In a bid boost to its cruise ship offering, software developer NAPA has appointed Tor Svensen, Vice President, Marine Technology at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, to its board.
Svensen (pictured) was previously CEO of DNV GL Maritime, IACS chairman and professor at the University of Strathclyde.
He will use his expertise to support NAPA’s strategy of developing and scaling technology for a safer and smarter shipping industry, with a particular focus on the cruise sector.
In recent years, cruise ships have become substantially larger, technologically advanced and complex.They have added equipment and facilities that would have been beyond the historical remit of class societies.
In his career, Svensen has been at the forefront of facilitating these developments and also helping shipowners to increase fuel efficiency, optimising design, and improve safety.
Ilmo Kuutti, NAPA Group President, commented, “Passenger vessels, particularly cruise ships, are often at the forefront in embracing new technologies and safety measures. NAPA and our clients will benefit from Tor’s unparalleled experience and expertise.
“Today, NAPA board members together represent important domain expertise in every aspect of maritime business, including design, building, operation, and classification of ships,” he said.
Svensen, added, “Having been closely involved in the process of assessing new vessels coming through for class approval, I have seen first hand the incredible benefits that ship designers and operators can achieve with NAPA’s innovative software solutions – safety and optimal performance have never been more important.
“We’re seeing that every day in the huge demand for NAPA’s software design and operational solutions, and I look forward to helping NAPA to continue to achieve the right strategic focus and to continue their successful growth,” he concluded.
Svensen has worked in the maritime industry for more than 40 years. He graduated from the University of Newcastle with a degree in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding, and also subsequently received a Ph D from the same university. Prior to joining DNV GL, Svensen was Head of the Ship Division at The Norwegian Maritime Research Institute (MARINTEK).
NAPA’s Board is chaired by Mitsuhiko Kidogawa, Europe and Africa Regional Manager for ClassNK. The other members of the Board are Hirofumi Takano, Senior Corporate Officer and Hayato Suga, Corporate Officer of ClassNK, plus Patrik Rautaheimo, CEO of Elomatic.
