Norwegian Shipowners’ Association Welcomes New CEO

The Norwegian Shipowners' Association has named Knut Arild Hareide, the nation's ex-minister of transport, as its forthcoming chief executive.

Set to succeed Harald Solberg, Hareide will assume his new role in August. Solberg is departing after a six-year tenure to head the Federation of Norwegian Industries.

Hareide steps into the position from his current role as the director general of the Norwegian Maritime Authority, a post he's held since January 2022.

His background includes serving as a parliament member representing Hordaland and leading the Christian Democratic Party between 2011 and 2019.

“Hareide has unique political expertise with long experience in parliament and government, and through his experience with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, he also has a very good knowledge of shipping and the maritime industry. We look forward to working with Knut Arild Hareide to ensure a continued active and good maritime policy,” said Harald Fotland, recently appointed president of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and CEO at chemical tanker owner Odfjell.

“I am looking forward to taking on exciting challenges in the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association. Shipping and the maritime industry are world-leading players that create value and jobs along the entire coast every single day. I have gotten to know the industry well through my job as shipping director and am very much looking forward to contributing to an industry that is forward-looking and highly adaptable, with high ambitions both in terms of decarbonisation and digitisation of the industry,” added Hareide.