Flying High: Norway's Leading Role in Global Shipping

Geir Bjørkeli began his career as a sweeper in a factory in Os, outside Bergen, Norway. After decades in the shipping and maritime industry, he is clear about what fascinates him the most. 

– The world is the workplace. Despite significant cultural differences, we speak the same language, says Bjørkeli, emphasising the importance of shipping to Norway. 

– This is one of the few industries globally where our country matters. Norway is a superpower in shipping, he adds. 

The 52-year-old began working in the industry in the 1990s, and although ships and technology have made significant advances, much remains the same. 

– It is still a conservative place, and the importance of personal relationships is just as strong today as it was then, he says. 

The Oslo Opera House: An iconic building reflecting Norway's international presence in both culture and business. Photo: Jan Morten Bjørnsen 

Trust is the recipe for success. 

Norway’s maritime industry grew from a long coastline, skilled sailors, and raw materials that needed transporting to the continent. At the same time, Norway had a low-cost level. However, this is not what has maintained Norway’s position as a world leader in industrial shipping. 

The cost level is no longer low, but fortunately, trust is high. This is one of Norway’s greatest advantages, according to Bjørkeli. The Norwegian maritime industry has also always been innovative, he believes. And that is what it takes to succeed: Delivering superior products and services. 

– Shipping is trust-based. Personal relationships are important. In Norway, we trust each other. Internationally, we have a good reputation for being honest. This is a great advantage and something you can’t always take for granted abroad. 

Geir Bjørkeli believes the Norwegian maritime industry has been strong in innovation and new thinking. He says it is necessary to continue with this to maintain Norway’s status in the face of greater international competition. Photo: Jan Morten Bjørnsen 

Experienced a different kind of authority.

Norway has a long and proud tradition in the maritime sector. However, it is advantageous to venture out into the world if you want to succeed, and at 29 years old, Geir Bjørkeli moved to South Korea. 

There he started as a technical manager at Rolls-Royce Marine before becoming the Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Marine in Japan, where he lived for two years. 

The plan was to stay for a few months, but Bjørkeli ended up spending eight years in the two countries, which together account for over 40 per cent of the world’s shipbuilding. This became a learning experience. 

– As a leader, I had authority and power that Norwegian leaders have little experience with. What you say happens, he explains. 

Bjørkeli had to adapt to the local culture while trying to implement Norwegian values. 

– We respect local customs and combine them with what we believe is good leadership, such as giving a lot of responsibility and the opportunity to express one’s opinions. 

Geir Bjørkeli says that it was sometimes challenging to be a leader in South Korea and Japan. It was not always easy to implement “freedom with responsibility,” which is somewhat typical of Nordic countries. Photo: Jan Morten Bjørnsen 

Striving for a professional mastery 

After eight years in East Asia, it was time to move back to Norway. Bjørkeli felt he had been there long enough that he had to decide. 

– I thought, if I stay here any longer now, I’ll be here for my entire career. If not my entire life, he says with a laugh. 

The decision was to return to Norway to start what he calls adult life. He brought with him international experience that few others could match. Nevertheless, he felt the need to formalise and build on the practical experience. 

– I like sales and management, and I had a great interest in business. There was nothing wrong with my practical experience, but I saw that it would be useful to put that experience into a more academic context, says Bjørkeli. 

His career had moved very quickly from classic technical work to sales and management. Bjørkeli wanted to learn more, especially in economics, business, and management. 

– I wanted to learn business properly and not just be a half-educated rogue. I knew a lot, but at the same time, I saw the need to formalise my competence and organise it systematically. 

Geir Bjørkeli studied mechanical engineering at Bergen University College. He also had a lot of practical experience with sales, management, and business development. At BI Norwegian Business School, he built upon and developed this experience with an Executive MBA degree. 

– We can't afford to rely on past achievements  

In the autumn of 2009, he began an Executive MBA at BI Norwegian Business School. The combination of his engineering expertise, sales experience, and newly acquired business education formed a powerful blend that truly made a difference.[JM1] 

– I had a lot of hands-on experience in management and finance, but I realised it would be helpful to get a formal degree. It wasn’t just about learning new things — it was also about exploring what I already knew and doing that alongside other professionals.

When Bjørkeli looks back on his time at BI, there is one thing he particularly appreciates: his fellow students. He is still in touch with several of them. 

– There were many different people with various backgrounds and from different countries. It was very interesting to learn from each other. It was just as important as the lectures, he says. 

Today, Bjørkeli works with a wide range of companies, also as a board member. He is still in the maritime industry but is much closer to technology and innovation. 

– If Norway is to continue to maintain its position as a superpower in shipping and maritime, the pace of innovation must continue. We can’t afford to rely on past achievements and take it for granted that we will maintain our position, says Bjørkeli.