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New YSA Design Chairman shares his vision for collaboration

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 24 October 2022 24 October 2022

YSA Design has appointed Jan Krefting as its new Chairman, in a move timed to take greater advantage of collective working as the Oslo-based ship design company responds to an upturn in cruise industry concept and project work.

A partner and YSA Design Senior Architect, Krefting is well-known to industry decision-makers for his collaborative approach in interpreting owner aspirations and converting them into elegant, practical and deliverable designs, based on a 35-year career in ship design. With cruise ship newbuilding projects restarted and demand for refurbishment of older vessels re-emerging fast, Krefting said he sought to sustain the internal collaborations which often mark out YSA Design’s best and most original work.

“First and foremost, YSA Design is a team and – like any team – its best results are achieved by working together to exploit the range of skills, talents and approaches available. Collaboration that is focused and led from the center is also beneficial because it keeps all of us in touch with the latest design trends, and with developments in the cruise and ferry sectors.

“As well as design flair and developing ships for new and challenging locations, we need to offer solutions which take account of fuel emissions regulations, new energy sources, sustainable materials, and efficient solutions for air conditioning, water and waste management. We also need to design for the full life cycle of the ship, up to and including its sustainable disposal.”

The appointment also represents a division of labor which will allow former YSA Design Chairman, Trond Sigurdsen, to give greater focus to the innovative design and project work for which the company is also recognized, Krefting said. Sigurdsen remains a member of the YSA Design board and a company partner, and will continue to make a hands-on contribution to YSA Design.

Krefting’s appointment coincides with an expansion of the YSA Design board to include Anna Storbraaten, as an Executive Member. A Partner and Senior Architect with YSA Design, Storbraaten joined the company in 2009 and has since demonstrated her passion for optimizing the balance between functionality and good design across a range of projects.

Anne-Mari Gullikstad, Chief Executive, YSA Design, commented: “We are delighted that Jan has agreed to take over as Chairman, to offer the experience and guidance our teams need as we focus our efforts on renewed growth in challenging times. We also welcome Anna as the first woman to join the board, and look forward to continuing to work closely with Trond as he switches focus to the creative and development work which has always been such a vital part of his contribution to YSA Design.”

Photo: Jan Krefting, new Chairman, YSA Design

TDoS’ Fredrik Johansson discusses Four Seasons yacht design

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 24 October 2022 24 October 2022

TDoS’ Partner and Executive Director Fredrik Johansson reveals some inside information about the design inspiration for the project, as well as an exclusive publishing of a first glimpse of the inside of the glamorous yacht:

It all started with a very clear and unique vision from our client. The brief was condensed by Philip Levine into a single line: “Imagine that Chrustina O meets James BOnd!” It would be hard to go wrong there, you may think - but it is also a huge challenge. You must not go wrong - failure is simply not an option. Every part and every detail of the yacht has to be perfect! Luckily, we have a company filled with highly passionate and talented creators - and an extremely devoted project design team, skillfully led by Salvatore Davide La Manna.

The Christina O is such a legendary yacht, packed with a myriad of unique features. Steeped in stories of the rich and famous, she was the glamorous backdrop for entertaining some of the world’s most famous politicians, performers and other high-profile guests. James Bond, of course, requires no further introduction.

There is also nothing better for a project than when you base the development on a clear vision like this. It immediately sparks endless imagination and possibilities - and it triggered us to design something that truly is unique, something that will turn classic and intimate experiences into life-long and incomparable memories.

Working closely with the very talented and knowledgeable team members and partners at Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings - being the Owner and Joint Operator of Four Seasons Yachts - has been nothing short of inspirational, and a true privilege. Much inspiration was taken from the private and sophisticated atmosphere of Surf Club, Miami Beach - and of course from the golden era of classic yachting. Already at the outset, we concluded that the master planning must be made to welcome every single guest as if it was to the yacht of a close friend, instilling an instant sense of relaxation and belonging.

The yacht’s exterior design has been developed in-house, with our yacht designer Riccardo Manzoni playing an instrumental role. We wanted to create a truly timeless elegance, with a curvaceous and elegant architecture. We all love the harmonious lines and proportions of Christina O, which also featured a very generous and beautifully furbished aft pool deck. Ergo, the Four Seasons Yachts was designed to feature a unique and 20 meter long pool in the very aft, with a surrounding deck landscaping who’s layout caters perfectly for both privacy and socializing. The pool bottom will double up as a stage for catwalks, live music, etc.

The silhouette of Christina O is largely shaped by its large and iconic funnel. The Four Seasons Yachts however, will be designed and equipped to minimize emissions. We therefore though hard and long of a way to give the funnel of the Four Seasons Yachts’ a completely new and innovative context - and the concept of the sublime ‘Funnel Suite’ was born. As a guest, you will have a total of 892 square metres of combined indoor & outdoor space, distributed over four levels, meaning that you really are on top pf the world here. It’s also accessible, directly and privately, from a tender platform at water level, allowing you to invite all your friends onboard in complete discretion. To us, this a as close you will come to a true James Bond moment on any yacht!

