The director of Nor-Shipping Birgit Liodden is upbeat about this week’s mega show, which marks her first edition in charge of the famous Oslo event.
Speaking to selected guests at the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association networking dinner last night, Liodden gave a brief introduction of highlights and hot topics in the week to come. Sustainability and digital technology are likely to be two of the key themes under the microscope this week, she said.
Sturla Henriksen, the ceo of the shipowners body, said 2017 remained challenging for shipping, but especially so for those in the offshore segment.
“Shipping is a global industry, and as such we are directly influenced by global trends and international developments,” Henriksen said, adding: “The current situation is extremely challenging for many of our members, but we must not lose sight of the many opportunities that lie ahead.”
Looking at geopolitics the shipowner boss admitted he was worried about a number of recent elections results.
“70% of Norwegian shipowners’ income stems from foreign markets,” Henriksen pointed out. “Given this, we are naturally concerned by the current rise of protectionism in the world, not least in Norway.”
Splash will be reporting from Nor-Shipping all week.
