Shipbuilding on Norway’s West Coast
Building the
Future at Sea
A preeminent designer and shipbuilder of high-quality specialized vessels for the global market.
In a nutshell, VARD is a preeminent designer and shipbuilder of high-quality specialized vessels for the global market. We boast of more than 8,000 employees worldwide, and operate shipbuilding facilities at home in Norway, as well as in Romania, Brazil, and Vietnam. Our headquarters are located in Ålesund on Norway’s stunning west coast, a city famous for its Art Nouveau architecture.
People Matter Most
At VARD, people are at the heart of everything. VARD’s commitment to its employees is clear: nurture talent, embrace diversity, and create opportunities for everyone to grow.
Martin Ingjerd
From managing interiors to leading entire ship deliveries, Martin Ingjerd’s eight-year journey at VARD is one of growth, teamwork, and leadership. Starting as a Project Manager, he’s now Vice President overseeing multiple projects including delivery of three vessels.
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Torkild Skjong
Right outside of Ålesund, on the idyllic Norwegian island of Giske, resides a Concept Designer whose life intertwines seamlessly with the maritime industry and the ocean. With 14 years at VARD, Torkild’s passion lies in sculpting client ideas into vessels.
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Gema Baldo Llorca
The Spanish security architect intertwines her passion for technology with scenic Norwegian fjords in her adopted home of Ålesund. Drawn to VARD’s cybersecurity challenge, she now protects systems and people from evolving cyber threats in the maritime industry.
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Arnt Inge Gjerde
At 18, Arnt Inge started as an apprentice in the industrial mechanic trade. Today he’s the Yard Director for both Vard Søviknes and Vard Brattvaag, having gained extensive experience through many areas of responsibility over the years.
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Odd-Einar Warholm
Odd-Einar knows the VARD journey intimately — starting as an apprentice in 1992, serving in the military, and returning to Søviknes in 1994. Now Department Manager Machinery, he leads 25 employees and embodies the principle: “Show interest in the craftsmanship.”
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Helene Aarøe
After ten years in Oslo, Helene and her family chose to move to Sunnmøre — a decision that was both personal and professional. With an HR background and a growing family, she’s now pursuing career growth as a Recruitment Specialist in her new region.
Read story →Shaping the Future of Maritime
Research and Innovation
VARD’s vision is to lead the green and technological transition in maritime operations through research and innovation.
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Cleaner Ships don’t Start at Sea
Sustainability is far from just a side project for VARD. The vessels they design and build are meant to help maritime operators run with lower environmental impact.
Read more →Values & Commitment
Our Values
Our values are not just words. They represent who we are as a company. They show we care deeply about our co-workers, our customers and the societies and communities in which we operate.
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Our Commitment
We strive to foster a sustainable and responsible business that adheres to the highest levels of safety and corporate governance, to protect the welfare of our stakeholders.
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VARD Champions the Next Generation
The future of maritime innovation begins with today’s young people. That’s why VARD is proud to support initiatives that spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving among young minds.
Where Ships Come to Life
VARD’s fully integrated value chain spans design, engineering, advanced marine electronics, and interiors — running seamlessly through our global network of yards.
Join VARD
VARD offers a wide range of career paths for people who want to build something real — and keep learning while they do it. Whether you’re starting out as an apprentice or student, or you’re an experienced professional, VARD works across the full shipbuilding value chain: from design and engineering to marine electronics, interiors, and support functions.
Just as importantly, they focus on creating a workplace where people thrive. VARD highlights well-being, a supportive and inclusive culture, and opportunities to develop over time — with room to grow, take on responsibility, and build strong teamwork across disciplines.
Your Moving Guide
Relocating to a new country raises many questions – big and small. Our Moving Guide gives you a clearer picture of what to expect when settling in Norway, especially in a smaller community along the coast.
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