VARD Champions the Next Generation

The future of maritime innovation begins with today’s young people. That’s why VARD is proud to support initiatives that spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving among young minds. One exciting example is HAVutfordringen (the Ocean Challenge). The innovation camp inviting youth across Møre og Romsdal to explore the possibilities hidden in one of Norway’s greatest resources - the ocean.

Nearly 1 000 students accepted the challenge with great enthusiasm when they were asked to participate in the innovation camp. Organized by Ungt Entreprenørskap (Young Entrepreneurship), VARD, and several other key players, all ninth-graders and first-year students in high school in the county were invited to participate in HAVutfordringen.

It became a success. The eager students worked over several days to solve three different maritime challenges presented by the business community. 

The students were tasked with generating ideas for the following real-world challenges: 

1. Improving the utilization of the ocean's energy.

2. Using the ocean to enhance the quality of life, well-being, and health for people, nature, and/or society.

3. Finding solutions related to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

The six classes with the best solutions were invited to an exciting final day at Vard Langsten. The top two class contributions –one from the ninth-grade and one from the first year of high school– each won NOK 10 000 for their class fund.

So... what ideas went all the way?

The Winners: Eco-Net and Power Screws

Eco-Net from Naturbruk at Stranda vidaregåande skule (high shcool) secured NOK 10 000 for their class fund with their innovative idea to reduce ghost nets by attaching a GPS tracker with an auto-float element to the nets. 

-This is really a simple solution to a very big problem, said Ronny Opsjøn Langset. He was the Jury Leader for VG1 and is Yard Director at Vard Langsten.

-It's useful for both private individuals and the industry, and it can definitely be realized, he concluded. 

 Power Screw from Midsund ungdomsskule won NOK 10 000 for their class fund with an innovative method to harness ocean energy while protecting marine life. Their idea involves attaching a large screw under bridges to capture tidal energy. This screw is placed between bridge pillars to avoid disrupting boat traffic. The captured energy is converted into electricity and transported to land for use in charging electric vehicles. 

The event at Vard Langsten was a remarkable showcase of young talent and innovation, promising a bright future for the maritime industry in Møre og Romsdal. 

Student Evening - Pizza and Possibilities

The local community matters to VARD. Getting involved is important. So is inspiring others to get involved. Last November, VARD hosted a Student Evening at Vard Søviknes, where 10th-grade students and their parents were invited to take part in an inspiring, hands-on introduction to career opportunities in vocational education and shipbuilding.

The event received an excellent response, with high interest and many registrations. Despite some sickness among the students, around 70 participants attended to learn more about the shipyard and the trades that shape the future of the maritime industry.

What teenager says no to pizza? The evening began with pizza for everyone and a warm welcome from Yard Director Arnt Inge Gjerde. He presented VARD and the opportunities in a way tailored to the students. Afterward, the participants put on coveralls and safety gear before setting off on an activity route on board VARD’s NB 982 for Norwind Offshore, and through the production areas. Along the way, enthusiastic employees acted as guides, while their apprentices welcomed the groups at each station. Here, they demonstrated and explained their trades in an engaging and interactive way.

Meanwhile, the parents stayed in the cafeteria, where they enjoyed coffee, biscuits, and valuable information from Production Manager Arve Krogsethagen and Supervisor Steffen Skaget. The Apprenticeship Office (Nåopp) was also present. They held an informative presentation about the apprenticeship system and the various pathways available to the students. When the students returned to the cafeteria, we shared photos from the activity route, announced the winners, and listened to an honest and inspiring talk about life as an apprentice by Petter Sønderland from Vard Electro.

In addition, employees from other VARD yards joined the event to observe and learn from the evening’s format. The Student Evening was a wonderful example of VARD’s core values in action – demonstrated through teamwork, enthusiasm, and pride in their craft.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Maritime Innovators

The organisers know that the ocean isn’t just a cool backdrop for an innovation camp. It’s a vast resource shaping both local identity and future opportunities. With its long coastline and maritime heritage, the business community in Møre og Romsdal is uniquely positioned to engage youth in thinking about sustainable ocean solutions.

Sources:

VARD

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