Master Thesis - Working conditions at sea for Logistics Purchasing

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match. 

Background of thesis project  

Volvo Group’s Logistics Purchasing department is responsible for managing all logistics contracts globally across all segments. As part of our commitment to sustainable and responsible logistics, we are initiating a thesis project to investigate the working conditions at sea within two key transport modes: Sea RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and FCL (Full Container Load). 

Maritime transport plays a vital role in Volvo Group’s global supply chain, yet the human aspect of this mode, particularly the working conditions of seafarers, remains underexplored. Recent global discussions have highlighted concerns around crew welfare, labor standards, and regulatory compliance in the shipping industry. As Volvo Group continues to strengthen its sustainability and ethical sourcing practices, it is essential to understand the current state of working conditions at sea and identify how we, as a global logistics stakeholder, can contribute to positive change. 

This thesis will support Volvo Group’s ambition to ensure responsible logistics by providing insights into industry challenges and proposing actionable strategies for improvement. 

Thesis questions and expected outcome 

The expected outcome is a comprehensive overview of the working conditions in Sea RoRo and FCL transport modes, including regulatory frameworks, industry practices, and stakeholder responsibilities. We are also looking for recommendations and strategic suggestions for Volvo Group on how to incorporate crew welfare considerations into decisions and supplier evaluations and influence industry standards to improve working conditions at sea. 

We would like the student/s to investigate the following questions: 

What are the current working conditions for seafarers in sea transport modes?  

What are the key challenges and risks related to crew welfare, labor rights, and safety in these segments?  

How do shipping companies and logistics providers currently address these issues?  

What role should Volvo Group play in promoting better working conditions at sea through its logistics contracts and supplier relationships? 

The thesis questions are subject to further definition and detailing by the students and mentor(s) based on findings early on in the thesis process. 

Student profile and application  

Master students in Logistics/Supply Chain Management or similar field having a high drive, curiosity and a passion for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and human rights as well as investigating and finding answers where pre-defined processes in logistics do not always exist.  

We will continuously review the applications and conduct interviews, so don’t wait to submit your application. 
  
Language: English  
Starting date: January 2026  
Number of students: 2  
  
Contact:   

Melina Wiklund, Purchasing Analyst, melina.wiklund@volvo.com  
Frida Berg, Director Purchasing Development, frida.berg@volvo.com 

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

Who we are and what we believe in 
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. ​We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. ​We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment. 

Group Trucks Operations encompasses all production of the Group’s manufacturing of Volvo, Renault and Mack trucks, as well as engines and transmissions. We also orchestrate the spare parts distribution for Volvo Group’s customers globally and design, operate and optimize logistics and supply chains for all brands. We count 30,000 employees at 30 plants and 50 distribution centers across the globe. Our global footprint offers an opportunity for an international career in a state-of-the-art industrial environment, where continuous improvement is the foundation. As our planet is facing great challenges, we - one of the largest industrial organizations in the world - stand at the forefront of innovation. We are ready to rise to the challenge. Would you like to join us?