Leif-Christian Östergård appointed new CEO of Aboa Mare Ltd.

21.10.2026
Turku Maritime Technology Press release
Leif Christian Ostergard

Leif-Christian Östergård has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Aboa Mare Ltd, a provider of continuing education and training services for the international maritime industry.

Östergård is well acquainted with both the company’s operations and the maritime sector. In his new role, he aims to continue developing Aboa Mare Ltd together with its staff to meet the evolving competence needs of the shipping industry.

"Our personnel, our commitment to always keeping the customer in focus, and our cooperation with national and international partners are some of our greatest strengths. They will continue to be key drivers of our success in the future. By working closely with our customers, we can tailor the training they need, both today and tomorrow. Together with our partners, we can offer global training solutions that combine online learning, simulator-based training, and practical exercises. This enables course participants to develop their skills in a flexible and efficient way, regardless of where they are in the world," says Leif-Christian Östergård.

"Aboa Mare Ltd has developed strongly in recent years, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Leif-Christian, who has extensive knowledge of both the company’s operations and the market," says Örjan Andersson, Chair of the Board of Aboa Mare Ltd.

Östergård has extensive experience in the maritime sector. He began his career at sea as an able seaman and later served as a deck officer on RoRo vessels. After his seagoing career, he worked as a onboard training coordinator and has since been involved in maritime education, the sales and marketing of professional training courses, and business development. He holds a Bachelor of Maritime Management (UAS) qualification as Master Mariner and a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration. Most recently, Östergård has worked at Aboa Mare Ltd since 2025.

Aboa Mare Ltd provides simulator-based training as well as courses in alternative fuels and the IGF Code, BRM and ERM, the Polar Code, EcoTraining, sustainable development, and azimuthing propulsion. Its services are aimed at shipping companies, ports, shipyards, and other stakeholders within the maritime sector.

The maritime industry is undergoing rapid change driven by new technologies, alternative fuels, and increasing demands for safety, competence, and sustainability. At the same time, these developments are creating new opportunities for how and where maritime training can be delivered.

About Aboa Mare Ltd

  • Founded in 2005, Aboa Mare Ltd provides high-quality simulator-based maritime training as well as expert, research, and development services for the maritime sector.
  • The company is owned by Novia University of Applied Sciences Ltd (70%) and Axxell Training Ltd / Axxell Vocational Institute (30%).
  • In 2025, Aboa Mare’s turnover amounted to EUR 4.5 million, with exports accounting for approximately 70% of its revenue.

Further Information

Sender

  • Novia University of Applied Sciences, Jenny Svartsjö, Director of Communications, mobile: +358 50 561 7803