Servogear strengthens team

The Norwegian manufacturer of controllable pitch propeller systems has recruited Vermund Hjelland as its CEO. Hjelland will take up the position in August 2021. Current CEO, Torleif Stokke, will become business development manager to strengthen sustainable activities.

“Servogear is a very interesting company, with cutting edge technology, and will contribute strongly to reduce emission of greenhouse gases from highspeed commercial vessels,” said Hjelland.

He joins Servogear from his position as vice president, technology & development in shipping company Eidesvik Offshore ASA. He has wide experience in the development of environmentally friendly offshore vessel operations, including LNG, battery/hybrid operation and renewable solutions.

In his new position, Stokke will continue the work to introduce Servogear’s zero emission technology to clients in Norway and internationally. The company continues its R&D work, towards second-generation solutions, with improved efficiency of the company’s Controllable Pitch Propeller design.

Stokke said important new markets will be offshore wind projects in America and the Far East.

Servogear has established an order back-log of US$14m for delivery in 2021, compared to total sales of US$9.1m for the whole of 2020.

A major part of the company’s business comprises orders for zero emission propulsion systems for high-speed passenger ferries and cruise & sightseeing vessels for tourism. The company is also a major provider of propulsion systems to offshore wind Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV). Servogear has orders for nine such high-speed vessels for delivery this year and has recently signed a contract for the first hybrid CTV with a British operator.