A royal visit to Odfjell headquarters

As part of his program in Bergen ahead of this summer’s state visit to Japan, Crown Prince Haakon visited Odfjell to learn more about international shipping and Norway–Japan maritime cooperation. The Crown Prince was welcomed by CEO Harald Fotland, COO Bjørn Hammer and VP Technology Erik Hjortland, together with members of the official delegation, including the County Governor (Statsforvalteren), the Chief of Police, and the Deputy Mayor (acting Mayor).

The Crown Prince meets our people on the Trade & Operations floor

Bjørn gave the Crown Prince a tour of the office, with particular focus on the Trade & Operations floor. For many employees, what stood out was how naturally the visit unfolded. The Crown Prince was down-to-earth and engaged, stopping frequently, greeting people where they were, listening closely, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions.

During the round through the office, employees explained how shipping is truly a people-industry, built on competence from many different educational paths and professional backgrounds. This sparked conversations about how diverse experience strengthens the organization and how important it is that different roles and disciplines work closely together.

One of the stops during the tour was with the Atlantic & Americas team, where the Crown Prince met Senior Ship Operator Ina Taule-Vinterstø. She shared how her background as a seafarer has been valuable in her current role. When asked whether sea-faring experience is an advantage, Ina replied: “For me it has been”, and continued: 

The conversation was a strong reminder of the close connection between sea and shore, and how practical operational experience continues to add real value in many parts of the organization.

Serious topics, light moments, and strong interest in the future of maritime innovation

After the office tour, Harald, Bjørn and Erik held a presentation about Odfjell’s role in global shipping and the chemical tanker industry, with particular attention to our sustainability efforts and collaboration with Japanese partners. Throughout the presentation, the Crown Prince was highly engaged and asked a wide range of questions, from the geopolitical situation and how shipping adapts in uncertain times, to more technical topics such as nuclear power in vessels, what fuels Odfjell believes may shape the future, and detailed aspects of our energy efficiency measures.

When Erik shared that suction sails at times have shown up to 40% reductions on certain parts of a voyage, the Crown Prince was visibly impressed and jokingly suggested that perhaps we might soon turn off the engines and go back to the basics. It was a light moment, but also one that captured the spirit of the day: serious topics, important ambitions, and genuine curiosity about how technology and people together can move the industry forward.

Reflecting on the visit, Harald summarised:

“We have been looking forward to the Crown Prince’s visit. His engagement in the maritime industry is especially important in the current geopolitical situation. Shipping has always been a pillar of Norway, and remains an industry that creates major value and employment. When the Crown Prince meets maritime actors with knowledge and genuine interest, it sends a clear signal that Norway takes its role as a leading shipping nation seriously.”

All in all, the visit was a proud moment for Odfjell and a memorable day for many of our colleagues in Bergen.