Inga Ulstein - Chair of the Board for nearly two decades

Inga Karoline Ingebrigtsdotter was born in 1897. She was from Knivsflå, a mountain farm in the Geiranger fjord. In the spring of 1917 she married Martin Ulstein in Borgund Church, Ålesund. They moved into their own house in Ulsteinvik in 1928, where they lived ever since.

Her strong involvement in the company would last throughout her lifetime. She had a pleasant and caring disposition, but she also possessed great authority and dignity. She was also a very strong-willed woman, and if it was not for this she would probably never have managed to carry on Martin’s work.

She visited the yard on a regular basis, calling to the workers that she was praying for them and keeping them always in her mind. A year after Martin's death, her eldest son, Magnulf, took over the position of yard manager. In the 1960s, her youngest son, Idar, took over that position. The third son, Kolbein Ole, was HR manager.

"It's all just borrowed!"

Inga used to say these words every once in a while: “Don’t forget it’s all just borrowed, lads!” She would say this to her sons, Magnulf, Kolbein Ole and Idar, but she could just as well have said it to the yard workers in times when the workshop, Ulstein Mek., was in good progress.

The quote, "Don't forget it's all borrowed", reveals Inga's strong religious beliefs. When uttering these words, she meant to convey the message that her sons should not forget that it was not just their own efforts and the efforts of the other workshop employees – from apprentices to the head foreman – that created results. To her, it was a fact that a higher power is present to watch over everything and is helping out.

The modest message comes from a time long since past, but is nevertheless very expressive and powerful. It is a sincere appeal to show consideration and caution and to remember that what we have borrowed is not our own, and we must take care of it with the greatest respect.

Also hidden in these words is an appeal not to lose our sense of reality or sight of our heritage of moderation, diligence and appreciation for what is genuine and real. This is a heritage Inga herself safeguarded in all phases of life. She would admonish those who she felt needed it every once in a while: “Don’t forget it’s all just borrowed!"

Inga Ulstein died on 27th July 1978, the year she would have turned 81.

Image text: A 1969 naming ceremony for vessel number 51, Norðbúgvin. The UT303 fishing vessel was put to work by Faroese shipowner P/F Hjaller. Next to yard manager Magnulf Ulstein and the lady sponsor (left), is Inga Ulstein and Magnulf’s wife, Aagot Ulstein.