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History

Originated in 1848.

Building on 175 years of experience with wind, floating structures and various marine and other operations, Bonheur is today invested in a diversified set of business segments through operating subsidiaries dedicated to innovation and excellence in operation.

Bonheur has focused its energy-related investments on renewable energy and has developed a strong eco-system of renewable energy related companies. Bonheur’s first renewable energy investment was made in 1996 and today, through subsidiaries, it owns (partly or in whole) a substantial portfolio of both operating wind farms and development projects mainly located in  the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Ireland.

Capitalizing on its vast experience from diversified marine operations and renewable energy, Bonheur’s activities have in later years expanded further into the offshore wind service industry where they through operating subsidiaries provide transportation, installation and maintenance services related to offshore wind turbines.

The latest activities are developments within technology and innovation in renewables aimed at developing cost-saving and efficient solutions to the industry’s challenges, as well as pursuing investment opportunities to strengthen existing businesses and expanding into new, but still related, business areas.

The cruise segment is offering an award-winning product with ships that are known as the friendliest fleet afloat.

Other investments include media and marketing covering publications and PR software services.

 

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Figureheads

The origins of shipboard ornamentation are lost in the mist of time. The ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago painted eyes on the prow of their boats to help the vessel steer a safe course when fog or lack of light made navigation difficult, as well as discourage evil spirits. Viking ships were equipped with the dragon heads for the same reasons. In the late 1500's Spanish warships came fitted with a stem head. As the stem head supported the bowsprit, there was room for particular form of ornamentation that which came to be known as the figurehead. The custom spread to merchant ships and figureheads came into their own in the age of the sailing vessel.

The ornamental figurehead disappeared at the turn of the 19th century, with the passing of the white sails and sailing vessels. In the latter half of the 1930's, Fred. Olsen & Co. reintroduced the figurehead to the modern Norwegian motor ship. When a figurehead was mounted on the bow if M/S Bayard (V) in 1936, she was the first motor-powered vessel in the world to carry one. Over the next thirty-five years, sixty-odd figureheads would be made by respected sculptors such as Emil Lie, Ørnulf Bast and Per Hurum for ships in the Fred. Olsen company fleet.

In 1970, Fred. Olsen & Co. commissioned its last figurehead as ships and ship bows now were generally too large to deem figureheads meaningful. Many of the figureheads are now displayed at Hvitsten on the Oslo fjord, accessible to the general public.

Timeline in years

1848

OK 002A Johanna Christine

Family shipping business is founded in Hvitsten, Norway

Frederik Christian Olsen acquires the schooner Johanna Christine.

1897

DS Bayard III

First steamship in fleet

Fred. Olsen's first steamship, The Bayard, is delivered from Nylands Verksted.

1912

Bessheim Newcastle Line

Early passenger services

The luxuriously fitted Bessheim enters service on The Newcastle line.

1914

1914 Akers Mek Verksted

Enters shipbuilding

Motivated by the need for tonnage, Fred. Olsen & Co. became the largest share holder in Akers Mekaniske Verksted shipyard.

1914

Brazil

First motorship in fleet

The emergence of diesel power at the start of the 20th century revolutionized shipping. The Brazil, delivered from Akers Mek. Verksted in 1914 became the first motorship.

1920

Kr.A Børs 100 Aars Jubilæum No Nb Digifoto 20160127 00276 NB NS 000440A

Bonheur listed on Oslo Stock Exchange

1929

1929 Borgny II

First motor tanker in fleet

The first motor tanker in the fleet – a 4100 dwt vessel called Borgny II.

1935

FOF Air Hostesses Cropped

Commercial aviation

Fred. Olsen & Co. enters commercial aviation.

1967

1967 Drilship

Enter offshore drilling

In 1967, Akers Mek. Verksted built Norway’s first semi-submersible drilling platform, the Ocean Viking, which became legendary in 1969 for striking oil for the first time under the North Sea.

1987

Black Prince OSA 117

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

The Black Prince is converted to a dedicated cruise ship.

1992

Brockloch Rig I

Enters renewables

First Fred. Olsen Renewables wind farm in the south of Scotland.

2009

Gwstimeline

Wind turbine services

Acquires a major stake in Global Wind Service.

2009

FOUD5896

Offshore wind installation

Fred. Olsen Windcarrier orders two specially designed vessels for installation of wind turbines offshore.

2019

Heavy Lift

Offshore wind logistics

Fred. Olsen Ocean acquires 50% of United Wind Logistics.

2021

Oceansun

Floating solar power

Floating solar power projects with the Solar Energy Institute of Singapore and Ocean Sun.

2021

Shutterstock 560974420

Offshore wind developer

Fred. Olsen Seawind is formed to invest in Offshore wind development.

2021

20220209 Mobile Fabrication Site Structure Changeout 0001

Technologies for tomorrow's sustainable energy solutions

Fred. Olsen 1848 established.