Zirconia.

Ceremony marks the formal naming of the world’s most advanced kelp harvester ahead of full-scale biorefinery launch

Haugesund, 8 August 2024 — Under partly cloudy skies along Smedasundet, Hypomar Ocean 1, Alginor’s and Hypomar’s pioneering kelp harvesting vessel, was officially christened in a traditional ceremony attended by partners, shipbuilders, and guests from across the marine industry.

The ceremony opened with a performance of “Funiculì, Funiculà” by local tenor Ole Morten Velde, setting a celebratory tone for the event. The ship’s sponsor, Kjerstin Sannes, then bestowed her blessing on the vessel and crew before launching a bottle of sparkling against the bow — a symbolic act to bring good fortune and safe voyages.

Guests and Collaborators

Among those in attendance were:

• Hugo Strand, Shipyard Manager, Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted AS
• Tommy Sandtorv, CCO, Karmsund Port Authority IKS
• Reidar Aas, Founder and Co-owner, Solstrand Trading AS (vessel designer)
• Gisle Mikalsen and Børge Pedersen, Vågen AS (onboard factory contractor)

“This vessel represents the culmination of years of innovation and collaboration,” said Hypomar CEO Harald Fiskaaen. “We are immensely proud to see Hypomar Ocean 1 enter service, and we thank our partners for their craftsmanship, expertise, and dedication.”

A Vessel Built for the Future

Delivered earlier this year by Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted AS and designed by Solstrand Trading AS, Hypomar Ocean 1 is the world’s most advanced kelp harvesting vessel, featuring a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, onboard processing capabilities, and state-of-the-art safety and monitoring systems.

After completing her maiden voyage in early May, the vessel has undergone a series of performance and systems tests, with further sea trials planned in the months ahead. The crew continues to refine operations in preparation for supplying Alginor’s upcoming biorefinery at Avaldsnes, scheduled to launch in 2026.

A Day of Celebration and Gratitude

Throughout the ceremony, appreciation was expressed for the many partners who contributed to bringing Hypomar Ocean 1 to life. Artist Anne Gro Starefoss Greve was represented by Gisle Mikalsen, who presented Hypomar AS with a painting from the Oselvar series as a commemorative gift.

In attendance were Alginor Chair Wenche Kjølås, CEO Kjetil Rein, Hypomar CEO Harald Fiskaaen, ship sponsor Kjerstin Sannes, and Captain Rune Øvrebø.

“This christening marks a new chapter for Alginor and Hypomar,” said CEO Kjetil Rein. “Hypomar Ocean 1 embodies the innovation, precision, and sustainability that define our vision — and brings us closer to realising a fully integrated biorefining industry for Laminaria hyperborea.”

With Hypomar Ocean 1 now officially christened and operational, Alginor takes another major step toward its long-term goal of establishing Europe’s first full-scale, sustainable biorefinery for brown seaweeds.