Erik Wickgren, CEO of Viggo Boats, is driving a new generation of aluminium boatbuilding by uniting commercial-grade engineering with Nordic craftsmanship. With a strong focus on safety, performance, and sustainability, he champions fully recyclable aluminium structures, future-ready propulsion platforms, and uncompromising quality standards that position Viggo at the forefront of modern marine innovation.

In an interview for “End-user Revolution: ALuminium's Impact on Modern Living” e-Magazine, Wickgren walked through how aluminium sits at the core of Viggo Boats’ design philosophy, enabling lighter, stronger, low-maintenance and fully recyclable marine craft. It highlights material selection, hull engineering, sustainability practices, lifecycle value, and future-ready innovation, demonstrating how aluminium is redefining performance, comfort and environmental responsibility in modern boating.

AL Circle: Could you briefly explain Viggo Boats’ mission and core values — especially how sustainability, aluminium construction and innovation factor into your design philosophy? 

Erik Wickgren: Viggo Boats’ mission is to deliver uncompromised freedom on the water. Every boat is designed to combine performance, safety, comfort, and durability in all weather conditions, year-round. Our core values are quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability. Aluminium construction is at the heart of this philosophy: it provides strength, resilience, and recyclability. Innovation ensures our boats are ready for future propulsion systems, from advanced petrol outboards to fully electric drivetrains. Importantly, we recycle 100 per cent of all aluminium waste from production, making our process fully circular at the manufacturing stage.

AL Circle: The use of aluminium in boat design is increasingly popular, but how does Viggo’s approach differ in terms of material selection and craftsmanship compared to other manufacturers?

Erik Wickgren: Aluminium in boatbuilding is increasingly common, but Viggo takes it further by combining commercial-grade welding standards with hand-built craftsmanship. Every weld is visible, intentional, and a statement of honesty and pride. Many of our builders have more than 30 years’ experience in aluminium boat construction, bringing professional vessel standards into leisure craft. This ensures every Viggo Boat is not only robust but also sleek and modern.

AL Circle: Can you explain the process of sourcing and treating the aluminium used in Viggo Boats? How does this impact the overall performance and longevity of your boats?

Erik Wickgren: We use only marine-grade aluminium alloys chosen for strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability. Panels are fully welded, inspected, and treated where necessary to ensure longevity. This means a Viggo Boat can handle rough seas, Nordic winters, and long seasons of heavy use with minimal maintenance.

AL Circle: How has aluminium contributed to bringing “modern living” aspects into boating, for example in terms of comfort, maintenance, efficiency, or user experience? 

Erik Wickgren: Aluminium enables lighter, more efficient hulls that lower fuel consumption or extend range in electric propulsion. It reduces maintenance (no rot, minimal corrosion) and allows advanced hull forms that deliver both efficiency and comfort at speed. The strength of aluminium ensures structural rigidity, which in turn means less flexing and slamming, a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.

To deep dive into the complete interview, click here.