Frydenbø Marine, a prominent Norwegian group established in 1916, employs around 1,000 people and reported revenues of approximately €375 million in 2023. This diversified company not only engages in automotive and real estate ventures but also thrives in the production of boats and industrial vessels, including advanced propulsion systems. A significant part of their boat manufacturing includes the Nordkapp and Sting brands. We had the opportunity to speak with Mats Hjørnevik, the marketing director at Frydenbø Marine, to delve deeper into the Nordkapp brand.
While Nordkapp boats have been a symbol of quality in Norway, they are produced in Poland at the Mirage Boats factory in Augustów since 1999. In 2021, Frydenbø Marine acquired this facility, dedicating it to exclusively build Nordkapp and Sting boats. This acquisition has allowed them to streamline their operations and focus on producing about 650 boats annually, although their capacity reaches up to 1,100 boats under full production.
Sting, their secondary brand, is known for its versatile boats often used for fishing. These boats feature simpler constructions compared to the deep V-hulls characteristic of Nordkapp boats, which are celebrated for their outstanding navigational performance. Despite Nordkapp’s strong reputation in Norway, Hjørnevik acknowledges the challenges of enhancing brand recognition internationally. His role involves strategic marketing to align international perceptions with the brand’s high standards of quality and performance.
Frydenbø's strategy for growth includes the continuous introduction of innovative models, such as the recent Airborne series, which has garnered attention for its unique semi-rigid design tailored for the Mediterranean market. This design features asymmetrical floats that prevent submersion when the boat is stationary, reducing drag and enhancing stability.
Moreover, Frydenbø Marine has established a strong partnership with Mercury for engine supply, ensuring their boats are equipped with high-performance, reliable motors that complement their design ethos. This collaboration highlights their commitment to delivering boats that perform exceptionally under various conditions, from the challenging waters of Scandinavia to the calm Mediterranean seas.
Hjørnevik also discussed the design philosophy at Nordkapp, emphasizing the need for hulls that can handle Scandinavia's often tough maritime conditions while ensuring stability for leisure activities, such as anchoring off the coast of Cannes. This meticulous attention to design and performance underpins Nordkapp’s reputation for quality and reliability, making each model not just a boat but a testament to superior maritime engineering and design.
With distributors in strategic locations like Arcachon and La Rochelle, and agents like Kévin Pittet in the Alpes-Maritimes, Nordkapp is poised to enhance its visibility and appeal in the global boating market, combining robust design with innovative maritime technology and strategic partnerships.
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