Fotland presented Odfjell’s global business and operations, shared insights on the company’s strategic decisions, and discussed current industry trends.
The session gave students a closer look at how international shipping companies like Odfjell operate and adapt to change and highlights the importance of connecting with the next generation of maritime professionals. After the visit, the school shared on LinkedIn:
"A Unique Learning Experience: Guest Lecture by Harald Fotland, CEO of Odfjell SE and President of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association
For the second-year Shipping Management students at NTNU Ålesund, guest lectures are a regular and valued part of the Applied Maritime Strategy course. Recently, they had the unique possibility to learn from Harald Fotland, CEO of Odfjell SE and President of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, who shared insights from his long industry experience.
The CEO took the students on a journey into the world of Odfjell SE, a company operating 70 chemical tankers across the globe. More than 400 different chemicals are carried safely to industries that turn them into everyday products. He explained the strict requirements involved in chemical transport and how Odfjell has built its business by following them closely. Students also heard about the company’s fleet solutions, such as “super-segregators,” stainless steel and coated tanks, as well as energy-efficiency measures like upgraded propellers and wind-assisted technology, which reduce fuel consumption and improve environmental performance.
In the second part of the lecture, the guest lecturer invited students to imagine starting their own shipping company. Where would you set it up? What ships would you use? Which flag would you choose? Strategy, he stressed, is key from the very beginning.
The session gave students the chance to apply their knowledge while also being introduced to new professional terms and perspectives within the shipping industry. For many, it was a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of Norway’s leading shipping executives about the importance of strategy and the realities of managing a complex global maritime business."