Jon Torvald Håvardsen (b. 1982, Haugesund) is a Norwegian entrepreneur and specialist in shipbuilding and offshore structures. In 2015, he co-founded Norse Group with his Turkish partner, Mustafa Süngü. The group excels in the construction of purpose-built vessels, the modernization and conversion of existing ships, and the development of innovative maritime technologies, primarily serving the Norwegian maritime market.
Education Life
Håvardsen received his education in shipbuilding from the Maritime Technical School in Haugesund and Åkra Technical School. He has further enhanced his technical expertise through various certification programs focused on offshore structures and maritime technologies.
Professional Career
He began his career in 2000 at Westcon Shipyard, where he quickly gained recognition for his technical proficiency and leadership skills. His roles as a Construction Supervisor at various companies allowed him to accumulate extensive hands-on experience across numerous shipbuilding and offshore projects. His technical knowledge and ability to build strong professional relationships have earned him a respected position in the industry.
Founding and Structure of Norse Group
In 2015, Håvardsen co-founded Norse Group with Mustafa Süngü to provide integrated solutions for the maritime industry. The group is structured to operate seamlessly across its specialized companies:
Norse Shipyard: Located in the Başiskele Free Zone, Kocaeli, this is the group's main production base, handling shipbuilding, repair, and conversion projects.
Norse Steel: Based in Gebze, Kocaeli, this company specializes in the fabrication and assembly of steel structures.
Norse Design: Situated in Teknopark Istanbul, this engineering and R&D company leads the group’s technical design and innovation efforts.
Prominent Projects
HYDRA Ferry: The world’s first zero-emission ferry powered by liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel cells, designed by Norse Design and built by Norse Shipyard.
Firda Eir Live Fish Carrier A conversion project for Firda Sea Food Group, transforming a Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) into a modern, hybrid-powered live fish carrier.
These projects have significantly enhanced Norse Group’s visibility in the international maritime arena and solidified its position as a leader in the sector.
Industry Engagement
Håvardsen actively participates in various technical and commercial platforms within the Norwegian maritime sector. He represents Norse Group companies in organizations such as EAST CCI, contributing to the development of business collaborations between Norway and Türkiye.
Personal Life
Jon Torvald Håvardsen is married and a father of three. Beyond his professional commitments, he values family life and supports social initiatives aimed at mentoring young professionals in the maritime industry.
