North Star, a well-known UK operator of hybrid service operation vessels (SOVs), has recently appointed Bruno Bartel as its new European renewables lead. Bartel, with almost nine years of experience in vessel chartering in Germany, is now based in Hamburg and will be responsible for expanding the company’s offshore wind operations across Europe.
Bartel’s background includes working at an offshore wind brokerage firm in Hamburg and collaborating with various family-owned shipping companies in the city. He holds a B.Sc. in Shipping from London Metropolitan University and an LL.M. in International Maritime Law from Swansea University.
In his new position, Bartel will act as the primary contact for North Star’s European clients beyond UK waters, aiming to capitalize on the growing offshore wind market. Additionally, he will be involved in supporting the company’s HR initiatives for local recruitment.
Matthew Gordon, the CEO of North Star, has expressed full confidence in Bartel’s capabilities to drive the company’s expansion in Europe. Gordon mentioned, “His extensive maritime background and expertise in the chartering sector will be crucial as we strive to add 40 hybrid SOVs to our fleet by 2040.”
Earlier this year, North Star secured a contract to build its first SOV, which will be deployed at EnBW’s He Dreiht wind farm offshore Germany. The operations are scheduled to commence by the end of next year.
Excited about his new role, Bartel stated that he is eager to strengthen North Star’s presence in continental Europe and collaborate closely with clients and partners to help them achieve their objectives.
Since entering the SOV market in 2021, North Star has been actively developing a fleet of eight top-performing offshore wind vessels, with additional vessels currently under construction.
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