COMPANY PROFILE INTERVIEW WITH
ROLF NORMANN IN FRED. OLSEN WINDCARRIER
When the name Fred. Olsen is mentioned it is synonymous with deluxe cruise liners, but this is just the tip of the iceberg, literally! There are many strings to this dynamic and forward-thinking group of companies and I was fortunate to catch up with the Chief Executive and Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, Rolf Normann, to find out more about the group history and the vision of this still family-run company.
FASCINATING HISTORY
Dynamism must be in the genes! Founded in 1848 the company is Norway’s oldest shipping company, and it is still primarily owned and controlled by the Olsen family. Throughout the generations the family has built the company into the powerful multi-national and diverse business that it is today.
DIVERSE
Many may be surprised to learn that in the early days the family were involved in not only the shipping sector but also in aviation, Fred. Olsen Flyselskap. And in the early 1970’s the group ventured into the offshore business of oil & gas drilling, exploration and later production.
WIND ENERGY
In the 1990s the group became involved in the renewable windpower sector with development of wind parks in the UK and Scandinavia. The latest addition; Fred. Olsen Windcarrier was established to meet the increasing market demand and provide innovative and tailored services for the installation, transport and maintenance of offshore wind parks globally.
BRAVE TERN AND BOLD TERN Adding to their existing fleet of crew transfer vessels, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier proudly took delivery in 2012/13 of two identical and purpose designed jack-up installation vessels; the Brave Tern and the Bold Tern.
These state-of-the-art jack-ups are self- elevating and self-propelled with the ability to accommodate 80 personnel in 56 cabins, they have a huge deck and have an 800 tonne versatile crane. Each vessel allows transport and installation of up to 8 complete turbines with tower, nacelle and blades, resulting in an efficient turnaround time and cost effectiveness.
In a constantly moving environment Rolf mentions that it is still to a degree dependent on subsidies, however there is a growing positivity and support for the ever- expanding energy market, and “we are in fact optimistic about the future of offshore wind.”
HANDS-ON APPROACH Rolf’s role dictates a dynamic hands-on approach with short lines of communication, overseeing all current projects and ensuring all operations run smoothly, as well as pre-empting future prospects and projects.
Asked if there would be a possible third Tern? “We are constantly looking at the possibilities and opportunities and follow the market very closely, with our finger on the button it is quite possible...”
EXCITING FUTURE
This is just a ‘snap shot’ of the Fred. Olsen world and I can wholeheartedly state I have been utterly impressed by the dynamic foresight of the company, which I am convinced will continue in the same manner in future.
Fliss Chaffer - Interviewer Wind Energy Network
Fred. Olsen Windcarrier
42
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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