Working at the Port – Introducing Master Mariner, Manager, Sales and New Business, Juha Salonen

Photo: Tarja Siekkinen Juha Salonen works at Stevena, which operates in Naantali as a multi-purpose operator. The company has been active in Naantali since 1982. Stevena handles a wide range of cargo types, including bulk, break bulk, and RoRo cargo. The company is particularly well known for its efficient RoRo operations, but in Naantali, bulk products such as salt and cement are also a key strength.

Interview: Tarja Siekkinen

Juha Salonen works at Stevena, which operates in Naantali as a multi-purpose operator. The company has been active in Naantali since 1982. Stevena handles a wide range of cargo types, including bulk, break bulk, and RoRo cargo. The company is particularly well known for its efficient RoRo operations, but in Naantali, bulk products such as salt and cement are also a key strength. In agribulk, Stevena has extensive experience in cargo handling, which requires specialized expertise. The agribulk process is certified and covers facilities, equipment, and traceability of handling. The process meets EFISC GTP requirements and is based on HACCP principles.

The company’s HSEQ operations are managed at the group level within KWH Logistics. Activities are based on ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards, according to which processes have been audited and certified. Locally, HSEQ matters are overseen by an HSEQ Manager, and agribulk quality matters are handled by a separately designated responsible person.

Juha lives in the Turku region with his wife and two dogs. He highlights spending time at their summer cottage in the maritime Turku archipelago as a source of joy—this island cottage has become an important place for the whole family. Juha is actively engaged in sports: triathlons used to be his main discipline, but nowadays he finds cross-country skiing, roller skiing, and cycling most interesting. With new colleagues, he has also tried orienteering. Juha is currently studying for an MBA in Business Development at Turku University of Applied Sciences alongside his work and enjoys working at Stevena.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your youth

I started “competitive sports” at the age of six in Varissuo juniors. Since then, there has probably not been a single year when I haven’t competed in sports or sporting events. My lifelong background in competitive sports strongly influences my thinking and actions.

I completed my first full-distance triathlon in 2017. When I started triathlon, the full distance felt completely absurd. However, determined training and a holistic commitment to pursuing a goal and a dream made it possible. In a way, that journey transformed my thinking about the limits—or limitlessness—of possibilities.

After upper secondary school and military service, I “lived life” for about four years before starting maritime studies in Rauma. After a year in Rauma, I transferred to Aboa Mare in Turku. Studying in Swedish initially felt challenging but ultimately gave me the ability to work professionally in Swedish as well.

I spent around ten years at sea before moving ashore to sales and project management roles in fairway maintenance at Arctia Meritaito. My final position at Arctia was leading the Equipment Unit, where my team was responsible for managing operational and capital assets, operating fairway vessels, and overseeing equipment technology.

In February this year, it was time to move forward when I had the opportunity to join Stevena, focusing on new customer acquisition and developing new business. My current role allows me to view shipping and logistics from a broader, fresher perspective. Ports are the heart that pumps oxygen into Finland’s economy, which makes them an extremely interesting working environment. KWH Logistics operates in nearly all commercial ports along Finland’s coast, so here you can immediately sense changes in the country’s macroeconomic situation.

When did you start working at Stevena? How have you settled in, and what does your typical working day look like?

I started at Stevena in February this year. I enjoyed it immensely. I have been very warmly welcomed, and the working atmosphere is relaxed and positive.

Stevena is part of the KWH Logistics Group, and through this network we are able to offer a uniquely comprehensive service portfolio, covering the entire logistics chain for our customers. It is very rewarding to sell such a high-quality and distinctive service to customers for whom logistics is a critical success factor.

My days consist of prospecting new customers, contacting them, arranging and preparing for meetings, as well as other sales and customer work. In addition, I develop our services by carefully listening to our customers’ and the market’s needs.

What is your educational background and work experience? What did you do before joining Stevena?

I hold a Master Mariner qualification and a Bachelor of Business Administration. Currently, I am studying for an MBA in Business Development at Turku University of Applied Sciences alongside my work.

I spent about ten years working in various positions in the deck department. I started as an ordinary seaman and worked in crew roles on cargo vessels. In officer positions, I worked on survey vessels and fairway vessels.

In 2020, I transitioned ashore to Arctia Meritaito as a Project and Key Account Manager. In 2023, I was appointed to lead the Equipment Unit, which manages real estate and equipment. Maintaining vessel technology is essential and a prerequisite for development. Developing the fleet was particularly interesting from a business perspective.

In February this year, I moved to Stevena to focus on new customer acquisition and new business development. My current role allows me to once again look at shipping and logistics from a broader new perspective. Ports are the heart that pumps oxygen into Finland’s economy, and that is why they are an extremely interesting working environment. KWH Logistics operates in nearly all commercial ports along Finland’s coast, enabling immediate insight into Finland’s macroeconomic trends.

What are your hobbies, and what role does leisure time play for you?

I engage in a wide range of sports. In recent years, triathlons have taken a smaller role, and in winter I focus on cross-country skiing, while in summer I enjoy roller skiing and cycling. Inspired by my new colleagues, I have also tried orienteering a few times this spring.

What do you dream of?

Equal opportunities for all children to participate in hobbies, regardless of their parents’ income level.

What secret would you like to reveal to our readers?

KWH Logistics is Finland’s hottest growth company.