Norway’s Torvald Klaveness has appointed experienced executive Geir Frode Abelsen as its ship management head.
The new managing director of Klaveness Ship Management (KSM) was recruited from Norwegian car carrier owner Hoegh Autoliners, where he was head of technical operations for nearly four years.
Abelsen fills the vacancy left when previous fleet chief Ernst Meyer was promoted to group chief executive to replace the long-serving Lasse Kristoffersen, who has taken over the top job at another car carrier giant, Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
Abelsen was previously chief operating officer at UK tanker group Navig8 for four years, and was on the management team of several companies within Navig8.
He ended a seven-year stint at Eitzen Chemical in 2014, having also worked at V.Ships and ro-ro group DFDS.
“Abelsen joins Klaveness with more than 25 years of experience in shipping, both within technical management and shipowning, and has held several executive roles within the industry,” Klaveness said.
The Norwegian bulker and combination carrier company said Abelsen will develop existing businesses, catalyse growth initiatives and build profitability based on successful ship management services for internal and external customers.
Abelsen said: “For me, it was of paramount importance to work in a company where I could identify myself with the core values, and I firmly believe Klaveness’ values, particularly craftsmanship and curiosity, lead the way of how we are approaching the future.
“Going forward, KSM’s focus will be on further developing our strong safety culture together and building on the Klaveness reputation of being a front-runner when it comes to exploring new ways of operating our vessels in a safe and environmentally friendly way.”
Klaveness operates nearly 100 ships through offices in Oslo, Singapore, Manila and Dubai, with around 190 employees onshore and close to 850 seafarers.
