Graduated as a shipbroker from Hamburg School of Shipping and Transport in 2001 while working for dry cargo owner Fisser & van Doornum. After spending time in London with Braemar Seascope, he worked on the HAFO Tankschiffahrts GmbH chartering desk until 2004. He then joined his family's company, MAST Chartering GmbH, working as an exclusive charterers' broker, specializing in liquid fertilizers, chemicals and soft oils. Martin subsequently transferred to the ship owning side of the business, joining UPT in June 2009.