Read all the latest news about Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal. ShippingWatch gives you independent, credible, critical and fair news
![Birgitte Ringstad[1].jpg](https://finanswatch.dk/incoming/article11018887.ece/ALTERNATES/e/Birgitte%20Ringstad%5B1%5D.jpg)
A surprisingly weak fourth quarter for dry bulk does not necessarily imply a weak 2019. Rather, the chief executives of Norwegian dry bulk carriers Golden Ocean and Klaveness eye a much stronger year ahead, they tell ShippingWatch.
Even though the dry bulk market has improved significantly since 2016, the level is still low, says Golden Ocean CEO Birgitte Vartdal in an interview with ShippingWatch. "We're experiencing a positive trend."
Dry bulk carrier Golden Ocean enters purchasing deals for a total 16 vessels in a transaction worth more than USD 400 million.
Norwegian dry bulk carrier Golden Ocean benefited from the rate hike in late 2016, and the company also managed to reduce its full-year deficit compared to 2015. CEO Birgitte Vartdal eyes signs of improvement in the strained dry bulk market.
A new CEO will not result in a new strategy, Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal tells ShippingWatch after serving close to 100 days as chief executive of Golden Ocean. "In the current market, it's all about being able to deliver" she says.
With professional experience from the financial markets and the electricity industry, the new CEO of Golden Ocean, Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, will take a more analytical approach to her job than her predecessor did, she tells ShippingWatch in an interview.
The board's decision to replace the Chief Executive of Golden Ocean came as a surprise to Herman Billung, who has held the position for 11 years. "Golden Ocean was my entire life," he tells ShippingWatch and reveals a glimpse of what the future holds in store.
Bunker Broker - Liberty Marine Fuels 
Rector for Marstal Navigation School
Experienced accountant for international shipping company
