverpool Cruise Port through the Next-Gen Horizons program, helping young people discover the many opportunities available across the cruise and maritime industry.”
“Our connection with Liverpool spans more than 20 years, and we’re proud to continue supporting the city and its future generations,” added Simpson.
“By giving young people the chance to experience the industry first-hand and hear from the people who make our journeys possible, we hope to inspire them to consider careers at sea and ashore, while helping them build the confidence and connections to take their next steps.”
John Mawer, general manager, GPH UK Ports, added: “Liverpool Cruise Port is an international gateway with a local heart.”
“Next-Gen Horizons takes our community engagement to a new level, working with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and our education partners to help local young people discover maritime careers and see a place for themselves in the industry’s future,” added Mawer.
The company said in a press release that the initiative builds on Fred. Olsen and Liverpool Cruise Port’s 2026 community engagement and sustainability partnership.
Representatives from Liverpool Cruise Port, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and educational institutions from across the Liverpool City Region and surrounding area gathered onboard the Bolette in Liverpool to sign a shared pledge to broaden opportunities for young people, strengthen links between education and industry, and build students’ confidence as they explore future careers.
The release added that students will gain insight into careers spanning port operations, engineering, logistics, hospitality and sustainability through guided port visits, ship tours, discussions with industry professionals and practical learning activities.
Fred. Olsen said that through its wider community engagement activities, it welcomed 274 young people aboard its ships and into its shoreside office in 2026, helping them discover career opportunities across the business and the wider maritime industry.
