Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg visited Ulstein
The Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, visited Ulstein Group on 14 February. She was guided on board a newbuilt Service Operation Vessel for the offshore wind industry, a good example of the adaptability of the Norwegian maritime cluster.
Solberg was transported by the rescue vessel ‘RS Idar Ulstein’. She was welcomed to Ulstein Group by CEO Gunvor Ulstein and Chair of the Board Tore Ulstein.
Erna Solberg entered the yard number 310 for a guided trip, this vessel is sister vessel to ‘Windea La Cour’, which received the Offshore Renewables Award last week. The vessel will be servicing offshore wind fields outside Germany, and goes as an example of how the maritime companies have managed to adjust in the wake of the oil and gas recession. Offshore wind is a growing segment, due to the offshore wind blowing stronger and more consistently than the onshore wind, and also because several countries have signed agreements on increased percentage use of renewable energy sources. Ulstein was recently contracted to build another offshore wind service vessel to a new customer, and has introduced an innovative jack-up vessel design for the offshore wind farm installation phase. The company has also taken a position in passenger traffic, with contracts for conversion of an expedition cruise vessel, a yacht newbuild and a Letter of Intent on constructing the world’s largest hybrid ferry.
The visit was rounded up with a dialogue meeting with companies in the Norwegian maritime cluster.
