Norway's Hurtigruten Group has recruited Equinor's Hedda Felin as the new boss of its domestic operations as it ramps up capacity again.
Felin has been appointed chief executive of Hurtigruten Norway, running the iconic coastal routes from 1 March.
She is currently special advisor to Equinor CEO Eldar Saetre, and head of his office.
"Hedda is a highly respected executive, a true visionary and the right woman for this unique position," said Hurtigruten group CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
"Her profile, values and spirit fit very well with Hurtigruten’s commitment to sustainability, local communities and creating unique experiences."
Division of labours
The move follows the splitting of the group into cruise operations under the Hurtigruten Expeditions name, and coastal business as Hurtigruten Norway.
The coastal fleet will consist of seven vessels.
"As the rest of Hurtigruten, I share a passion for sustainability, safety and communities. I'm thrilled to join the rest of the highly competent Hurtigruten Norway team and continue to combine innovation and heritage to further develop and grow a product unlike anything else on the seven seas," Felin said.
She takes over at a difficult time for the company, which has idled all but two of its vessels into 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Police continue to investigate alleged breaches of Covid-19 protocol on the 21,800-gt expedition vessel Roald Amundsen (built 2019) that suffered an outbreak in July.
During 14 years with Equinor, Felin has held several key leadership and top management positions.
She was appointed senior vice president for UK and Ireland offshore in 2016.
Felin has also been vice president of safety and sustainability for global exploration activities.
New expanded contract
Hurtigruten also said in a separate announcement that it has expanded a government contract for coastal services.
The company will now run five ships from the first quarter, rather than two, under a public service obligation.
"This agreement is independent of the travel restrictions and will last until the end of the first quarter," the company said.
Hurtigruten will receive an increase in the monthly payment of NOK 14.1m ($1.6m), bringing the total to NOK 67.6m.
The monthly cash burn rate is still expected to be within the forecast €12m ($15m) to €15m range.
