History

Originated in 1848.

Building on more than 175 years of experience with wind, floating structures and various marine and other operations.

The origin of Fred. Olsen & Co. dates back to 1848 when the Fred. Olsen family first entered the ship owning business. Whilst some Fred. Olsen-related ac­tivities come from investments initiated by Bonheur, others are and remain private - but they all stem from the initial private entrepreneurship back in 1848

 

Over the years, related companies have diversified into other activities, from aviation to shipbuilding, oil and gas exploration and development services. Today energy-related investments are focused on renewable energy and the development of a strong eco-system of renewable energy related companies.

1848

image from 1848

Family shipping business is founded in Hvitsten, Norway

Frederik Christian Olsen acquires the schooner Johanna Christine.

1897

image from 1897

First steamship in fleet

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

1912

image from 1912

Early passenger services

The luxuriously fitted Bessheim enters service on The Newcastle line.

1914

image from 1914

Enters shipbuilding

Aker Yard

1914

image from 1914

First motorship in fleet

Brazil

1920

image from 1920

Bonheur listed on Oslo Stock Exchange

1929

image from 1929

First motor tanker in fleet

Borgny II

1935

image from 1935

Commercial aviation

Fred. Olsen & Co. enters commercial aviation.

1967

image from 1967

Drilship

Enter offshore drilling

1987

image from 1987

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

The Black Prince is converted to a dedicated cruise ship.

1992

image from 1992

Enters renewables

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

2009

image from 2009

Wind turbine services

Acquires a major stake in Global Wind Service.

2019

image from 2019

Offshore wind logistics

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

2021

image from 2021

Floating solar power

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

2021

image from 2021

Offshore wind developer

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

2021

image from 2021

Technologies for tomorrow's sustainable energy solutions

Fred. Olsen 1848 established.