Seatrade Cruise proudly names renowned entrepreneur Birgit Liodden its Sustainability Ambassador

‘I’m so excited and happy to be onboard as Cruise Sustainability Ambassador, as I see such amazing opportunities for inspiring the next waves of change within global cruise,’ she stated. ‘There are huge potentials onwards in power-coupling sustainable solutions by innovators with gaps and critical needs among cruise corporations.’ 

Liodden is a serial entrepreneur who is the founder and ‘Chief Mermaid’ of The Ocean Opportunity Lab (TOOL), a global tech platform and ecosystem for innovators within ocean & renewable energy. TOOL, established in 2019, launched the world's first interactive map and resource matching site connecting innovators across startups and established industries. 

Protecting the planet 

Asked what led to her deep interest in sustainability issues, the first ever female entrepreneur to be ranked among global shipping´s 100 most influential individuals, and Top 10 technology leaders, responded, ‘Growing up in Norway means growing up outside, forming a deeper connectivity and responsibility feeling for the natural ecosystems we´re all part of and depend on. I also lived on a houseboat for five years, and spent much of my time on, in and near the ocean so for me it's about protecting what's close to me.’ 

In order to achieve this, Liodden turned to technology and innovation, ‘Working within the sustainable innovation field for almost two decades is a passion for me because I think the business sectors are the most efficient tool for building back better. I see huge business opportunities for the maritime world to build future-proof industries in a way that better resonates with preventing, tackling and solving society & planetary problems.’

Related:Seatrade names JAG Hospitality Director Jason Gelineau its Guest Experience Ambassador

For the cruise industry, ‘healthy ocean & destination ecosystems will create better experiences for cruise passengers, and more robust business cases,’ stated Liodden. 

At the forefront

Liodden is known for her long term commitment to drive change and was the first leader to front #Metoo in global shipping. The high level events she has chaired includes Barack Obama at Oslo Business Forum, NASDAQ's first ESG Summit and the United Nations Environmental Assembly #ActForNature.

In 2011, she founded YoungShip International - the world's largest NGO for young professionals in maritime and offshore. In the same year, she designed and launched the first global maritime entrepreneur award, and the first mentor program for women in maritime - both still operating with success. 

She became the first ever female director of a global maritime expo, at the age of 32. 

Ambitions at Seatrade Cruise 

Quizzed on what she hopes to bring to the post at Seatrade Cruise, the serial entrepreneur, professional board member & former executive replied, ‘As cruise is the most people-facing segment in the maritime world, we have great opportunities when it comes to exploring both low-hanging fruits and more complex issues towards a emission-free and waste-free future, that holds the potential for solve practical challenges in parallel with changing the public image of cruise, and attract a new generation of guests as well as talents. 

‘In my role I hope to support the industry as a bridge between their current unresolved pain points, and a global pipeline of innovators that can help bring new solutions and perspectives.

‘With TOOL´s global mapping initiatives of Cruise Pioneers and Cruise Innovators, we´re continuously expanding the overviews of pioneering initiatives among cruise corporations - in parallel with the growing pipeline of entrepreneurial solutions that should be considered by cruise lines eager to accelerate their transition towards the future.’ 

She will also work closely with Safety & Sustainability Ambassador John Sifling on developing and growing sustainability content. 

Liodden serves as board member of TECO2030, Bellona Foundation, Excess Engineering, Kuniko (ASX), Arab-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce and TheFactory.  

She is co-chair of 1000 Ocean Startups, WG Diversifying the Ecosystem, and advisor to the Southern Africa Norway Association, SHE Conference and Maritime SheEO.