Erlend Bertheussen has joined Maritime CleanTech as Project Manager, bringing a wealth of expertise in green fuel technology.
Erlend joined the team in May, when he moved from Denmark to his hometown Bergen. With a PhD and years of R&D experience under his belt, he is ready to put his technical background to use in realising clean maritime solutions.
His main focus initially will be the STEESMAT project, where he has already taken the reins as project coordinator. With €7.8 million in EU funding, STEESMAT aims to create a power system fit for the future fleet.
“We’re thrilled to have Erlend on board. His deep technical expertise and international R&D experience are already proving invaluable,” says Tore Boge, Head of EU Projects at Maritime CleanTech. ”Erlend brings both fresh perspectives, hands-on know-how and a positive can-do attitude – essential ingredients as we push the boundaries of maritime innovation.”
But let’s hear from the main person himself. We asked Erlend to tell us in his own words what brought him back to Bergen, what he’s working on, and what keeps him going.
What’s your background, and how did you end up with Maritime CleanTech?
I have a PhD within electrochemical energy conversion and a background in research and development within production and utilisation of green fuels and chemicals. I have worked with R&D projects from both EU and other funding sources, in all aspects of the project life cycle.
After many years living abroad in Denmark, my family and I took the decision to move back to Bergen. In MCT, I found a workplace that really suits my ambition to contribute to the green transition and working towards a sustainable future.
What is your current focus and what are you looking forward to in your new role?
My current main focus is on the Horizon Europe project STEESMAT, where I have taken over the coordination main responsibility. In addition, I am working to gain more insight into the maritime industry both in Norway and globally.
I am really looking forward to working with all the great people in Maritime CleanTech and STEESMAT, and to contribute to MCT’s work in supporting our partners to accelerate the green transition within the maritime industry.
What is STEESMAT about? What most interests you about the project?
STEESMAT is developing new DC-based electrical systems for ships, including novel components and advanced smart control, to facilitate effective integration of hybrid energy systems and reduce energy consumption.
I find it really interesting to work with leading partners both from industry, research and other sectors to take this technology close to commercialisation. It is also great to learn from all the experts in the consortium about these technologies that are outside of my core technical knowledge.
What next steps are you planning and what do you see as key to the success of the STEESMAT project going forward?
STEESMAT is currently in a very interesting phase where the main focus is on the development of individual components, models/simulations and control systems.
I think a key to project success is to ensure frequent dialogue, discussions and planning between all the highly skilled project partners, to also maintain focus on the overall system and project goals that will be achieved through system demonstrations in the latter phase of the project.
Finally, what is a “fun fact” about you?
I am interested in football and a fan of the local club from Bergen, SK Brann. After many years of watching the matches alone on a laptop in our small apartment in Copenhagen, I am excited to be able to go to the stadium and share the ups and downs with all the other people there.