Lightship Academy (LSA) Class of 2026

On 22 September, the Lightship Academy Class of 2026 gathered in Vouliagmeni, Greece, for a five-day bootcamp marking the third year of the Academy’s journey. The programme - now firmly established as a cornerstone of Lightship’s people development strategy - continues to shape the next generation of global shipbrokers through immersive learning, collaboration, and mentorship.

This year’s class of nine trainees represents seven nationalities, bringing together diverse perspectives, academic backgrounds, and career experiences. What they share is ambition, curiosity, and a common goal: to learn, grow, and thrive within the fast-moving world of shipping.

The bootcamp combines interactive lectures by senior brokers and operators with case studies, group challenges, and peer-to-peer learning. From day one, trainees are encouraged to work together, exchange ideas, and rely on one another - building the kind of trust and teamwork that define Lightship’s culture.

A highlight of this year’s academy was a team-building boat trip along the Athenian Riviera. Out on the water, the group had the chance to connect in a different environment - one that reflected both the spirit of the industry and the values of Lightship itself: cooperation, adaptability, and an appreciation for the sea. One trainee commented:

“The networking was fantastic - it gave us the chance to finally put faces to names and build relationships across the company. It also provided a strong foundation before starting in our respective offices, giving us access to brokers for fundamental insights and those all-important first questions”.

With the Athens chapter concluded, the programme now shifts focus to the broker’s role in practice. Each trainee has joined one of Lightship’s global offices - from Dubai to Denmark, Geneva to Genoa - where they’ll continue their training plan and also train alongside senior brokers and mentors. Over the coming months, they’ll apply their knowledge to real market scenarios, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and developing the commercial mindset needed to succeed in international chartering.

The group of Trainees will graduate in May 2026, joining a growing alumni network of Lightship brokers who continue to shape the future of the industry.