Denmark and Norway attends Singapore Maritime Week

End of April equals Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), which is very significant for the stakeholders within shipping and other related maritime industries from, in particular, Denmark and Norway. It is once again time to gather in Singapore to learn, share and network.

Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is the leading maritime event in Singapore. Driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), SMW gathers the international maritime community in Singapore. The range of activities and events organised by MPA, industry stakeholders and research and educational institutions, as well as the cosmopolitan profile of participants, reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a leading international maritime centre.

Alongside business networking platforms, the broad range of issues discussed during SMW are major draws for maritime decision-makers.

Norway kicks off the proceedings on Monday 24 April with the ‘Norway-Singapore LNG bunkering forum’ at The Tanglin Club. Organised by Innovation Norway, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Singapore and MPA, this forum promises presentations on Norway’s hands-on experience of more than 10 years on the LNG bunkering front as well as LNG offshore infrastructure and includes targeted discussions between key stakeholders and experts across the LNG supply chain to discuss issues relating to the use of LNG as a marine fuel.

The day after, on Tuesday 25 April, Norwegian Business Association (Singapore) is also holding a lunch talk and discussion, in connection to SMW on the topic ‘Norway’s new Ocean Strategy – the key to our future’. This luncheon takes place at The Fullerton Hotel, Ballroom 3, Lower Lobby, One Fullerton Square, between 12:00–13:30.

The Norwegian Government is stepping up its efforts to promote Norway’s ocean interests and intend to make sustainable use of the oceans a global priority. Consequently, the Norwegian Government in February 2017 presented a white paper that for the first time sets out a comprehensive strategy for the ocean industries.

NBAS has invited Ms Dilek Ayhan, State Secretary in the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to present the Ocean Strategy. As State Secretary, Ms Ayhan is responsible for policies related to the maritime industries including shipping, industrial research and innovation, creative industries, tourism, export financing and international/bilateral relations and trade policy.

Ms Ayhan is the co-founder and former Managing Director (2008-2013) of Alarga, a company established to strengthen the competitiveness of Norwegian businesses by strengthening individual companies’ intellectual capacity. In 2016 she was selected as a Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum.

Following her presentation, Dr Erik W. Jakobsen from Menon Economics will share his view on Norway’s position in the ocean industries and challenge Ms Dilek Ayhan and the audience on Norway’s maritime competitiveness. Dr Jakobsen is in charge of the biannual report, “The Leading Maritime Capitals of the World”. The 2017 edition of the report will be launched during Singapore Maritime Week.

Erik W. Jakobsen is Partner and Chairman in Menon Economics, a science based analysis and consultancy firm. He is also Professor in Strategy and Marketing at The University College of Southeast Norway (USN). Dr Jakobsen holds a Ph.D. in Economics and Strategic Management from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration.

25 April is also the first day for the 6th Edition of Sea Asia Exhibition & Conference 2017, where prominent speakers from Scandinavia, or who represent Nordic maritime stakeholders, will hold presentations and take part in debates, including: Mr Robbert van Trooijen, CEO, Asia-Pacific Maersk Line; Mr Esben Poulsson, President Singapore Shipping Association; H.E. Tormod C. Endresen, Ambassador of Norway in Singapore; Mr Aleksander Stensby, CEO, Torvald Klaveness; Mr Oscar Levander,Vice President Innovation, Engineering & Technology – Marine Rolls-Royce; Mr Kenneth Hvid, President & CEO, Teekay Corporation.

Sea Asia, as the anchor event of SMW, is the premier maritime and offshore conference and exhibition in Asia. Co-organised by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation, Sea Asia is well attended by trade professionals and some of the most influential and respected leaders in the industry, delivering an unparalleled reach of key decision-makers.

Sea Asia is firmly establishing itself in the marketplace as the leading platform for both the global and local maritime and offshore communities to explore business, network and unveil new products and services.

On 25 April the President & CEO of Torvald Klaveness, Mr Lasse Kristoffersen, as well as Oskar Levander in ‘The fourth industrial revolution: threat or opportunity?’, to highlight the implications of SMART shipping and other new technologies for the future of shipping.

On the following day Kenneth Hvid of Teekay Corporation and Mr Mikael Skov, CEO, Hafnia Tankers are speakers in the parliamentary debate as speakers for the motion: ‘This House believes that the best days of the private independent ship-owner are over’.

Three speakers for the motion and three against will put forward their opinions, followed by a floor debate and concluding with a vote.

Sea Asia also includes pavilions from Denmark and Norway, with the following organisations and companies in the Danish one: BAY Valves, Danish Export Association, Den-Jet Marine, Iver C. Weilbach & Co. and Logimatic A/S / Sertica Seasolutions.

Norwegian Pavilion at Sea Asia, meanwhile, is organised by Norwegian Maritime Exporters – an operative member organization with about 100 members, established by the maritime industry. The Norwegian maritime industries are defined by innovation, driven by expertise and committed to quality. Their members deliver services and products that help global customers excel in the toughest business environments, and since 1995 Norwegian Maritime Exporters has served as a vital link between Norwegian maritime companies and the global markets.

Operating in an industry characterized by fierce competition and the emergence of dynamic new markets, Norwegian Maritime Exporters and our members are busier than ever.

List of Companies under Norway Pavilion: Auto-Maskin, Autronica Fire & Security, Navtor, Saint-Gobain Weber, Ulstein and Vard.

Norway is on 27 April also hosting the Norwegian Night, organised by the Norwegian Embassy in Singapore. The invitation-only event brings together Norwegian businesses and other local-based maritime companies for a night of networking and drinks, held at The Clifford Pier at Fullerton Bay Hotel.

About Joakim Persson

Freelance business and lifestyle photojournalist

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