Page 20: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2026)

MARITIME PIONEER

This realization led him to hand over the reins of his life’s work to the next generation in December 2025. By the spring of 2026, he will have stepped back completely. When asked if it will be easy to refrain from interfering in operations, Per replies: “The risk is de? nitely there. At the same time, I am well aware that I must try to live up to the expectation that I’ll let my children make the decisions from now on.” “But I’d still like to know what’s going on,” he adds wryly.

On People and Principles

Per has no hobbies; for as long as he can remember, his work has been all-consuming. His course was set at the age of twelve when he took his ? rst job as a small-boat ? sherman, spending his youth alternating daily between the classroom and the sea. With his earnings, he bought his ? rst boat—and create further value.

Today, the empire he has built is worth billions. How did he actually achieve it—beyond a willpower like few others, a relent- less drive, and an exceptional resilience in the face of adversity?

“With my limited formal education, I have always relied on having people around me who are smarter and more ca- pable than myself. That is a prerequisite for the success of the team,” Per says. “A leader who is afraid of having more skilled people in the system will always be a poor leader.”

He adds: “Beyond that, you must have a moral standard that ensures people can trust your word. You must never fall for

Passing the torch: Per Sævik with the temptation of shortcuts for quick gains.” his children, who are now taking the helm of his life’s work. From left:

And most importantly:

Vegard Sævik, Hege Sævik Rabben,

Being a fellow human “It is a law of life that the people you meet on the way up are

Per Sævik, and Njål Sævik.

Image courtesy Elias Reite the same ones you meet on the way down,” Per says. He falls "I just wanted to see if I could do it": This quote and a photo of Per as a teenager hang on the wall at the Havila headquarters.

Source: Private 20 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • June 2026

MR #6 (18-33).indd 20 MR #6 (18-33).indd 20 5/28/2026 9:36:47 AM5/28/2026 9:36:47 AM