Career
He was elected to the Norwegian Parliament from Nordland in 1937, and was re-elected on one occasion. Three years into the latter term, he died and was replaced by Kristian Johan Bodøgaard. Sverdrup had previously served in the position of deputy representative during the term 1931–1933.
He was born in Flakstad in Lofoten.
From 1942 to 1945, during the German occupation of Norway, Sverdrup did service in the Royal Norwegian Navy. Reaching the rank of Captain Lieutenant.