New Year Reflections from Björn Stenwall, CEO of ALMACO 

As 2025 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved but also on the journey that brought us here. This year has been one of transformation, growth, and resilience — for ALMACO and for the entire maritime industry. And as we look toward 2026, I want to share a story of progress, innovation, and the people who make it all possible.

2025: A Year of Deliveries and New Horizons

Looking at 2025, we didn’t just deliver projects; we delivered quality, reliability, and solutions that shape how people travel, live and work at sea.

• Luxury at Sea: Our catering solutions set new standards aboard some of the most anticipated cruise ships in the world. From the Ritz-Carlton Luminara to MSC World America, Mein Schiff Relax, and Star of the Seas, we helped create culinary and technical environments that match the elegance and comfort passengers expect.  

• Engineering Excellence: On the EPC side, we completed major undertakings like the Allure of the Seas modernization and a large-scale hotel area conversion in Germany — a project that will soon welcome guests under a globally recognized brand. We also advanced a confidential offshore modernization project in Nigeria, reinforcing our expertise in challenging environments. 

• Polar Ambitions: This year marked the official start of the Polar Max icebreaker project with Davie Shipbuilding — a milestone that positions ALMACO at the forefront of Arctic-ready solutions. 

• Lifecycle Services (LCS): Our LCS team delivered upgrades for several Norwegian Cruise Line ships, MV Africa Mercy, Pride of America, and Solstice to name a few. These projects highlight a growing trend: lifecycle contracts as well as refrigeration and catering area upgrades are becoming a core business for us, as operators seek efficiency, operational reliability, and compliance with evolving sustainability standards. 

Market Insights: Where We Are Headed 

The maritime industry is changing — fast. Sustainability, digital tools, and new routes are shaping our future. I’m excited that ALMACO is not just keeping up, but leading the way with green technology, smart solutions, and strong partnerships . 

• Cruise Market Evolution: Passenger expectations are shifting toward sustainability, flexibility, and premium experiences, fueling modernization projects across the fleet. 

• Arctic & Offshore Growth: Polar routes and offshore energy projects are driving demand for robust, comfortable living solutions in extreme conditions — areas where ALMACO excels. 

• Digital Lifecycle Management: Predictive maintenance and smart monitoring are becoming standard. Our integrated digital tools help clients reduce downtime and optimize performance. 

• Green Technologies: Shipowners are investing in energy-efficient systems and modular solutions. Our innovations in catering, laundry and accommodation align perfectly with this trend. 

Looking Ahead to 2026 

As we move into 2026, I feel confident because I know we have the right people and the right spirit. Our focus will stay on innovations, quality, and on delivering complex projects with excellence that exceeds our customers expectations. With our global footprint and local partnerships, 2026 promises to be one of our most interesting years yet.

To every customer, partner, supplier, and colleague: thank you for your trust, your ideas, and your teamwork. I am grateful for each of you, and I look forward to what we’ll achieve together next year. 

Wishing you safe seas, happy holidays, and a bright 2026. 
 

Björn Stenwall 
President & CEO, ALMACO Group

For more information, contact

Björn Stenwall

President & CEO

+358 400 827 302

[email protected]