Today we are joined by #CSIPlus Member Jo E. L. Lerheim, CEO of Fiber ProTector Norge AS!
Fiber ProTector Norge AS are one of Cruise Ship Interiors Founding Partners and a long standing #CSIPlus Member. In this interview, we’re excited to be joined by Jo, who gives us a closer look at the driving force behind the business and the innovative work the company is currently engaged in.

What do you do at your company and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?
“As CEO, I’m supposed to be steering the ship, but you’ll often find me down in the engine room. I work closely with our team and our customers, especially in the hospitality and cruise sectors, to ensure we truly understand what matters most to them. From strategic partnerships to sales meetings and even some IT automations, I wear many hats. You’d come to me if you want to talk big picture, solve complex challenges in interior maintenance—or if your reporting dashboard is acting up.”

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
“That I sit in a corner office reading spreadsheets all day. The truth? I’m usually out there helping sales, mapping out cruise ship projects, or tweaking AI tools to help us work smarter. CEO? More like Chief Everything Officer.”

Has your company got any upcoming projects that you can talk about?
“Yes! We’re gearing up to protect and preserve the interiors of a stunning river cruise ship and the cabins on a major ocean-going passenger vessel. It’s projects like these that keep us excited – combining technical excellence with a real sense of purpose.”

What has been your favourite project to work on? Cruise work preferred!
“Hard question, but since you asked Cruise – In this year It has to be our work with Viking. From the moment we stepped aboard, we knew we were part of something special. Seeing guests walk into a freshly protected space and watching how our work contributed to the longevity of these beautiful interiors was deeply satisfying.”

What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
“Curiosity. I ask questions. Probably too many. But it’s helped me understand clients, markets, and technology better—and that’s what drives innovation and trust.”

Could you share the most significant obstacle you have faced in your career so far, particularly in cruise work? Or, have you ever encountered any problems in cruise work that required you to learn a new skillset?
“Cruise ships operate on tight schedules and tighter spaces. We once had a turnaround window that felt impossible. I had to dive deep into logistics optimization and staff deployment modelling (with a bit of AI assistance, naturally) to pull it off. It taught me the importance of precise planning—and good shoes.”

What inspired you to pursue this field of work? Or, what was your first taste of the cruise industry?
“It started with a passion for preserving things that matter. My first cruise project was a small job, but the level of detail and demand was thrilling. The sea got under my skin (figuratively, thankfully), and I was hooked.”

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
“I build robots. Not the walking, talking kind—yet—but automated workflows and bots that crunch data, create reports, and even write the occasional internal memo. And I’m a bit of a nerd about it. Ha Ha, and i know some Swhailli.”

What are the most significant changes you have seen in the Cruise Interior sector since you started, and what emerging trends do you foresee shaping its future?
“The biggest shift? Maintenance is finally seen as an investment, not just a cost. Cruise lines now prioritize long-term interior care, both for guest satisfaction and sustainability. Going forward, I believe we’ll see more smart materials, AI-driven maintenance planning, and stronger focus on health & wellness environments.”

Do you have a fun-fact or piece of advice about your company/industry that you can share?
“Fun fact: Properly protected interiors can reduce cleaning time by up to 50%. So yes, our clients get happier guests, longer-lasting furniture, and lower cleaning bills. Triple win!”

Do you specialise in a particular type of product? What makes it different to competitors?
“We don’t sell products—we deliver results. Our core service is professional impregnation and cleaning, with a focus on protection. What makes us different is the quality of our work and our commitment to people, not just surfaces. And yes, our impregnation technology is world-class.”

If you could recommend only one of your products, what would it be?
“Our impregnation service. It’s invisible, effective, and makes everything else easier. It extends lifespan, boosts appearance, and makes cleaning a breeze.”

What kind of questions do you ask before beginning a project, and which piece of information is of utmost value in planning a successful project?
“We always ask: What’s most critical to you? What must be finished by when? What can’t go wrong? Understanding these priorities helps us deliver perfect results under pressure.”

What role does sustainability play in your company? How do you incorporate environmentally friendly practices and materials?
“It’s core to everything we do. We’re an Eco-Lighthouse certified company, use Swan-labelled cleaning products, and our impregnation technology is safe and eco-conscious. Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox—it’s how we stay future-proof.”

What goals have you met so far in 2025? Or, what goals/milestones are you working to meet this year?
“We’ve expanded further into the cruise sector, secured key partnerships, and automated a significant portion of our reporting and planning tools. Next up? Scaling with quality—even as we grow fast, we’re committed to doing it right.”

Thanks for a great interview Jo E. L. Lerheim! We can’t wait to welcome you and the team to Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe at the Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH on the 3 – 4 December. Meet the team on stand F32! 🚢