Record numbers defy downturn at Nor-Shipping

Taking place at a critical time for the industry, Nor-Shipping 2009 is still expected to attract unprecedented interest from shipowners, maritime suppliers, the media and individuals representing key regulatory authorities.

According to exhibition director Tollef Schiander, demand for exhibition space was so high Nor-Shipping organisers decided to add another hall. ‘Nor-Shipping 2009 has drawn record numbers of exhibitors, around 1,050 from 47 countries’, he said. ‘And because we have scheduled more events, seminars and conferences than ever before, we expect to attract large numbers of delegates.’

While many exhibitors booked as early as 2007, changes in the global economy have resulted in surprisingly few cancellations, which have been quickly filled by those on the waiting list and latecomers. ‘In the past, attendance at Nor-Shipping has been impacted by cyclical downturns and other global events’, added Schiander. ‘This year is different. Shipping companies seem determined to come together to address the real challenges they face.’

Certainly, Nor-Shipping remains a premiere event for networking, deal making and strengthening customer relationships. For many suppliers of shipping equipment, attendance is not just a benefit, but a necessity. With many companies cutting down on travel costs, the exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to conduct face to face meetings with multiple customers, all at the same venue. And with delegates representing around 80 countries, there are plenty of opportunities to make contact with customers in new markets.

Nor-Shipping 2009 organisers and partners have worked to put together a number of conferences, seminars and events set up to encourage debate about the issues facing the industry. The Opening Conference, scheduled for June 9, brings together leading industry voices representing shipowners, cargo owners and regulators to discuss climate change. The event, moderated by CNN’s former financial editor Todd Benjamin, includes both presentations and roundtables discussions, allowing different parties to discuss and debate proposed legislation being considered for the historic Copenhagen Convention on Climate Change, scheduled for December 2009.

Other conferences taking place in and around Nor-Shipping 2009 focus on a broad range of issues, including the financial crisis, maritime safety, communications, energy management technologies, ports and logistics, developments in the offshore support and supply vessel segment, amongst others.