Since the vessel was not in operation and gas-free, access and safety measures could be simplified, and visitors got to walk around, take pictures, and document the sails and the beautifully maintained ship, all under the competent guidance of Captain Arne Johansen, Chief Officer Vetle Høgevold, and Chief Engineer Runar Søreide.
It was a rare chance to experience the scale and complexity of one of our largest chemical tankers up close. For many of the office colleagues, it was the first time on board. As Alina Jelnione, Business Analyst, described it:
“The size of the vessel is hard to grasp until you're standing right in front of it. Seeing the systems up close — from the cargo tanks to the engine room — gave us a whole new appreciation for the work our seafarers do.”
From the bridge to the engine room, colleagues were guided through the vessel’s advanced systems and day-to-day operations. The crew’s openness, knowledge, and hospitality left a lasting impression. A highlight for many was the chance to hear firsthand how the suction sails are performing at sea — and how the crew is adapting to this innovative solution.
“It was a rare and exciting opportunity, especially with Bow Olympus being so close to home. What made the visit even more special was seeing the suction sails — a cutting-edge technology that reflects our ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and sustainability at sea.”
And of course, no visit would be complete without lunch in the mess room.
“A crew member joked that ‘the chef is the most important person onboard.’ After tasting the lunch buffet, we had to agree,” said Alina.
A ship that impresses visiting partners, media, and students
Among the visitors was a maritime class from Austrheim VGS, made up of 17- and 18-year-old students preparing for apprenticeships as deckhands or marine engineers. Their teachers called the visit one of the best they’d experienced:
“The crew welcomed us with open arms and showed us around the bridge, engine room, and deck. This was a big success — the students were very excited. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them end up applying to Odfjell in the future.”
“I myself was once a marine engineer apprentice with Odfjell,” another teacher said. “And I sincerely believe it’s one of the best places to start a maritime career — whether on deck or in the engine room.”
The Captain and VP Technology Erik Hjortland also hosted a tailored meeting. The invited guests represented Norwegian maritime journalists and representatives from the agent, Equinor, and Maritime Bergen. They were introduced to the sail concept, our strategy, and the first results of sails + biofuel, and given an in-depth view of the sails from the bridge and monkey top. Safe to say, they all left impressed.
Crew visits Bergen Headquarters
Back on land, the crew of Bow Olympus took the time to visit our headquarters at Minde — for many, it was their first time. They were welcomed by colleagues from across departments, and the visit offered a valuable chance to share experiences and strengthen the connection between sea and shore.
Many thanks to Captain and crew, Technical Manager Bård Lysen, Senior Technical Superintendent Arnt Kåre Simonsen Meyer, Technical Manager Bernt Lie-Berland, Senior Ship Operator Bjørn Lande and Senior Charterer Jarl Kåreson Hakvåg for facilitating it all.
