“I had no idea how complex marine insurance is, how global the market truly is, or how central it is to international trade and shipping. The legal, commercial and practical aspects are deeply intertwined, which makes the work here both demanding and fascinating.” – Ulrikke Wattenberg Tveitan, Intern at Norwegian Hull Club
Our role here at Norwegian Hull Club – as a leader in global marine and offshore energy insurance – is that of a trusted companion to our clients. This trust is built upon a foundation of financial robustness, complemented by a team of people dedicated to delivering the highest levels of service.
In this way, we provide innovative, often tailored insurance solutions together with a Service Concept that reduces risk through knowledge sharing, real-time contingency support, and a world-class claims-handling function.
This is how we assist our clients against the backdrop of challenges such as an uncertain geopolitical landscape, an ever-shifting risk picture, and the marine and offshore energy industries’ transitions to zero-emission technology.
To help deliver the highest standards that our clients expect from our organisation, the need for in-house legal expertise in order to deliver our products and services is crucial.
But how is it to start your career in such a challenging, dynamic international industry, armed with a legal education? We asked two of the younger members of the Norwegian Hull Club team, to share their thoughts and experiences so far.
Ulrikke Wattenberg Tveitan is an intern, based in Norwegian Hull Club’s Bergen office. She is a student at UiB’s Faculty of Law.
How long have you been at Norwegian Hull Club? How does it fit in with your studies?
“I have worked at Norwegian Hull Club for almost three years as an intern in the Claims Department, alongside my studies at the Faculty of Law. I am usually at the office one-to-three days a week, which has allowed me to combine my studies with hands-on experience in a highly specialised field.”
What are your main take aways?
“My time at The Club has given me early exposure to real cases, real responsibility, and an industry I had limited insight into before starting. Working alongside experienced claims handlers while still being a student has been both demanding and rewarding. I have learned far more than I initially expected from an internship.”
How is the company culture?
“The culture at Norwegian Hull Club is open, inclusive and solution-oriented. People are positive and supportive. You are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions. Colleagues are willing to go the extra mile to support one another, and there is a strong sense that learning, curiosity and professional development are valued.”
How was the recruitment process?
“Creative and efficient. I was asked to submit a video application where I reflected on myself in relation to one of The Club’s core values; I chose ‘curiosity’. This approach told me a lot about the mindset of the company: they value personality, reflection, and alignment with their values – not just a CV.
“Even before my first official day, I was invited to attend ‘NHC Academy’, which provided an excellent introduction to the insurance industry and the Claims function. I also got to meet my team for coffee about a month before I started, plus join a visit to an offshore rig insured by The Club.
“I was also given a structured summer plan divided into weekly themes (such as war risks, offshore, etc.), with a designated contact person each week. This made the onboarding process feel safe and predictable.”
How is a typical workday?
“Varied, which is something I enjoy! Some days I work independently at my desk, assisting with claims, payments and legal questions related to ongoing cases. This is always in close collaboration with more experienced claims handlers.
“Other days I take part in client meetings, exercises with members, surveys of ships or offshore units, or internal projects. There are many meetings and learning opportunities, and I feel that I can largely shape my own workday based on my interests and initiative.
“Both colleagues and management encourage interns to be involved and included, and I have always felt that taking initiative is appreciated. I am given room to suggest tasks or areas I want to explore further, which makes the learning experience even more motivating.”
Any highlights so far?
“One of the biggest highlights has been the number of opportunities I have been given from a very early stage. Within my first week, I attended client meetings and, within my first year, I travelled to London and joined my colleagues on stage during a presentation to brokers.
“Other memorable experiences include ship and rig visits, industry events, and social occasions. What I appreciate most is how intentional The Club is about development. Despite being an intern, I am included in meaningful work and given significant opportunities to show who I am and what I can contribute.”
How is it working alongside experienced colleagues?
“Throughout my time here, I have had a dedicated mentor who has helped oversee my workload and guided me through challenging tasks. This has meant that even when assignments have pushed me outside my comfort zone, I have always felt supported, encouraged, and able to ask questions. I have felt guided rather than left on my own.
“I am often trusted to take part in situations where I do not yet have full experience but where I am encouraged to participate, contribute and learn. I am included in discussions, surveys, and decision-making processes. I learn from colleagues who are deeply knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about their field.
“At the same time, I am encouraged to question assumptions and challenge established ways of thinking. What may appear to be a conservative industry from the outside is, in reality, filled with curious, engaged and open-minded people.”
Is there anything that has surprised you?
“Before starting, I found maritime law interesting but assumed insurance would be quite straightforward, or even a bit boring… sorry! Now, I can say that that assumption has definitely changed!
“I had no idea how complex marine insurance is, how global the market truly is, or how central it is to international trade and shipping. The legal, commercial and practical aspects are deeply intertwined, which makes the work both demanding and fascinating.
I have also been positively surprised by how many career paths exist within law beyond the more traditional ones often highlighted, such as law firms. Working at Norwegian Hull Club has shown me a different and very appealing side of the legal profession.”
Marikken Solheim is an Assistant Claims Handler. She has a Master’s in Law from the University of Bergen and Stockholm University, where she specialised in international commercial dispute resolution. She joined Norwegian Hull Club in 2025.
You’re still quite new to The Club – how’s it going?
“The learning curve has been steep but my legal background feels very relevant for claims handling. The atmosphere here is incredibly warm and supportive. Everyone genuinely wants you to succeed. There’s laughter every day and people truly care about each other.
“One of the things that drew me to The Club was the diversity of the team. People with different academic backgrounds, as well as people with technical backgrounds or experience from the Navy, stood out to me as a big plus when I applied.
How about the recruitment process?
“I was very nervous before my interviews but was met by very friendly recruiters at The Club who made me feel at ease. The interviews felt more like conversations; the interviewers were interested in getting to know me as a person, how I think and if I really could relate to the company’s values.
“After I got the job, I was asked if I wanted to come and have coffee with the claims department approximately a month before I started. There, everybody was very interested in me and made me feel very welcome, asking me many questions about myself, my family and how I had spent the summer.”
Any highlights so far?
“In just my second month, I was trusted to represent The Club at Juristenes Utdanningssenter Kystruteseminar (Lawyers’ Education Center Coastal Route Seminar ) for offshore and shipping, sailing from Tromsø to Trondheim on the MS Havila Polaris. The seminar covered shipbuilding contracts with some of the leading experts in the field.
“I also spent time working from our London office in the heart of the City. My colleagues in Lime Street made me feel right at home, with one taking me out for lunch with some brokers from the London Market, complete with a tour of Lloyd’s, the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance marketplace.”
What’s surprised you most about Norwegian Hull Club?
“I’d say the level of trust and flexibility, and how the company sees you as a long-term investment. In my view, there’s a real focus on making everyone feel included and an important part of the company.”
- For more on Norwegian Hull Club, including career opportunities, visit www.norclub.com