The shipbuilding industry is flourishing and many companies in the industry aim to use the exhibition as an ideal place to profile themselves and get the most mileage out of a strong order book. As a result, Nor-Shipping’s exhibition space was already fully booked in December 2006. Thanks to a temporary expansion Nor-Shipping has been able to offer additional space to more exhibitors.

New to Nor-Shipping 2007 are national pavilions for Romania, Vietnam and Italy. Other countries like India and Turkey have shown increased interest in the exhibition, and some of these countries plan to bring delegations of visitors to take part in what is the leading maritime event for ocean going ships and shipping.

In addition to the bustle and exchange on the exhibition floor, Nor-Shipping will expand its ‘Leading Voices’ conference concept this year. The opening conference will focus on Arctic shipping, a topic due to impact anyone in the maritime business, as well as the oil and gas industry, governments and the public at large. Three scenarios for Arctic shipping development will provide a starting point for commentary and keynote speeches by panelists who are experts and leaders in Arctic developments.

TradeWinds will host its Nor-Shipping TradeWinds conference on Wednesday, 13 June at Oslo’s Grand Hotel. Along with this premier event, Lloyd’s List, Digital Ship and Ship Management International will each host seminars that take place over several days at Nor-Shipping.

New this year is a concept called Young-Shipping. Taking place Thursday 14 June, this event brings industry leaders before a new audience: students and recent graduates. Through an exclusive show, an executive tour of the exhibition space and social hook-ups, Young-Shipping will convey the global significance, pace and value of the industry to a new generation.

The social element of Nor-Shipping will be as much fun as ever, with numerous open receptions and closed gatherings. The traditional Nor-Shipping grill party at DNV is always a high point, and takes place Tuesday night 12 June. Another innovation this year will be a Nor-Shipping regatta in Oslo fjord Monday 11 June. Sports fans will be able to conclude their Nor-Shipping with attendance at the Bislett Games on Friday 15 June.

Finally, in close co-operation with TradeWinds and Dagens Næringsliv, the event will be covered on web-TV, a new medium that adds another dimension to the week’s commercial and social aspects.