(b. 1983, Kuyucak, Aydın) is a Turkish Naval Architect, Marine Engineer, and entrepreneur. He is the Managing Partner of Norse Group, which he co-founded in 2015 with his Norwegian partner, Jon Thorvald Havardsen. The group specializes in the construction of special-purpose vessels, particularly for the Norwegian maritime market, as well as the modernization and conversion of existing vessels and the development of innovative maritime technologies. In addition to the shipbuilding sector, he has also successfully completed various industrial projects, gaining significant experience in this field.
Education Background
Mustafa Süngü graduated first in his class from Karadeniz Technical University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Gebze Technical University in 2016. He has also successfully completed various certification programs in areas such as contract management, project management, occupational health and safety, and quality management systems.
Professional Career
Beginning his career in 2005 as a design engineer, Mustafa Süngü has since held various technical and administrative positions, including project engineer, planning engineer, project manager, and shipyard manager, thereby acquiring extensive experience in the sector. By taking on increasing responsibilities in both engineering and management, he has solidified his expertise in the industry.
Founding and Operations of Norse Group
Süngü co-founded Norse Group in 2015 with his Norwegian partner, Jon Thorvald Havardsen. The group operates with an integrated structure to meet diverse needs:
- Norse Shipyard: The group's main production base, located in the Kocaeli Başiskele Free Zone. It handles new shipbuilding, repair, and conversion projects.
- Norse Steel: Situated in Gebze, Kocaeli, this company focuses on the fabrication and assembly of steel structures for the shipbuilding industry, aluminum boat and block manufacturing, as well as other industrial projects.
- Norse Design: Located within Teknopark Istanbul and established as an equal partnership between Mustafa Süngü, Ilgaz Can Karadayı, and Jon Thorvald Havardsen, this company is responsible for the group's engineering, design, and R&D activities.
Prominent Projects
HYDRA Ferry: The world's first zero-emission ferry equipped with liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel cells. The detailed design for HYDRA was carried out by Norse Design, while the hull construction was completed by Norse Shipyard. This project is highly significant as it demonstrates the potential of alternative and green fuel technologies in the maritime sector.
Firda Eir Live Fish Carrier This project involved the conversion of an existing Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) into a modern live fish carrier for the Norwegian company Firda Sea Food Group. The converted vessel features a 5,000 cubic meter capacity and a battery-hybrid propulsion system. This work stands as a successful example of repurposing existing vessels through the "green conversion" concept.
These projects have enhanced Norse Group's visibility in the international maritime arena and strengthened its position in the industry.
Industry Engagement and Representation
Mustafa Süngü is actively involved in various NGOs and business organisations in the Turkish maritime sector. Some of the roles he has undertaken are as follows:
Ship, Yacht and Services Exporters' Association (GYHİB): Board Member
Chamber of Shipping (DTO): Vice Chairman of the New Ship Construction Professional Committee
Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK): Executive Board Member representing Norse Shipyard in the Turkey-Norway Business Council
Through these roles, he contributes to the representation of the Turkish maritime industry on national and international platforms and helps strengthen commercial relations between Turkey and Norway.
Personal Life
Mustafa Süngü is married and a father of two. Alongside his professional life, he places great importance on his family and social responsibility projects.