GOT was founded in 2017, but through key acquisitions we have inherited a legacy that stretches back more than seven decades. Our story is one of dedication, craftsmanship, and the strong maritime traditions we are proud to carry forward.

Our roots go back to 1948, when Toralf Westermoen founded a shipbuilding company in Mandal. This marked the beginning of a proud era of Norwegian vessel building. Over the years, countless wood, steel and now aluminium vessels were built here, with the same commitment to quality and experienced craftsmanship.

From the 1950s through the late 1970s, our shipyards played an important role in defense vessel production. A total of 59 wood and steel vessels were constructed. We became known for building MTBs (Motor Torpedo Boats), minesweepers, and high-speed transport vessels for the Swedish Navy, as well as MTBs for the Royal Norwegian Navy, including the legendary MTB Nasty.

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Our expertise reached far beyond Norway’s borders, delivering two Nasty vessels to the German Navy, fourteen to the US Navy, and six to the Greek Navy.

The foundations were laid by Einar Øgrey in 1955, when he moved into a set of temporary barracks at Andøya and gradually built up a mechanical workshop that would later become one of the largest in Southern Norway. The dry dock we operate today was completed in its first version in 1974. In the 1980s, the large workshop hall was relocated here from the renowned Götaverftet shipyard in Sweden. The area remains a vibrant maritime hub with industrial traditions (Bredalsholmen) reaching back as far as the 1870s.

In 2000, Vinje Industri was founded by Jostein Hauge and has since grown into a respected global supplier with more than 380 employees and projects worldwide. Founder Jostein Hauge remains actively involved and is often seen out in the field as part of the team, leading by example.

In 2016, key members of Vinje Industri stepped ashore from the maritime and oil & gas segment to pursue a new chapters on land.

In 2023, we launched Windport as a dedicated subsidiary, marking a strategic move into the offshore wind sector. Building on decades of maritime and industrial expertise, this step expanded our footprint into renewable infrastructure and reinforced our commitment to the energy transition and long-term value creation for the region.

Throughout the decades, across the many companies and owners, one thing has remained constant: the quality of our people and their hands-on experience. This enduring craftsmanship and commitment is the tradition that we continue to build upon today.