Nor-Shipping has confirmed that the Third International Ship Autonomy and Sustainability Summit will take place as part of Nor-Shipping 2022 on 12 January. The day-long summit, which focuses on the very latest technological, business and regulatory developments, will be held at Nor-Shipping’s newly refurbished Nova Studios in Lillestrøm.
Organised in cooperation with NFAS (Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships), the European Commission’s Directorate General for Transport (DG MOVE), and research giant SINTEF, the summit will shine the spotlight on the potential of autonomy to enable “new, smart and sustainable business models”.
It is, notes Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik, “a unique gathering of global expertise for a subject central to the future of shipping.”
Preparing for potential
Norvik continues: “Autonomy needs to be demystified: Autonomy is not a goal in itself but a means to realise new and better maritime transport systems. Key developments are accelerating in their pace and scope, but there remains an element of uncertainty over how new operational models will impact upon businesses and, not least, how the regulatory landscape will evolve on a national, regional and global basis.
“This summit will help business leaders understand, and prepare for, a future of increased autonomy. Global trends will be explored and expert insights delivered, demonstrating how these vessels can create not just safer, more efficient and sustainable operations, but also huge business growth potential. It’s a fascinating subject and a ‘must attend’ for ambitious industry frontrunners.”
Mapping tomorrow today
Topics taking centre stage at the summit include the latest regulatory outlook, the industry’s position, how vessels can contribute towards transport decarbonisation goals, and their role in building more intelligent, efficient logistics chains. Key speakers for the presentations and panel discussions will be announced within the next few weeks.
In addition, marine operations from the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (a unique solar- and AI-powered research vessel, exhibiting in Nor-Shipping’s Blue Economy Hall) will be streamed throughout the day. A drinks reception will round-off the day’s busy programme.
Engaging activity
“This will be the first summit of this scale dedicated to the subject since the start of the global pandemic,” concludes Norvik. “It’s therefore a vital gathering point for sharing expertise and communicating developments, but also for networking and gaining ‘hands-on’ understanding of autonomy’s enormous potential for our industry.”
Nor-Shipping 2022 will feature six themed exhibition halls across a total of 22,500 sq m of space at the Norges Varemesse facility in Lillestrøm, Norway. Almost 900 exhibiting companies are expected, from around 50 countries, showcasing their capabilities to an anticipated 50,000 participants. A range of activities, including the After Work at Aker Brygge networking and socialising programme, will take place around Oslo. The theme of Nor-Shipping 2022 is taking positive #ACTION within the ocean space.
