Kleven Maritime AS

Kleven Maritime AS was a Norwegian shipbuilding company that primarily focused on the construction of offshore vessels, although it also ventured into the luxury yacht market. The company's history dates back to 1915, when Marius Kleven established a mechanical workshop and shipbuilding business in Ulsteinvik. Over the decades, Kleven grew significantly, evolving from a local boat builder into a major player in the global shipbuilding industry, particularly within the specialized offshore support vessel segment.

From the mid-20th century onwards, Kleven became known for building a range of vessels, including fishing boats, ferries, and eventually highly complex offshore vessels for the oil and gas industry. The company operated multiple shipyards in Norway, including the main facility in Ulsteinvik and others acquired over time, such as Myklebust Verft. This expansion allowed Kleven to increase its production capacity and diversify its offerings.

In the luxury yacht sector, Kleven constructed a limited number of large, custom-built explorer yachts. These projects showcased the shipyard's capability to adapt its expertise in building robust commercial vessels to the demanding requirements of the superyacht market. The construction of these yachts often involved significant collaboration with external design firms and naval architects.

During various periods, Kleven Maritime experienced ownership changes and financial restructuring. In 2017, the company faced significant financial challenges, leading to a period of instability. In 2018, Hurtigruten Group acquired ownership stakes in Kleven Verft. Later, in 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy, and its assets, including the shipyard facilities, were subsequently acquired by a new entity, Green Yard Kleven, marking the end of Kleven Maritime AS as an independent shipbuilding company. The yard continues to operate under new ownership and management.