A raft of respected business leaders, ocean experts and key industry stakeholders have been revealed as participants in the unique Blue Talks programme at Nor-Shipping 2022. Running from 10-13 January, the Blue Talks complement Nor-Shipping’s main theme of taking positive #ACTION within the ocean space, with hour-long sessions dedicated to the future strategies, solutions and technologies capable of facilitating sustainable development. Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik believes the discussions can be critical in “achieving the delicate balance of commercial growth and environmental care.”

Leading the way

Twelve Blue Talks will take place in the Blue Economy Hall at Nor-Shipping’s main 22,500 sq m exhibition facilities in Lillestrøm, Norway. Topics covering areas ranging from green financing to cross industry collaboration, future fuels, infrastructure development, autonomy and regulatory insight, mix with in-depth discussions on realising the huge potential of offshore wind, and how to drive and influence positive change.

Speakers just revealed include Bo Cerup-Simonsen, CEO Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, Sotiris Raptis, Acting Secretary General, ECSA-European Community Shipowner’s Association, Hege Skryseth, CEO Kongsberg Digital, Rolf Tore Roppestad, CEO Gard, Heidi Wolden, CEO Norled, Siri Kalvig, CEO Nysnø, Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO, Eksfin, and Paal Holtus, CEO, World Ocean Council, to name a few.

The full list of participants and further programme details are available here.

Sustainable destination

“In the aftermath of COP26, in a climate of increasing complexity and growing stakeholder demands, the emphasis is shifting from identifying targets and opportunities to taking meaningful business action,” comments Norvik.

“The challenge lies in how to simultaneously achieve climate goals and unlock business potential, finding the strategies, partners and technology capable of taking us from where we are today to where we have to be tomorrow. With an in-depth programme on everything from autonomous shipping, to hydrogen/ammonia and generating the optimal value from a responsible use of ocean resources, I believe the Blue Talks are capable of mapping our collective route forward.

“For access to breakthrough knowledge, inspiration and a new sense of clarity about what lies ahead, the Blue Talks are an essential ingredient of this, our most important Nor-Shipping to date. See you there.”

Delivering value

With space for 120 audience members, the Blue Talks are ‘first come first served’ and free of charge to all Nor-Shipping delegates. Craig Eason, a well-known and respected maritime expert, returns to the role of Blue Talk Moderator after a successful outing at Nor-Shipping 2019. The content themes have been tailored in conjunction with a range of segment leaders – including Equinor, Maersk, ABN AMRO, World Ocean Council, NTNU and Aker Offshore Wind, amongst others – to deliver optimal value takeaways and a focus on the most relevant ocean space developments.

In addition to the Blue Economy Hall, Nor-Shipping 2022 will feature four further themed halls. 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