When Antti Aapro joined Norsepower in August 2022, he stepped into a company on the cusp of transformation. With a background in industrial project management, he was no stranger to managing large-scale, complex technical operations, but Norsepower offered a different kind of challenge. Today, as Chief Product Officer (CPO), Antti is at the forefront of one of the company's most critical initiatives—establishing and scaling up the world’s first dedicated rotor sail manufacturing plant.

"When I came on board, Norsepower was growing fast, and the need for more structured project management was clear,” Antti reflects. “Back then, we had only a couple of project managers, but the demand for Norsepower Rotor Sails™ was skyrocketing. I stepped into overseeing project operations quite organically, which eventually led me to the CPO role I hold today. It’s been an exciting journey, growing alongside the company and witnessing first-hand how far we’ve come."

A dynamic role in global operations

Antti's role is multifaceted, with a significant focus on hands-on leadership, especially during the early stages of launching the new rotor sail factory. "Right now, my top priority is to get the factory fully operational. In the future, I’ll be looking more at the broader strategic development of our product operations. It’s incredibly rewarding work, but very hands-on at the moment," he shares. His prior experience as a project manager has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate both the technical and cultural nuances of Norsepower’s international operations.

Reflecting on his time as Head of Delivery Projects, Antti emphasizes the importance of empowering his team. "Leadership experience has taught me the importance of giving people space to take ownership of their work while also ensuring no one gets overwhelmed," he reflects. "It’s all about keeping the team cohesive and making sure we move forward together."

Leading by example

One of Antti’s proudest achievements at Norsepower has been building and leading the project management team from the ground up. "When I started, many of the project managers hadn’t worked in the marine industry before, and some didn’t have extensive project management experience. But through mutual support and teamwork, we built a strong, capable team together," he explains. "Now, we have highly capable project managers who handle complex tasks with confidence."

Looking ahead, Antti is excited about what’s to come as Norsepower new rotor sail factory ramps up. "By early next year, when the factory is running smoothly, that’s going to feel like a major milestone for all of us," he adds.

Bridging Cultures and Breaking Boundaries

One of the more challenging but rewarding aspects of Antti’s role is working across different cultures, particularly between Europe and Asia. "There’s always something new to learn when you’re working on a global scale with an international team," he shares. "You have to communicate clearly and simply to make sure things run smoothly across different cultures. It can be tricky, especially when the working culture is very different between two countries. But that’s also what makes it interesting."

When it comes to leadership, Antti has learned that patience and persistence are the most valuable skills for any leader. "It’s important to give people the freedom to make mistakes because that’s how they grow. Challenges might seem overwhelming at first, but by breaking them down step by step, they become manageable. The key is to never give up, even when things get tough."

Tips for future leaders

For anyone considering a leadership role, Antti recommends thinking broadly about the company’s overall mission. " Think about the bigger picture—how does your work fit into the company’s long-term goals? It’s not just about focusing on your immediate responsibilities." He also emphasizes the importance of supporting your colleagues and fostering a culture of collaboration. " At Norsepower, we don’t have a ‘that’s not my job’ mentality. Everyone is willing to step up and help each other."

For those considering a career in cleantech or the maritime industry, Antti sees tremendous potential. "Cleantech in maritime is just getting started, and the possibilities are endless. The maritime industry is conservative, but it’s evolving. Shipping isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and that’s where the opportunity lies. We’re at the start of something big, and it’s exciting to be part of it."

From grooming to blooming