Next Wave Maritime Leadership Program Successfully Launches Second Cohort
The Next Wave Maritime Leadership Program has successfully launched its 2024-2025 cohort, marking a pivotal moment for the maritime industry. Following the immense success of the 2022-2023 edition, the program has returned with renewed energy and an enhanced curriculum, developed through collaboration between Maritime Bergen, BI Norwegian Business School, and HVL Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The second edition was strengthened based on feedback from the previous cohort. The program features four modules of three days each that take place in Bergen, Haugesund and Oslo and is updated to focus on the most pressing issues for the industry.
Historic Partnership and Industry-Focused Learning
This partnership between two renowned academic institutions, BI and HVL, has brought together cutting-edge academic perspectives with real-world industry experience. The program is designed to address the key challenges facing the maritime sector, including decarbonization, digitalization, and diversity. Through these partnerships, the program delivers a comprehensive educational experience tailored to equip future maritime leaders with the tools they need to drive the industry forward.
Diverse and Ambitious Participants
The 2024-2025 cohort consists of a diverse group of participants from a wide range of companies and backgrounds, fostering cross-silo learning and collaboration. Due to high demand, the program has 16% more participants. This year’s cohort include professionals from leading maritime firms such as Corvus Energy, Utkilen, Odfjell, G2 Ocean, Grieg Star, DNB, and many more. The diversity of roles and expertise—from sales and project management to sustainability and operations—ensures a well-rounded learning environment, preparing participants to tackle the multi-faceted challenges of the modern maritime industry.
Summary of Module 1: A Changing Maritime Industry
The first module at BI in Bergen, focused on understanding the shifting dynamics within the maritime sector. The module, led by Professor Randi Lunnan from BI, began with introductions and team-building exercises, setting the stage for a collaborative learning experience.
Key sessions included a discussion on coping with market changes, presented by Harald Fotland, CEO of Odfjell, a deep dive into macroeconomic and geopolitical trends affecting the maritime industry, led by Hans Martin Straume, Associate Professor at BI, and an engaging session on the legal challenges posed by the industry presented by Associate Professor Iva Parlov from BI Oslo.
Module one also featured a live case study with Bergen Engines, where Jon Erik Røv, CEO, shared insights into the company’s strategies for navigating industry changes followed by a visit and dinner at the factory in Bergen. This hands-on learning approach allowed participants to engage directly with current maritime challenges, preparing them for future leadership roles.
Networking and Collaboration
Networking remains a cornerstone of the Next Wave program. Throughout the module, participants had the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders during dedicated networking sessions and joint dinners. These interactions help participants build relationships that will last beyond the program, creating a strong network of future maritime leaders. Bergen Shipowners’ Assocition had the pleasure of hosting the participants on the first night of the program.
Congratulations to our entire second cohort and participating companies!
- Alexander Sæverud Larsson, Sales Manager, Corvus Energy AS
- Amalie Nordeide, Project Manager, Plug AS
- Andrina Heldal, Corporate HR Business partner, DOF AS
- Bendik Fotland, Quality and Sustainability Coordinator, Utkilen
- Duncan Pirie, Rig Manager, Odfjell Drilling
- Eirik Gjerde, Fleet Manager, Utkilen
- Frøydis Elisabeth Bjøringsøy, Chartering Manager, JT Cement AS
- Henning Rebnord, Principal Engineer, Grieg Star
- Ingelin S. Jacobsen, Manager Demurrage, Odfjell Tankers
- Ingrid Leikvoll Enge, Maritim Koordinator, Bergen Havn AS
- Iselin Hauge Valevatn, Sales Manager, Sea-Cargo Agencies AS
- Jan Jacob Andreassen, HSEQ Manager, G2 Ocean
- Jan Ove Ødegård, Marine Manager, Odfjell Management AS
- Jørgen Fie Kalnes Mathiesen, Corporate Analyst, DNB Bank ASA
- Kristin Sand Bakken, Innovation Manager, Corvus Energy AS
- Magnus Steensnæs, Project Manager, Norwegian Electric Systems
- Martin Kyrkjebø Wickmann, Towage Broker, Birger Gran AS
- Mikael Odland, Head of Sustainability, Stödig Ship Management AS
- Paloma Menino Drønen, Marine Engineer – Technical Services, Odfjell Drilling
- Ragnhild Farstad Høvik, Project Engineer, Grieg Edge
- Rasmus Holm Lunde, Marine Superintendent & Vessel Manager, Grieg Star
- Silje Elise Lien, Client Manager, DNB
- Silje Guldhav, Marine Section Leader, Odfjell Drilling
- Sindre Rudi, Project engineer, Westfal-Larsen Management
- Stian Ommedal, Manager – Business Analytics, Odfjell SE
- Stian Tysse, Chartering, Sea Tank Chartering
- Svein Kvilhaug, Vessel Manager, Utkilen
- Trond-Eirik Hasselø, Shipping Manager, Sea-Cargo AS
Looking Ahead
With the successful completion of Module 1, participants now look forward to the next module, which will take place at HVL in Haugesund. The program continues to be a valuable investment for companies seeking to develop their talent and position themselves at the forefront of maritime innovation
For companies interested in enrolling candidates, you can already express your interest for the next edition of the program here!
