We Are Miami

DNV Named Océane King Head of Miami Cruise Center

The veteran maritime expert moves into the role overseeing technical and safety advisory for the local cruise industry.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cruises

Bold vector illustration of a cruise ship hull section in teal and coral, set against a cream background, representing maritime safety oversight.
Océane King has been named head of the DNV Miami Cruise Center, where she will oversee environmental and safety advisory services for North American cruise lines. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Océane King has been tapped to lead the DNV Miami Cruise Center, where she will manage operations and environmental advisory services for cruise lines across North America. The appointment marks a new chapter for the local hub as it continues providing safety and classification expertise to the region.

Why it matters

As our port remains the cruise capital of the world, having technical leadership in town directly impacts how local lines manage safety, digitalization, and environmental standards. Her tenure helps shape the operational future of the ships that anchor in our waters.

King brings 15 years of maritime sector experience to the role, following a 7-year stint at Royal Caribbean Group. Her work now involves navigating technical and safety requirements for cruise operators across the entire North American market.

The players

Océane King

The newly appointed head of the DNV Miami Cruise Center and a PhD holder in Marine Technology.

DNV

A global maritime classification and advisory firm that operates its Miami Cruise Center to support the North American industry.

Royal Caribbean Group

A major cruise operator where King previously spent seven years of her career.

The details

King previously served as Head of Maritime Advisory Americas at DNV and now steps in to oversee the center's portfolio of classification and digitalization work. The Miami Cruise Center acts as a technical partner for cruise operators, providing the safety and environmental guidance required for modern maritime travel. She holds a PhD in Marine Technology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Timeline

  1. October 6, 2026: The appointment of Océane King was announced.

Beyond the 305

This appointment follows the trend of increasing technical complexity seen across PortMiami's recent terminal modernization programs. King's role in providing safety and environmental advisory is a direct response to the same regulatory standards that have forced local infrastructure upgrades.

Cruise industry professionals and local vendors should watch for potential shifts in technical requirements and safety compliance standards coming from the DNV hub. These changes often influence how ships are retrofitted at the port and what environmental policies they must follow.

The takeaway

King's deep experience with both technical research and private cruise operations suggests a focus on aligning safety protocols with emerging maritime technology. Watch for updates from the Miami Cruise Center regarding new digitalization standards for regional cruise fleets.

Further reading

For more on how local maritime operations are evolving, explore the latest updates in Cruises.