Amrit Kaur Bhullar will join as Oceanbird’s new CEO, starting 1st of January 2026. She will strengthen the commercial focus as the company enters a new phase following the demonstration of its first wing sail next week.

Amrit Kaur Bhullar grew up in London and has lived in Norway for the last 15 years. She has worked within business development at major suppliers to the shipping industry and is currently Senior Vice President, Business Development & Group Innovation at the Norwegian ship building company, VARD.

First two wings delivered
On Monday, 25th of August, the first land-based wing sail is being demonstrated in Landskrona at the inauguration of Oceanbird´s test site, where customers can get close to the 40-meter high wing sail. When Amrit joins Oceanbird at the beginning of 2026, it coincides with the first vessel installation on the car-carrier Tirranna.

“As Oceanbird enters the commercialisation phase, it will be key to deliver an effective prototype whilst at the same time scaling up to fulfill future demands”, says Amrit Kaur Bhullar. “Oceanbird is transitioning from a start-up to an established company. I will focus on learning from the talented and competent team that built the company and add a commercial perspective for growth, and build a step-by-step plan together.”

Continue to grow with partnerships
What is your vision for how Oceanbird’s offering could evolve over time to meet future market needs and drive long-term growth? “I want to develop a portfolio that can drive volume opportunities combined with a production approach to bring down cost. We will also continue to work with after-market solutions and support, and keep innovating through improved products and new offerings. One of the beauties with wind propulsion is that it can be integrated into various ship designs and combined with any other zero-emission energy solutions. Partnerships have been central for Oceanbird from the very beginning and that will for sure continue.”

Lead a new strategic journey
Oceanbird is a 50/50 joint venture company owned by Alfa Laval and Wallenius. Both ownershave expressed excitement over the recruitment.“Amrit´s leadership background and experience from the maritime industry aligns well with the  vision of and the people in Oceanbird. We look forward to the strategic journey that will make us the leader in this groundbreaking industry” says Erik Nøklebye, Chairman of the Oceanbird board and CEO of Wallenius Lines.

“After an intensive and successful R&D phase, the Oceanbird concept has now moved to commercial realization. I am confident that Oceanbird will deliver on its maritime decarbonization potential with Amrit at the helm” says Sameer Kalra, President Marine Division, Alfa Laval.