Increased vaccination levels, easing international travel restrictions, and a desire to break free from screens, are combining to fuel expectations, and exhibition bookings, ahead of Nor-Shipping 2022.

‘Your Arena for Ocean Solutions’, taking place from 10-13 January in Oslo and Lillestrøm, is the first major international ‘ocean space’ event set to take place since the inception of the pandemic. This, organisers say, is driving interest, with over 80% of available exhibition space taken and a growing stream of last-minute bookings for remaining stands. After 18 months of uncertainty, Nor-Shipping believes its audience is ready to re-engage, re-energise and reboot industry developments in the quest for sustainable success.

The face-to-face formula

“At the moment it looks like all the exhibition halls will fill up, ensuring an excellent atmosphere and platform for progress in Nor-Shipping’s first ever winter outing,” comments Sidsel Norvik, Nor-Shipping Commercial Director. “A lot has changed since the start of the pandemic, and that includes the value of physical business meetings and interaction.

“While our customers tell us they’ve relied on digital technology, they’re also clear that a sense of fatigue is growing and they’re eager to get back to face-to-face meetings; sharing knowledge, experiencing innovations and forming strategic partnerships to help businesses prosper. There really is no substitute for gathering, networking and succeeding as a community.”

Industry support

Key names that have confirmed their presence include Siemens, Høglund, Volvo, Telenor, ABB, Mapei, Yanmar, Vard, Jotun, Kongsberg, DNV, Chevron, Shell, Hyundai, Wartsila, ABS, Sefine, Cemre, and Brødrene Dahl, to name a few. The Blue Economy Hall, which focuses on responsible use of ocean resources and green business opportunity, is also filling up, with major stands recently announced for NORWEP and NCE Maritime Cleantech.

National pavilions have been secured for the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Finland, Holland, Germany, Japan, Korea, Turkey, USA/Canada, and Norway, with the latter exceeding the size seen at Nor-Shipping’s record breaking 2019 event week.

The world is waiting

“There hasn’t been a showcase for the innovation, quality products and services, and talent we have in our maritime and ocean industries for a very long time,” continues Norvik, “so I think the world will be looking to Nor-Shipping 2022 with more interest and anticipation than ever.

“And of course, in addition to the exhibition there’s a packed activity programme focusing on our theme of taking positive #ACTION within the ocean space. From panel debates, to presentations of breakthrough solutions, our Ocean Leadership Conference, the Blue Talks, business networking, socializing and more… there’s a huge amount to look forward to. After so long apart, it’ll be fantastic for the community to gather, mix and plan for the future, together.”

The Nor-Shipping 2022 exhibition will take place at Norges Varemesse’s complex in Lillestrøm, Norway’s largest exhibition and conference facility, and at venues across Oslo (just ten minutes away by train).