Nor-Shipping 2017
30 May to 2 June, the global maritime event 2017 is set to make its new theme ‘Catalyst for Change’ centre stage.
For the past 50 years, the presence of leading figures from the entire maritime value chain has made Nor-Shipping a recognised arena for strategic deal-making and networking, but for 2017 the leading global maritime event week has a new theme taking centre stage – ‘Catalyst for Change’.
This year’s Nor-Shipping takes place across a series of venues in Oslo and Lillestrøm in Norway from 30 May to 2 June. It is expected to attract more than 35,000 delegates from over 80 countries, with almost 1,000 of the world’s leading maritime companies showcasing products and services to the industry, future talent and shipping value chain stakeholders.
The best and latest in maritime technology will be spread across six themed halls spanning an impressive 22,500m2, but as the warmer spring months fast approach, so does the now distressingly familiar surge in refugee crossings, and fatalities. While calling for a concerted international effort to boost search and rescue resources in the Mediterranean, Nor-Shipping, which supports the Norwegian Society of Sea Rescue in its vital work in the region, says more needs to be done to avert a new chapter in this on-going humanitarian crisis.
“The main theme of our event week in 2017 is ‘Catalyst for Change’ and we hope to make a difference with regard to this heart-breaking situation,” says Director Birgit Liodden. “One way of doing that is through financial support, however, we’ll also be using our programme of activities throughout Oslo and Lillestrøm to highlight the situation and encourage the industry to support rescue initiatives when possible, and to push for wider sustained international campaigns to help save lives.”
Sustainability at the Core
As part of its Catalyst for Change campaign, Nor-Shipping 2017 has dedicated the whole of Hall A to Disruptive Sustainability – a new concept being launched into the shipping arena – in a bid to take ideas and influences from outside arenas, such as the tech and business sectors, to build a platform for fresh collaborations.
Seven of the key players in the Norwegian Centres of Expertise Maritime CleanTech cluster – a global leader in developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, which itself won the prize as Norway´s leading innovation environment in 2016 – have already signed up to exhibit in Hall A. This has raised expectations for some exciting collaborative discussions around green hybrid and electric solutions that could impact upon every link in the maritime value chain, from subsea, to marine and throughout the energy sector.