The Mission
“The aim of the Draken Harald Hårfagre project is to explore the world and embrace the Viking spirit – to look beyond the horizon and seek adventure and to inspire people to take on challenges.”
Sigurd Aase, owner and the man behind the project.
Sigurd Aase
The Story
In 2008 the building of Draken Harald Hårfagre was initiated by the Norwegian entrepreneur Sigurd Aase. Being a man with a strong mind he persuaded the most reputable ship builders and historians in Scandinavia to start the project of creating a really seaworthy Viking ship, much larger than the ones found in excavations.
It all started with a strong interest in history and led to construction of the largest Viking ship ever built in modern times.
Sigurd Aase is from Haugesund, Norway – the homeland of the Viking kings and the homeport of Draken Harald Hårfagre. Being an entrepreneur and curator of this project he is a modern Viking. A project that now recreates the journeys of his ancestors to Vinland, the Viking name of the north western parts of North America.
Ocean Explorers
Vikings were pioneers in the science of oceanography. The Draken continue that legacy by exploring the oceans to inspire and educate people about the ocean as the foundation for life and a healthy planet.
IN COLLABORATION WITH RESEARCHERS
In 2018 the Draken started a collaboration with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California. The mission is to collect microplastic samples to help researchers to get a better understanding of microplastic distribution.
A SYMBOL FOR SUBSTAINABLE OCEANS
Draken is also a symbol for the Norwegian government´s Sustainable Ocean initiative. The aim is to further strengthen collaborations with ocean focused scientists, governments, NGOs, and local communities.
The Draken support the UN´s sustainable development goal Nr14 – Life Below Water
