Page 41: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Mar/Apr 2026)

40 42

for you," Per says. "But you don't build a country on capi- his frst boat—and create further value.

tal gains alone. If anything is to happen in a small coastal Today, the empire he has built is worth billions. How community like ours, it is our responsibility as business did he actually achieve it—beyond a willpower like few leaders to ensure that employees have a meaningful life others, a relentless drive, and an exceptional resilience in outside of working hours. We want to help build a com- the face of adversity?

munity so attractive that it draws in the best talent." "With my limited formal education, I have always relied

Today, the coastal town of Fosnavåg boasts a world-class on having people around me who are smarter and more ca- concert hall, a four-star hotel with modern conference pable than myself. That is a prerequisite for the success of facilities, a water park, and a vibrant sports and cultural the team," Per says. "A leader who is afraid of having more scene. All of this was made possible by Per and other civ- skilled people in the system will always be a poor leader." ic-minded business leaders who have injected signifcant He adds: "Beyond that, you must have a moral standard capital—and a burning dedication—into the community. that ensures people can trust your word. You must never fall for the temptation of shortcuts for quick gains." "LIKE DRIVING A SCREW INTO CARD-

BOARD," THE DOCTOR SAID AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: BEING A

FELLOW HUMAN

Per is in his usual spot behind the desk, a fxture of his daily life since the Havila Group moved into "The Dia- "It is a law of life that the people you meet on the way mond" in 2011. Today, however, the computer monitor up are the same ones you meet on the way down," Per in front of him sits dark and disconnected. His hours here says. He falls silent for a moment, his gaze fxed on the are a fraction of what they were only a few years ago. In pale morning light beyond the panoramic window. “Being 2023, he underwent surgery for colon cancer, but a post- human is perhaps the most important foundation for lead- operative complication forced him back onto the operat- ership, but it is also one of the greatest challenges in the ing table. rush of daily life. When my time is up, I hope people are "The cancer itself was successfully treated, I think. But left with the impression that I behaved decently and with because it took too long to catch the complication, a sec- integrity. I hope they know I appreciated my employees ondary back injury set in that I still struggle with today. and that there was no hierarchy—that we were all on the

The doctors won't operate; they say it would be like trying same level." to drive a screw into cardboard," Per says bluntly. "I have to be honest—since my illness, I don’t have the same drive

ONE LAST THING...

I once had. It is only ftting that I 'sign out' now." The interview is winding down. Per will soon be head-

This realization led him to hand over the reins of his ing home to his wife and his traditional lunch of butter life’s work to the next generation in December 2025. By and jam sandwiches, but before we say our goodbyes, we the spring of 2026, he will have stepped back completely. ask: "Is there anything else you would like to share?"

When asked if it will be easy to refrain from interfering in He thinks for a moment, smiles, and says: "No, I think operations, Per replies: "The risk is defnitely there. At the you’ve covered the essentials of my working life” same time, I am well aware that I must try to live up to "What about your personal life?" we venture.

the expectation that I’ll let my children make the decisions "No, not really, because..." He catches himself. "It is, of from now on." course, a great joy to have become a great-grandfather." "But I’d still like to know what’s going on," he adds wryly. He smiles broadly. "To a little girl named Lydia. They are in New Zealand at the moment. We just got a picture

ON PEOPLE AND PRINCIPLES of her — she’s already got two teeth and everything."

Per has no hobbies; for as long as he can remember, his Per laughs now — he is the type of person who laughs work has been all-consuming. His course was set at the out of pure joy — before proudly adding that he is also age of twelve when he took his frst job as a small-boat blessed with eight grandchildren, most of whom live near- fsherman, spending his youth alternating daily between by. As I leave his offce, it strikes us that we now know the classroom and the sea. With his earnings, he bought exactly how Per intends to spend his retirement.

MARCH/APRIL 2026 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 41