Keel-laying ceremony for Island Evolution

May 6 2025, we held the keel-laying ceremony for our new build, Island Evolution. Present in Braila were project manager Roy Viggo Fjørtoft, along with the construction supervision team and representatives from VARD Group. On the podium, you can see shipyard director Alina Puia, Vice President Project Management Per Ivar Willumsen from VARD Group, the project manager from the shipyard in Braila, Florinel Cotet, and our own Roy Viggo Fjørtoft.

After the speeches, three coins were placed in a box on the keel: a 50 bani coin (a Romanian coin), a "dime" from the shipping company, and a Norwegian coin from VARD Group, before the engraved lid was welded in place. A beautiful silhouette of the ship, crafted in stainless steel, was also presented as a gift from the shipyard.

The next milestone is July 1, when the steel cutting for the sister ship Island Explorer begins at VARD's shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.

Photos: VARD Group