A who’s who of business leaders, ocean experts and key industry stakeholders have been announced as participants in this year’s Nor-Shipping Blue Talks. The unique programme, running from 6 – 8 June, will see CEOs, politicians and changemakers discussing the key ‘big issues’ facing ocean development today and tomorrow.

This year’s Blue Talks support Nor-Shipping’s main theme of forming successful, sustainable #PartnerShips within the ocean space. Each hour-long session is devoted to the strategies, solutions and technologies capable of transforming ocean challenges and opportunities into long-term, responsible business growth. Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik says the discussions deliver “unique insights from some of the brightest minds in the business.”

From people to power

Twelve themed Blue Talks will take place in Hall E at Nor-Shipping’s exhibition facilities in Lillestrøm, Norway. An opening series of ‘Ted Talks’ style presentations will kick the programme off with a star cast of industry A-listers, featuring; Jarand Rystad, CEO Rystad Energy, Lynn Loo, CEO, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Ana Fontoura Gouveia, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate, Portugal, and Siva Ariyapadi, Global Business Manager, Bioenergy, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions.

Following sessions cover a broad spectrum of topics, including; future fuels, CO2 capture, offshore wind, sustainable finance, autonomy, green shipping corridors, talent recruitment and development, and much more.

Blue buzz

“The Blue Talks always create a buzz – both at Nor-Shipping and throughout the industry – and this year will be no exception,” states Norvik. “We have an amazing line-up of ocean stakeholders gathered from all over the world to tackle some of our biggest issues head on.

“The intimate setting and lively chats with moderator Craig Eason make for an engaging atmosphere and truly compelling content. With an industry in transition, looking out for both the ways to work together and the solutions and strategies for tomorrow, these sessions offer real value and inspiration. I’d advise everyone to check out the programme and add them to their calendar.”

Delivering value

The Blue Talks are free of charge, but space is limited to ‘just’ 120 seated audience members.

In addition to the opening session line-up, speakers include names such as: Maarten Lodewijks, CEO & Founder, Value Maritime; Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO, Export Finance Norway; Erik Dyrkoren, CEO, Zeabuz; Philippe Kavafyan, Executive Director, Aker Horizons; Cristina Aleixendri, Co-founder & CEO, Bound4Blue; Danielle Southcott, Founder, Veer Group; Diane Gilpin, CEO, Smart Green Shipping; and many more.