The new Northern Norwegian shipping company Agalas has hired an experienced commercial director: “This is a very exciting opportunity.”
Mads Malling brings extensive experience from the oil & gas and renewable industries, as he search for potential clients worldwide for Agalas, a Northern Norwegian shipping company positioning itself to excel in the ‘green transition’.
“I was intrigued by the opportunity to be a part of a new Norwegian offshore shipping company, where the owners have unique expertise both as managers and development of new ‘green’ vessels,” says Malling.
”Additionally, the timing, market and future prospects are perfect. With forward thinking and strong financial owners, this was a very exciting opportunity that I couldn’t turn down,” says Malling.
Mads Malling will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the newly established shipping company Agalas, starting February the 1st. The company was recently launched in December of 2022 and has ambitions to build vessels adapted for the rapidly-growing offshore wind market, as well as other offshore markets.
First under construction
The owners behind Agalas are NSK Ship Design, Ytterstad Fiskeriselskap and Kransvik Kystfiske – as well as Cecon Contracting, which will also be the company’s first client.
The first vessel is under construction at the Sefine shipyard in Turkey and will be completed by the first quarter of 2025. Options for a further vessels at the shipyard have already been secured by Agalas.
As the Chief Commercial Officer, Malling will actively work to find new clients and show them the variety of vessel design that Agalas has and will develop in the future.
“Agalas has the expertise and experience to develop and operate custom-made, efficient and environmentally friendly vessels. The combination of decades of experience in ship management and operation, as well as a world-leading in-house engineering environment, is truly unique. Furthermore, they have strong financial owners with the resources to bring new projects to life,” he adds.
Building on maritime DNA
Malling is a civil engineer with 20 years of experience across various industries throughout the value chain. His resume includes AF Decom Offshore, Uno Offshore, Daya Offshore Construction and Boa Offshore.
“The whole world is working towards this green transition. What makes us successful in Norway?”
“We have a long history of maritime expertise and understand the need to constantly renew and develop it. This allows us to design and build environmental-friendly, modern offshore vessels that are optimized to meet the market and customer’s needs. This has been in our DNA for many decades, from fishing to shipping via oil & gas and now offshore wind ,” says Malling.
The first vessel from Agalas will be used to lay communication cables – contributing to the green transition. It can operate on batteries and methanol, reducing emissions by up to 75 %.
Malling believes that the timing for such a Norwegian shipping company could not have been better.
“There will be a high demand for modern and environmentally-friendly vessels for offshore operations, including offshore wind, subsea, deep sea mining, and decommissioning. This, along with an industry with record low order-book and anticipation of green technological advances and shifting maritime needs, creates very exciting opportunities for Agalas”, says Malling.
However, the sales process will be a done in close dialouge with the clients. Their needs are unique and each vessel must be purpose build to fit to the market and clients requirement. Cooperation and close dialogue is the key for sucsess.
“The first ship will likely operate in the North Sea. The next could be in Europe, Americas, West Africa, or Asia,” says Malling.
The world, Oslo and Harstad
Malling will be based at Agalas’ district office in Oslo giving him proximity to brokers, the finance industry and clients based in the capital. At the same time, he expects regular trips north to Agalas’ headquarters in Harstsad.
“I expect to travel up north several times a month, and I am excited to embark on this fantastic Norwegian offshore adventure,” says Mads Malling.
Malling will take on this challenge alongside Mats Nygaard Johnsen, who will become the new CEO of Agalas.
Johnsen says this regarding the company’s latest recruitments:
“Agalas is very pleased with the appointment of Mads Malling. He brings strong industry experience and a large network in the offshore industry. Additionally, he is a very nice guy who has delivered impressive results previously.
”Together with our strong team, we believe we will realize Agalas’s ambitions in the green maritime industry, says Mats Nygaard Johnsen.
