The big Five-Oh
Opening its doors in Oslo from 02-05 June 2015, the leading and longest-running maritime event week is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an expanded program.
“This year’s program offers thought-provoking conferences packed with high-profile speakers, as well as outstanding new forums that will engage the international maritime community,” said Nor-Shipping Director Vidar Pederstad.
National and local dignitaries will come together with industry leaders to celebrate the official opening of Nor-Shipping 2015 on the evening of June 1 at the City Hall Square in Oslo.
The largest such event this year, not only in Scandinavia but also in Europe, Nor-Shipping attracts key maritime players from across 80 countries. Shipowners, technology and service providers, regulators, financiers and many other maritime professionals will meet in Oslo to explore the future.
CONFERENCES
Nor-Shipping conferences have long been known for not shying away from the hard discussions that move the industry forward. This year will be no exception.
Opening Conference speakers will address issues such as the balance between innovation, investment and regulation; the smartest strategies between here and 2030; how to ensure a return on high-tech investments; and other hot topics.
DNV GL Maritime CEO Tor Svensen, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, BW Shipping Managing Director Yngvil Eriksson Åsheim, Nordea Head of Shipping, Offshore and Oil Services Hans Christian Kjelsrud and many others will have their say on these matters.
While Nor-Shipping is a truly global maritime happening, its importance for Norway is underlined by the presence of HM King Harald V and the fact that Prime Minister Erna Solberg will deliver an opening address.
The issues on the table at the Agenda Offshore Conference, first launched in 2011, will be just as dynamic.
Teekay CEO Peter Evensen, Transocean Director of Technology and Innovation José Gutierrez, National Oilwell Varco CEO & President Clay Williams and many others will enter the debates. Topics up for discussion include whether the offshore industry needs to reinvent itself in the light of tumbling crude oil prices; the future energy mix and its impact on business; the realignment of global power into new east-west blocs; and smart collaboration in challenging business environments.
NEW INITIATIVES
This year, Nor-Shipping also launches many new initiatives, the major one being Ocean Industry Podium. This program features 24 one-hour sessions on maritime finance, law, insurance or technology and innovation. Delegates can pick any of these sessions that suit their interests by popping up to the second floor of the exhibition.
“Podium is an opening up of new opportunities for Nor-Shipping to engage with the whole ocean industry,” says Pederstad. “It’s one example of how we intend to use innovative ways to include it in the future at Nor-Shipping.”
Other new Nor-Shipping 2015 initiatives include Brazil@Nor-Shipping and Women@Nor-Shipping. Brazil@Nor-Shipping features a program of activities that focuses on the risks and rewards of doing business in Brazil, while the Women@Nor-Shipping Waves of Change Conference will focus on leadership, the environment and the future, with women setting the agenda and men participating both on stage and in the audience.
EXHIBITION AT THE CENTRE OF IT ALL
As during the last 50 years, the Nor-Shipping 2015 Exhibition showcases the best and latest in maritime technology, services and solutions over 22,500 square meters spread across five halls. The main theme areas this year are IT and navigation; safety and rescue; shipbuilding and repair; maritime services and logistics; and propulsion and machinery.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
In this anniversary year, there will be special emphasis on the social events. The two highlights include the ever-popular Nor-Shipping BBQ and the Nor-Shipping 50th Anniversary Party. As always, with so many leading maritime players flocking to Oslo, the Nor-Shipping social calendar brings unbeatable professional networking.
New this year, the Nor-Shipping Delegate Pass gains delegates entrance to the Exhibition and all Nor-Shipping events and has many other benefits such as free public transportation. Delegate Passes can be purchased here. A portion of every Nor-Shipping 2015 pass and party ticket bought will go to The Mission to Seafarers, the welfare charity for merchant sailors around the world. Proceeds from the Nor-Shipping Fun Run held on June 1 will also go to this charity.
As usual, young people have a special place at Nor-Shipping, whether they’ll be exploring future careers at Ocean Talent Camp, attending the many professional and social events on the Young@Nor-Shipping program or accepting Nor-Shipping’s Young Entrepreneur Award on stage at the Opening Conference.
By Jake Frith
