Leiftur Named Product of the Year at the Icelandic Design Awards 2026

Leiftur has received the Icelandic Design Award 2026 in the Product category for a design that combines technical excellence, a distinctive identity and tangible social impact. With Leiftur, design goes beyond the form and function of the vessel, offering a solution that has transformed the possibilities of operating in challenging conditions at sea. Leiftur demonstrates how Icelandic design can achieve international success while making a vital contribution to saving lives.

Leiftur is a rescue boat designed by Páll Einarsson for Rafnar. The vessel is part of Rafnar's continuously expanding range of rescue boats, which are in operation around the world. Combining technical innovation, Icelandic boatbuilding traditions and the experience of Icelandic seafarers and rescue teams, Leiftur is a high-speed vessel designed to perform in demanding conditions.

The hull is designed around the interaction between the vessel and the sea, with the aim of reducing impact forces, improving stability and manoeuvrability, and minimising physical strain on passengers, crew and equipment during high-speed operations.

Since its introduction, Leiftur has been developed in 13 different configurations, manufactured in seven countries and remained Rafnar's best-selling vessel for more than a decade. Yet the impact of its design extends far beyond commercial success. Leiftur has enabled rescue teams to carry out their work in the most challenging conditions and has played a role in saving lives. When severe weather forces other vessels to return to shore, Leiftur heads out to sea.

The design of Leiftur is rooted in Icelandic boatbuilding traditions and Rafnar's close collaboration with the Icelandic Coast Guard, engineers, craftspeople and experienced seafarers. Bringing together ingenuity, technical expertise and practical experience, the project applies local knowledge and craftsmanship to modern manufacturing and demanding operational requirements.

The jury considers Leiftur an outstanding example of how technical performance and form can come together as a unified whole. The vessel's distinctive lines reflect both its interaction with the sea and the heritage of Icelandic boatbuilding. Its recognisable silhouette has become a defining feature of Rafnar's visual identity.

Leiftur demonstrates how exceptional design can have an impact far beyond the product itself, influencing safety, working conditions and technological development. The project brings together Icelandic expertise, maritime heritage and innovation in a design that has proven its value in real-world conditions and achieved international recognition.

Páll Einarsson has served as Rafnar's lead designer for more than 15 years, leading the company's design and innovation efforts. Rafnar was founded by entrepreneur Össur Kristinsson, who drew on decades of experience in design and innovation to address fundamental challenges in maritime navigation and performance.

The Icelandic Design Awards were presented for the thirteenth time at a ceremony held at Gróska on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The award was presented by Grímur Sæmundsen, CEO of Blue Lagoon Iceland.

The Icelandic Design Awards recognise designers, architects, design teams and studios for outstanding recent projects. The awards celebrate excellence in design and architecture, highlighting projects that represent the very best in their fields. The jury looks for work that demonstrates exceptional quality and impact, creative thinking, innovative solutions, thoughtful execution, aesthetic excellence and professional expertise. Consideration is also given to user experience, originality and the project's positive contribution to quality of life, value creation and sustainability.

The Icelandic Design Awards are organised by Iceland Design and Architecture in collaboration with the Icelandic Museum of Design and Applied Art and the Iceland University of the Arts, with support from Business Iceland, the Housing and Construction Authority, Gróska, University of Iceland Science Park and Blue Lagoon Iceland.