Yet another spectacular design feature onboard is the port-to-starboard transversal marina. Not only is this dual marina a unique engineering masterpiece, but its terraced design also allows the guests to enjoy the sea first hand, with immediate access to water activities, and to “sea limousine” transfers to shore. As if that wasn’t enough, it can also be transformed into an exclusive dining experience from which you can almost dip your toes in the water!

The interior design team is led by TDoS’ celebrated Design Director My Östin. The highly creative design groupe will create suites and social spaces that reflect a truly effortless Dolce Vita and worldly sophistication, offering everything that is essential for a truly epic yachting experience.

 

Survitec appoints Robert Steen Kledal as CEO

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 17 October 2022 17 October 2022

Strengthening the company’s position as the world’s leading Survival Technology solutions partner, Survitec has today announced the appointment of Robert Steen Kledal as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

As CEO, Robert will be responsible for setting Survitec’s strategic direction. He will lead the Survitec Executive team and sit on the Survitec Board.

At the start of the year, Survitec launched a new organisational structure designed to make Survitec an even better partner – increased levels of customer centricity and agility were the main focus.

Robert will continue the transformation work, positioning Survitec customers at the heart of every decision while achieving profitable growth.

A key focus for Robert will be Survitec’s workforce of over 3,000 professionals, ensuring they feel connected to the Survitec purpose, which is “We Exist to Protect Lives.”

Robert has over 30 years of experience in executive level roles on a global scale. He was CEO at Wrist Ship Supply, the world’s leading ship and offshore supplier of provisions & stores, for over nine years. He led the organisation and its 1,600 colleagues, through digital transformation, enabling substantial improvement to how the business engaged its customers.

His experience spans the maritime and defence industries. He has also held several senior positions, during his 21 years at Moeller-Maersk Group and served in the Danish Army as a Sergeant. In addition to his role as CEO of Survitec, Robert is also on the Board of Directors at Wrist Ship Supply and Blue Water Shipping, a global provider of tailor-made transport and logistics solutions.

He has lived and worked all over the world and is familiar with five languages.

When asked why he chose to join the team Trusted to Protect Lives, he commented, “Coming from the shipping industry, I was instantly attracted to the inspiring purpose of Survitec. I look forward to building on this great legacy and the achievements made to position Survitec as the global leader in Survival Technology for our customers worldwide. Not least to service our customers’ requirements effectively.”

VARD details Viking Polaris construction, delivery

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 04 October 2022 04 October 2022

VARD recently delivered Viking Polaris, the second of two ice-strengthened expedition vessels from VARD to Viking.

"Built at Vard Søviknes in Ålesund, Norway, Viking Polaris represents an excellent and innovative way to explore the world’s most remote destinations and is specifically geared for adventure cruises in polar destinations," the shipyard said in a statement.

The vessel has a length of 205 meters and a beam of 23,5 meters, especially designed and developed for comfortable expeditions in Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. The vessel hosts 378 guests in 189 staterooms.

"Together with her sister, Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris is an amazing and unique ship that represents innovation and development of the cruise segment for both Viking and VARD," says General Manager for Business Unit Cruise at VARD, Attilio Dapelo.

"Both vessels are over 200 meter long and the largest vessels built by VARD so far and once again confirm VARD’s capabilities to build excellent vessels at the highest standards of cruise ships. I am grateful to everyone involved in the project for being dedicated to their tasks and to the commitment to deliver Viking Polaris on time and with high quality’s levels. A special thanks to Viking for the trust and for the excellent, fruitful, and continuous cooperation all along the designing and building process."

Viking Polaris is an ice-strengthened Polar Class 6 vessel with a longer hull, straight bow, and state-of-the-art fin stabilizers to provide the calmest possible journeys in remote regions. The u-tank stabilizers will significantly decrease rolling when the ship is stationary. The hull is built at Vard Tulcea in Romania. Vard Tulcea has also partly outfitted the ship.

"We are proud to deliver the second ice-strengthened expedition vessel to Viking," says yard director at Vard Søviknes, Arnt Inge Gjerde.

"The vessel is fantastic, and with a very high standard. Considering the sistership effect, and that we brought the synergies from the first vessel, we are very satisfied with the result. Viking Polaris is equipped with the latest technology and automation systems, all commissioned and tested by VARD in a very close cooperation with Viking. Our inhouse competence in innovative design and technology, executed at our yards through all the steps in the process, is a huge strength which is supported by our owner Fincantieri."

VARD signed the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the two cruise vessels with Viking in April 2018. The contracts for the vessels became effective in July 2018.

Viking Polaris was delivered from Vard Søviknes 27 September 2022. The float out ceremony took place in Vard Tulcea in July 2021.The vessel arrived Vard Søviknes in Norway 22nd January 2022 for further outfitting, testing and finalization.

Her sister, Viking Octantis, was delivered from Vard Søviknes 22nd of December 2021.