The CSOV (Commissioning service operation vessels) Norwind Gale has world class green solutions for their crew. Many of the innovative solutions are due to the collaboration in the unique maritime cluster in the region Sunnmøre at the Northwest coast of Norway. The cluster has been given status as a Global Center for Expertise, holding sustainability and future headed development as their banner. For the Norwind Gale build, Vard Accommodation chose the 3D knited furniture from Ekornes:

– Coming from, and living next to the beautiful nature, we have it in our blood to take care of our surroundings. We place a strong emphasis on finding smarter and futureheaded ways of how to contribute to the green shift, says Birgit Aarseth, Vice President Operations in Vard Accommodation.

The stressless producer Ekornes started to develop 3D-knited furniture 5 years ago, says Helge Overå, Global Sales Director:

– The maritime cluster has always been demanding when it comes to innovative solutions, and that also goes for Ekornes. Being a part of the maritime cluster has helped Ekornes to improve a lot of the solutions for the furniture we are selling to the maritime business.

The yarn in the furniture is organic wool fiber, 100 % renewable and the fabric washable and replaceable.

– When we produce furniture with this method, we use all the yarn and leave no waste. This is circular design with long lasting value, says May-Linn Hårvik, Sales Manager at Ekornes.

Ekornes has delivered innovative Scandinavian design since 1934 from the factory on the Northwest coast for Norway.

Vard accommodation is the daughter of global shipbuilder and designer VARD, also a part of the maritime cluster in the region. They offer a variety of different interior concepts for vessels of all kinds.

– For Vard Accommodation this is an exciting project since the owner is always open to new materials and technologies – like the dining chairs from Ekornes with 3D-knitted fabrics. And not to forget that in this project we can install new and greener solutions on a vessel supporting the green shift.

The way from the Ekornes factory to the Norwind vessel is short and the transport electric.

The use of local suppliers and partners is important for the maritime cluster. Norwind Offshore is confident when they chose their collaborators:

– We prioritize state-of-the-art technology for our fleet. Being part of a network holding an extensive and broad competence, such as VARD and its subsidiaries, our region gains a distinct advantage in building future-oriented ships based on advanced technology and solutions for minimal environmental impact, says CEO in Norwind Offshore, Svein Leon Aure.