Nor-Shipping 2023, taking place 6-9 June, looks set to build on the success of this year’s outing, with strong early sales and commitments from numerous national pavilions to return to the exhibiting fold. A total of 14 countries have so far secured dedicated pavilions to showcase local expertise, including Singapore and Japan. In addition, individual organisations such as Siemens, ABB, DNV (with two stands), NCE Maritime Cleantech, Jotun and many more have moved early to secure stands in prime positions.

Engaging opportunity

“There’s no doubt that Nor-Shipping 2022 whetted the appetite of the industry for a full return to international exhibitions, knowledge sharing events and networking,” comments Sidsel Norvik, Nor-Shipping Director. “It proved again that face-to-face interaction and relationship building cannot be beaten – and I think that many people that missed out this year are keen to re-engage and really take advantage of the business opportunity here.”

This year’s Nor-Shipping, which took place in Lillestrøm and Oslo 4-7 April, welcomed participants from 83 different nationalities, with tens of thousands visiting the exhibition and enjoying networking, knowledge-based and social events. Norvik believes 2023 will hit new heights.

Partnering for progress

“It was a huge success,” she says, “but it’s time to look forward to a bigger, better 2023 and a world that is once again fully open for business.

“We’ve chosen #PartnerShip as the theme next year to demonstrate the value, or rather the pressing need, to come together and work across segments, borders and industries to meet our most ambitious goals. Nor-Shipping 2023 can act as a key platform for progress, and we’d like to invite everyone to get onboard and plug into the power of working in #PartnerShip to solve the industry’s biggest issues and find new opportunities.”

Nor-Shipping 2023’s programme, which includes the C-level Ocean Leadership Conference, Blue Talks, AfterWork social schedule and much more, is being tailored to help foster closer collaboration and knowledge sharing. But of course, as Norvik acknowledges, the exhibition floor itself is often the arena where potential partners meet and opportunity is born.

Exhibiting potential

“For many,” she concludes, “that’s where ‘the action’ really happens, so it’ll be great to build on the energy and activity we saw this year at the next Nor-Shipping. We’ve already sold about 12,000 sq m of exhibition space – out of a maximum 22,000 sq m – which is far ahead of our projections at this stage. So, we can see the appetite and enthusiasm is there. It’s early days, of course, but I think we’re going to have a Nor-Shipping to remember in 2023.”