“To be nominated, the ship must be delivered during 2012, but the degree of innovation is the main criterion to win the the award,” says Asle Strønen, member of the jury.

The purpose of the Award is to honour innovation and development in ship building, operation and ownership, and to contribute to positive attention nationally and internationally in an industry that is very important for Norway as a nation.

The other two nominees are MS Stavangerfjord from Bergen Group and MS Far Solitaire from STX OSV, and the winner will be announced on the maritime trade fair SMM in Hamburg in September.