“I had nine wonderful years in the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) before I became ill. The illness and the challenges it presents suggest that the time has come to resign. It has been a privilege to lead and represent the NMA. I have enjoyed learning something new every day. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I would like to say thank you for the cooperation,” says Olav Akselsen.

Akselsen became Director General of Shipping and Navigation in January 2010. Before this appointment, he had been a member of the Storting for several years, including a period as Minister of Petroleum and Energy.  At the NMA, Akselsen has become known as a prominent leader showing genuine care for his colleagues. He has worked actively to promote Norway as a flag State and make the NMA an attractive partner.

“I would like to thank Akselsen for the important work he has done over many years,” says Minister of Trade and Industry, Iselin Nybø. Akselsen has had a vital role in developing the Norwegian Maritime Authority into a modern organisation with a key role in the development of the maritime cluster, both in Norway and abroad.

“As a leader and colleague, Olav has been respected by everyone in the NMA and in the maritime industry. He has left a mark, both internally in the organisation and externally. We would have loved for his time in the NMA to last as long as intended. However, we understand that the health issues are demanding, and we send Olav our best wishes for the future,” says Acting Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Lars Alvestad.

Alvestad, who has been acting leader of the NMA for the last two years, will continue in this role until a new leader of the NMA is appointed. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries will initiate this process in the near future.

“It is time to thank everyone who has been on this journey with me, especially the management team, lead by Lars Alvestad, that has navigated the ship excellently during the last two years. Moreover, I want to thank my wonderful colleagues in the NMA. I would like to thank everyone I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with over the last years; representatives from shipping companies, professional organisations and unions. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Finally, I would like to send my best wishes for the future. It has been a real pleasure and a great privilege to be a part of it all,” Akselsen concludes.