Oceanbird, a company specializing in sailing technology, has a new boss: Amrit Kaur Bhullar takes the helm at the turn of the year. She most recently worked for the shipbuilding company Vard.
Next week, the first 40 m high wingsail is to be demonstrated in Landskrona, with installation planned for the beginning of next year on the car carrier “Tirranna”. The joint venture, which is owned equally by Wallenius and Alfa Laval, will thus enter the commercialization phase.
Kaur Bhullar grew up in London and has lived in Norway for 15 years. During her career she has worked in business development for suppliers to the marine industry. She is currently Senior Vice President for Business Development & Group Innovation at Vard, a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group.
“As Oceanbird enters the commercialization phase, it will be critical to deliver an effective prototype while optimizing scaling to meet future needs,” said Kaur Bhullar. “Oceanbird is evolving from a start-up to an established company. I will focus on learning from the talented and skilled team that has built the company, bringing a commercial growth perspective and developing a step-by-step plan together.”
In the future, new potential is to be tapped and combined with falling production costs. They will also continue to work on after-market solutions and support. “A major advantage of wind propulsion is that it can be integrated into various ship designs and combined with other zero-emission energy solutions,” says the new CEO. “Partnerships have been central to Oceanbird from the beginning and will continue to be so.”
“Amrit’s leadership background and experience in the maritime industry are a great fit for Oceanbird’s vision and people,” said Erik Nøklebye, Chairman of the Board of Oceanbird and CEO of Wallenius Lines. “We look forward to the strategic journey that will make us the market leader in this disruptive industry.
Sameer Kalra, President of Alfa Laval’s Marine Division, added: “After an intensive and successful research and development phase, the Oceanbird concept has now entered commercialization. I am confident that with Amrit at the helm, Oceanbird will realize its full potential for maritime decarbonization.”
