Foreship has appointed Shaun White as Managing Director of Foreship UK, a new subsidiary aimed at securing a presence in the country.
With an official start date of 1st October, White heads Foreship UK from offices in Southampton.
This city was selected for its significance as a global centre for pioneering marine science, research, and technology and as the UK’s acknowledged ‘cruise capital’, the company explained.
He joined Foreship UK from Spear Power Systems, where he led the electrification and energy solutions of the marine business as Senior Project Manager.
His responsibilities included leadership of the EU Horizon 2020 funded Current Direct initiative, which aimed to advance sustainable waterborne transport by developing innovative technology, business and finance solutions.
White has also held several other leading positions, gaining insights into shipping’s technical and commercial pathways on alternative fuels, hybrid solutions, electrification and energy infrastructure systems.
“We are excited to apply our knowledge and experience from the commercial shipping, cruise, passenger and defence sectors to establish and further develop UK maritime industry partnerships.
“Our focus will be to ensure Foreship UK is an innovative maritime partner that will deliver value through growth strategies and collaboration, based on Foreship’s ship design and engineering services,” White said.
In addition to White, the Foreship UK Board comprises Foreship CEO, Lauri Haavisto, and Foreship CFO, Kaisa Immonen.
Haavisto emphasised that the new subsidiary would be UK-centric and adapt services and partnerships to in-country needs.
“The UK has a clear focus and strategy for maritime de-carbonisation and sustainability, and Foreship UK will work within the UK-based sector to find synergies and clear connections where our capabilities clearly add value,” he said.
“Climate change is a global challenge, and we are committed to delivering innovative solutions and working with the sector to develop the green shipping technologies of tomorrow” White added.
“Foreship UK will seek to learn from and contribute to programmes, such as the UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstrations Competition (CMDC), UKSHORE Office and National Shipbuilding Strategy.
“We firmly believe our skills and expertise can help the UK consolidate its role at the forefront of maritime technology, innovation, and sustainability,” he concluded.
Finnish-based Foreship now operates nine offices in support of its naval architecture, marine engineering and project management services for shipbuilding, conversion and refurbishment.
