When Riku Hörkkö joined Norsepower in January 2022, he stepped into a role that was both technical and hands-on—a perfect fit for his background in mechatronics and his drive to make a tangible impact. Now a Junior Sales Engineer, Riku plays a crucial role in assessing how Norsepower’s rotor sails can help clients across various global marine sectors achieve significant fuel savings.

"My work includes calculating potential fuel savings with rotor sails and addressing technical challenges that clients bring to us," Riku explains. "Once a project moves from the planning phase to a signed contract, my role is complete. But every interaction, every calculation, adds to our knowledge base."

Gaining responsibility in a tight-knit team

Norsepower’s culture has allowed Riku to take on significant responsibilities from day one. “It’s very different from working at a large company. Here, we don’t have small, repetitive tasks, so the responsibilities I have are real,” Riku shares. One of his most notable projects involved optimizing route calculations, a process he automated to save substantial time and resources for the company. "It was rewarding to see how something I improved had a direct impact on efficiency," he says.

Alongside these technical projects, Riku is often the face of Norsepower at trade fairs, interacting directly with potential clients and explaining the mechanics and benefits of rotor sails. "It’s connecting with people like in student events. The trade fairs are bustling, and getting people genuinely interested in what we do feels familiar and fun," Riku reflects.

Steady learning in a supportive environment

Though the work is intensive, Norsepower’s team dynamic provides Riku with a valuable support network. "There’s no assigned mentor, but whenever I have a question, there’s always someone willing to help. My background isn’t specifically in marine engineering, so I’ve had to get up to speed with industry regulations and standards," he explains. This journey has introduced him to the complexities of shipbuilding, classification societies, and the regulatory landscape of maritime technology, expanding his skill set in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

Riku was initially attracted to Norsepower for the opportunity to be part of a growing company with an innovative product. The leap has been worth it: “It’s a smaller company, and that means you see the impact of your work very quickly. Suggestions don’t get lost in layers of management here—you can just walk over and discuss them with the leadership team.”

Making a meaningful contribution to a greener future

For Riku, being part of Norsepower is about more than selling a product; it’s about contributing to a sustainable future. "Shipping isn’t going away, but we can help reduce its environmental footprint. Knowing that our work is helping the planet feels great," he says. Working for a company that is actively contributing to the green transition has given him a strong sense of purpose, one that extends beyond profits and market share.

Looking forward: a future with Norsepower

As he contemplates the future, Riku sees himself at Norsepower for the foreseeable future. "The culture here fits so well, and I feel at home," he says. He appreciates the flexibility Norsepower offers, allowing him to balance work with his studies and interests. "The work is challenging but doesn’t consume my whole life. Whether I’m working full-time over the summer or part-time during the academic year, there’s a lot of trust and freedom."

As he moves forward, Riku is set to dive deeper into his field with plans for a master’s thesis that may lead him to the R&D side of the company. "I’d like to explore other areas eventually, maybe even design, but for now, I’m excited to continue learning and growing with Norsepower," he concludes.

In an industry where innovation and sustainability are paramount, Riku’s journey at Norsepower highlights the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and having a direct hand in shaping a greener future.