DSD AS is a family-owned investment firm based in Stavanger, Norway, with origins dating to 1855 in transport and shipping. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Folke Hermansen AS, the company is managed by the Hermansen family and chaired by Yuhong Jin Hermansen. Over more than 160 years, DSD AS has built a legacy of steady growth through active ownership and a focus on creating sustainable value for its stakeholders.
Today, DSD AS directs its resources to four main sectors: maritime operations, travel and events, mobility services and health technology. The firm invests in established businesses and new ventures that offer innovative approaches within these fields. Its portfolio includes Tide Buss, Norway’s second-largest bus operator; imove, a subscription service for electric cars and scooters; and Minuendo, a developer of hearing protection solutions powered by smart technology. Through this mix of legacy operations and emerging companies, DSD AS aims to foster steady returns while supporting responsible growth. The firm has moved from its shipping roots to a range of high-technology ventures that aim to reduce environmental impact across each sector.
In recent years, DSD AS has strengthened its commitment to environmental solutions with direct investment in battery technology. The company co-owns Beyonder, a Norwegian startup working on sustainable battery cell development for use in electric transport and energy storage. This move builds on DSD’s track record in low-emission ferries, including the world’s first battery-powered passenger vessel, as it supports ventures that can drive long-term improvements in clean energy and transport infrastructure. Past projects include LNG-powered ferries and cargo ships, reflecting a long-term interest in low-carbon marine transport.
