Nor-Shipping has announced that its 2023 show, taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, June 6-9, will support two charity partners for the first time ever. Captains Without Borders, which helps disadvantaged marine cadets from diverse backgrounds, will now join campaigning medical charity Mercy Ships in receiving vital financial support and industry promotion throughout Nor-Shipping week.

Transforming impact

Mercy Ships has partnered with Nor-Shipping since 2019, using last year’s programme to highlight the launch of its latest vessel, Global Mercy™, the world’s largest NGO hospital ship. The charity, which was formed in 1978 and has delivered life-transforming services to over 2.8million people, looks to ‘Your Arena for Ocean Solutions’ for assistance with fund-raising and developing crucial industry networks.

Captains Without Borders, says Per Martin Tanggaard, Nor-Shipping Director External Relations, can look forward to similar benefits as it seeks to boost awareness of its important mission.

Embracing diversity

“At Nor-Shipping we’re committed to supporting sustainable success in the ocean space, and that extends far beyond the commercial arena,” Tanggaard notes. “Captains Without Borders is a new organisation aiming to facilitate maritime opportunities for ambitious young seafarers who, without their help, might struggle to receive the necessary education and experience. They can help individuals, of course, but also the industry itself – enabling  greater diversity and opening up new channels for talent acquisition and development. We’re delighted to welcome them onboard.”

The charity, based in the US, provides educational scholarships for cadets, while also working to connect them with mentors and develop valuable maritime networks. It was founded by Captain Alexandra Hagerty, a well-known industry figure and a captain of the Mercy Ships vessel Africa Mercy.

Perfect #PartnerShip

Speaking about Mercy Ships, Tanggaard adds: “They deliver first-class medical care, services and expertise to some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities. They save and transform lives on a daily basis, and the more support they receive, the greater their impact.

“As far as we’re concerned, we can help by providing access to our unique audience of global industry decisionmakers, many of whom will appreciate Mercy Ships’ vision and values, and be keen to provide support. With #PartnerShip as the main theme of Nor-Shipping 2023, it makes perfect sense for us to bring these two admirable organisations together, helping them connect, communicate and collaborate with leading ocean business players.”

Both Mercy Ships and Captains Without Borders are funded entirely by charitable donors and volunteers.

Alongside a growing fleet of hospital vessels, Mercy Ships provides training to local people and renovates medical facilities to deliver ongoing benefits for communities, particularly in the sub-Sahara region of Africa.

Welcoming the world in 2023

Nor-Shipping 2023 will gather ocean industry and maritime stakeholders from across the globe, with a 22,000 m2 exhibition showcasing the very latest innovations, services and solutions.

Alongside the main show, a knowledge sharing and networking activity programme offers “something for everyone”, including the C-level Ocean Leadership Conference, Blue Talks, The Fourth International Autonomy Summit, AfterWork social schedule, and much more.