Nor-Shipping, in partnership with YoungShip, reveals the shortlist for this year’s Nor-Shipping Young Entrepreneur Award, with the drive to decarbonise, digitalise, and deliver greater inclusivity within the maritime industry taking centre stage.
Set to be presented on 2 June at Nor-Shipping’s After Work ‘kick-off’ at Oslo’s famous Leketer’n venue, the prestigious accolade celebrates under-40s making waves with commercially viable solutions addressing key ocean industry challenges. Previous winners include Cristina Aleixendri, COO and Co-Founder of bound4blue, and Boyan Slat, CEO of The Ocean CleanUp.
The final four
The quartet selected by an expert industry panel, after intense competition and discussion, are:
- Joachim Bachmann Nielsen, CEO/CTO of Kvasir Technologies, a company transforming low-value biomass into scalable, carbon-neutral marine fuels;
- Fabian Fussek, Co-Founder & CEO of Kaiko Systems, an AI-powered platform helping shipping companies enhance safety, compliance and maintenance;
- Josephine Le, Founder of The Hood Platform, a digital hub breaking down barriers in maritime recruitment and supporting next generation talent; and
- Alisha Fredriksson, CEO and Co-Founder of Seabound, a climate tech innovator developing onboard carbon capture systems for hard-to-abate shipping emissions.
United by ambition
“These finalists are pursuing goals that chime perfectly with industry needs, and the #Future-Proof theme of Nor-Shipping 2025,” comments Sidsel Norvik, Director, Nor-Shipping, adding “They have the talent, ideas and ambition that can define future industry opportunity, shaping smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive operations and businesses.”
He continues, “Each brings a different background, a fresh perspective, and innovative solutions to pressing industry challenges, but they’re united by a passion and determination to make a real impact. I wish them the very best of luck – both for the award and the years ahead.”
A platform for the future
Nor-Shipping Young Entrepreneur Award is delivered in collaboration with YoungShip
The Nor-Shipping Young Entrepreneur Award is delivered in collaboration with YoungShip, the global non-profit network for young maritime professionals.
Erlend Holberg of YoungShip praised the calibre of the 2025 field, commenting: "For this industry to be truly sustainable, commercially as well as environmentally, we have to open pathways for the next generation to access the networks, support and markets they need to succeed."
Benefit from the ideas
Erlend Holberg added: "That way all stakeholders, from businesses and society, can benefit from the ideas, enthusiasm and energy that – as we saw from the huge field of talent competing for this prize – is so abundant in our young professionals worldwide. I can’t wait to see who wins this coveted title at Nor-Shipping 2025."
This year’s Nor-Shipping programme, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the event week, runs from 2–6 June in Lillestrøm and Oslo.
