Naval architecture and marine engineering firm Foreship has appointed Benjamin Sward as president of Foreship LLC, the company’s arm in the United States, to replace outgoing president Marcus Höglund who has returned to Foreship’s headquarters in Finland
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Mr Sward will take responsibility for the company’s US activities, their growth and pursue opportunities in the commercial shipping and offshore sectors. He will also have oversight of the company’s operations in Seattle, Washington.
Mr Sward will also join Foreship’s steering group, the team of six top level managers responsible for company strategy.
Much of the focus will remain on Foreship’s role in the cruise sector, where it recently launched its four-step ship response service Project Hygiea covering interception, prevention, mitigation and evacuation for ships at risk from Covid-19 and other pathogens.
Foreship is seeking to expand its role in the US as a centre for expertise in energy efficiency and sustainable energy sources, and diversifying into more commercial and offshore projects.
Mr Sward previously worked for Foreship as a naval architect and project manager between 2015-2018 and led a variety of upgrade projects for high-profile cruise clients including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises.
From 2018 he worked as engineering manager for PaR Marine, a Georgia-based company specialising in mission-critical machinery engineering for US Navy ships where he led the team of engineers that designed and installed the first electric aircraft elevator in US naval history.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Sward said “Taking the opportunity to lead and grow an engineering department, and being part of the important work with the US Navy was very appealing to me but I am delighted to come back to Foreship to work with some of the best naval architecture and marine engineering minds in the business
“Obviously, Covid-19 has disrupted the business world in 2020, but I look forward to meeting the challenges we face working alongside my friends and colleagues at Foreship.”
Foreship chief executive Lauri Haavisto said “We are delighted to welcome him back and offer him the opportunity to help shape Foreship’s business and the new generation of naval architects and marine engineers who will reinforce our presence in the United States.”
Riviera is hosting a week of free to attend 45-minute webinars focused on passenger shipping commencing 21 September. Register your interest now
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.