About us
A zero emission shipping company
We aim to build and operate a diverse and unique portfolio of low- and zero emission vessels, covering coastal and short-sea routes to meet a global demand for emission free shipping. Our long-term ambition is scaling what we learn into developing low- and zero emission vessels also for deep sea shipping. In sum, our goal is contributing to transform shipping as we know it, into a non-emitting mode of transport.
Energy carriers and technology available enable zero emission vessels today. Limited fossil free fuel supplies support hybrid vessels with zero emission capabilities meaning once we want to fully transition the hybrid vessels into zero emission, they are ready.
We will always utilize the best choice of available energy carriers, including sustainable fuels on hybrid vessels.
Our portfolio of vessels already ranges from coastal bulk and Ro-Ro, with additional segments on the way.
We are based in Norway, and will grow our asset base over time, securing long-term charters for the entire portfolio, delivering an attractive investment case.
Management
CTO – Sigvald Breivik
Mr. Breivik brings invaluable experience from low- and zero emission vessel design, newbuilds and operations. He was instrumental in Norwegian company Norled getting their first hydrogen and battery driven ferries on the water, called MF Hydra and MF Ampere respectively. Mr. Breivik also built and operated LNG vessels.
Mr. Breivik is a technical director with more than 25 years of extensive experience in leading innovation, newbuilding, and modification projects within the maritime industry. He has extensive operational and management experience from the offshore rig owner and ship owner side. Mr. Breivik “knows the game” and has spent a great of deal of his career doing newbuilding contracts and securing delivery from yards.
More to what Topeka is doing precisely, Mr. Breivik has long been a forerunner and pioneer on zero emission solutions for vessels, having delivered emission free ships in previous positions, as mentioned from his time at Norled.
Through his many years in the industry, Mr. Breivik has built a solid and wide network of suppliers, designers, shipyards, and the shipping marked.
The board
Espen Gjerde
Chair
Has been Topeka board member since 2021. Espen is vice president strategy and M&A at the Wilhelmsen group. His education includes Master of Science, naval architect and marine technology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, as well as advanced program in corporate finance from the Norwegian School of Economics. Espen started his professional career with offshore operational work and has later gained substantial experience stretching well over a decade from investments into shipping, offshore and renewable energy.
Anlaug Haarbye
Board member
Has been Topeka board member since 2021. Anlaug is vice president reporting & control at the Wilhelmsen group, having worked at Wilhelmsen since 2009 and PwC as a director prior. Anlaug has her education from the University of Agder and Norwegian School of Economics, in addition to more than 35 years of experience within controlling, reporting and finance.
Company structure and ownership
Topeka is owned by the Wilhelmsen group, a 160-year-old Norwegian maritime industry company. With 15 000 employees in over 60 countries, covering over 2 200 ports around the world, the Wilhelmsen group has over half of the global merchant fleet on its client list and serves as a perfect platform for pushing Topeka into the market as a leader within zero emission shipping.
Topeka makes zero emission vessels available for the shipping industry. We are your strategic partner combining access to cargo owners, funds, ship building expertise, experience within various energy carriers, putting it all together so you can decarbonize without risk.
Wilhelmsen Group
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Our owners
The Wilhelmsen group
Founded in Norway in 1861, Wilhelmsen is now a comprehensive global maritime group.
Committed to shaping the maritime industry, through our market-leading products, services, and support, we also seek to develop new opportunities in renewables, zero-emission shipping, and marine digitalization. We take innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled customer experiences one step further.