Leading well-boat shipping companies join the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association
Four of Norway’s leading well‑boat shipping companies — Sølvtrans, Seistar, Trident Aqua Services, and Frøy — have chosen to join Norges Rederiforbund. Their membership strengthens the well‑boat sector, the Shipowners’ Association, and the broader Norwegian maritime cluster.
From the left: Tonje Foss (Frøy), Aril Aasmyhr (Trident Aqua Services), Sigbjørn Stangeland (Seistar), Robin Halsebakk (Sølvtrans), and Knut Arild Hareide celebrate the new segment entering the Norwegian Shipowners' Association.
The new members bring a fleet of 84 vessels, operating across Norway, the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, Iceland, Canada, Chile, and Australia.
A broader membership base strengthens us
The Norwegian Shipowners' Association the leading organisation for labour, business, and emergency preparedness for Norwegian shipowners engaged in international shipping. With well‑boats increasingly operating abroad, it is natural for this segment to join us.
“We see this as an important and timely expansion of our community. We are confident it will strengthen cooperation and support the continued development of the entire shipping industry,” says Harald Fotland, President of the Norwegian Shopowners' Association.
CEO Knut Arild Hareide, highlights the strategic significance of a broad membership base:
“The breadth and strength of our members form the foundation for our political influence and role in society. Welcoming well‑boat companies strengthens the team — to the benefit of the entire industry.”
A rapidly growing industry
The well‑boat companies themselves see great benefits in joining the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association:
“We are proud to contribute to value creation and employment along the entire coast. Through the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, we gain a stronger voice in advocating for good framework conditions and sustainable maritime development,” says Robin Halsebakk, CEO of Sølvtrans.
In recent years, the well‑boat sector has experienced significant growth. With vessels that are both advanced and specialised — largely built on Norwegian expertise — the industry has become an important contributor to value creation and employment along the Norwegian coast.
“The well‑boat community is characterised by innovation and international ambition. Through strategic cooperation, we continue to develop solutions that improve both fish welfare and environmental sustainability, contributing to a world-leading maritimer cluster along the coast,” says Arild Aasmyhr, CEO of Trident Aqua Services.
International market access is a top priority
The sector sees substantial potential for further growth, particularly in international markets.
“Securing access to international markets, alongside stable and predictable framework conditions, is crucial for the continued development of the well‑boat industry,” says Tonje Foss, CEO of Frøy.
Sigbjørn Stangeland, CEO of Seistar, emphasises the importance of unity in a global market:
“As part of a global market, Norwegian well‑boat companies must stand together. Through the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, we gain greater influence internationally and strengthen collaboration.”
A new interest group strengthens the industry
Within the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, the well‑boat companies will form their own interest group with a dedicated steering committee. The “Group for Well‑Boats” was constituted on 26 November 2025. The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association encourages all actors in the Norwegian shipping industry to engage with the new group.