Nor Shipping - Experts & Thought Leaders

The push towards decarbonisation is slowing down rather than speeding up. With ambitious global goals looming ever larger on the horizon, what can they do to re-invigorate collective efforts? And profit from that push?   Ahead of next year’s Nor-Shipping, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime DNV, says efficiency, timing and people are critical to “getting this show on the road.” Reduction by 2030 The scale is the IMO goals of a 20% emissions reduction by 2030, a 70% cut by 2040 Given the subject matter, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen seems remarkably optimistic. “I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy,” comments the man in charge of maritime at the world’s pioneering classification society with a smile. “But I’m also a realist, and that means I’m aware of the scale of what lies ahead, and the need for pragmatic decision-making.” What lies ahead is decarbonisation, and the scale is the IMO goals of a 20% emissions reduction by 2030, a 70% cut by 2040, and full-scale decarbonisation by or around 2050. Competitive advantage Goals that, on the trajectory, Ørbeck-Nilssen says they have “very little” chance of making. There’s a need, he stresses, for the industry to “get its foot on the accelerator.” However, he’s also keen to paint a picture that isn’t exclusively coloured green: “The fact of the matter is it makes as much commercial as environmental sense. There’s competitive advantage waiting for those owners and operators prepared to think differently and adopt innovation here.” Green fuel challenge Total global production of these energy sources is only expected to reach between 44 and 63 Mtoe Starting in the slow lane, the DNV chief nods to low scrapping volumes as a key indicator of glacial fleet renewal. This is unsurprising, he opines, in the context of high charter rates, continued uncertainty over long-term solutions (and the scale of investment required in those) and the lack of adequate progress in green fuel supply. Here he points to DNV’s recent Maritime Forecast to 2050, which details that for shipping to meet its 2030 target, the industry will need to secure between 7 and 48 Mtoe of carbon-neutral fuels. However, total global production of these energy sources is only expected to reach between 44 and 63 Mtoe by that juncture. “The cross-sector demand will be huge,” Ørbeck-Nilssen states, “from other transport modes, manufacturing, domestic supply, further industrial consumers, and more. Shipping has to stand in line here, so what can we do?” Small steps, huge gains Ørbeck-Nilssen is a long-time exponent of a “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good” philosophy, actively supporting the adoption of “less emitting” fuels, such as LNG, instead of waiting for shipping’s next silver bullet. He’s pleased by the growth of dual-fuel solutions on the order book for the years to come, but they want to shift focus to what can be done “right now, today” to start making the gains – both green and ‘greenback’ – all stakeholders want to see. Fuel consumption The Maritime Forecast report stressed that active and technical energy efficiency fuel consumption “Reducing energy losses, in other words, greater efficiency, is the most straightforward way for the global fleet to cut fuel consumption, emissions, and, by extension, energy costs,” he says. Here he refers back to the Maritime Forecast report, which highlighted that operational and technical energy efficiency measures could cut fuel consumption by between 4 and 16% by 2030. “Which, in itself, is a very large step on the way to that first IMO goal,” Ørbeck-Nilssen stresses. Carbon-neutral fuel Just to put those percentage figures into context, 16%, on the scale of the world fleet, is the equivalent of operating the 55,000 smallest ships, or the 2,500 largest vessels, with completely carbon-neutral fuel. In other words, a giant slice of 120 MtCO2 out of the current emissions pie. Or, from a bottom-line perspective, almost a fifth of current fuel costs. It’s time, he suggests, to “harvest the low-hanging fruit.” Carrots not sticks Wind-assisted propulsion, for example, hangs heavy on the bough, with proven solutions able to deliver There’s plenty of technology, Ørbeck-Nilssen states, that’s ripe with opportunity. Wind-assisted propulsion, for example, hangs heavy on the bough, with proven solutions able to deliver immediate gains from a readily available, free and inexhaustible energy source requiring zero infrastructure or supply development. Air lubrication on hulls also delivers powerful energy efficiencies, as does waste heat recovery systems, battery hybridisation and greater utilisation of shore power. Unlocking significant benefits Digitalisation is, of course, enduringly high on the agenda, with speed, route and performance optimisation, as well as ‘just in time arrivals’ capable of unlocking significant benefits. However, rather than listing everything, he prefers to stress the “menu” of choices, noting: “Clearly, not everything will be suitable for every vessel or business, so it’s up to the owners to gauge what solutions are the best fit for their individual assets, operations and strategies. Getting that combination right can pay huge dividends.” Smarter to frame discussions Retrofitting new bulbous bows on container ships enters the panel, with these alone capable of giving efficiencies As proof of this, retrofitting new bulbous bows on container ships enters the conversation, with these alone capable of delivering efficiencies of up to 10-15%. “You can choose to look at that as an environmental issue,” he says, “but shipping is a business, and that should provide a strong business case for any owner.” It is, he suggests, sometimes smarter to frame discussions around the carrot of commercial gain, rather than the stick of penalties, or guilt for that matter. “Payback time on these solutions is often very short,” he adds, “and from there on in it’s pure savings, and competitive advantage.” Corridors of opportunity In terms of impact, Ørbeck-Nilssen says onboard carbon capture (OCC) may not get the column space, or interest levels, it deserves, as, in his words, it’s “arguably the most effective single way to decarbonise shipping.” However, as with the aforementioned green fuels, it’s not as straightforward as the smorgasbord of available efficiency measures. “There’s an infrastructure requirement that needs to be satisfied,” he comments. “The technology for onboard capture is already maturing, but we need to have the reception facilities, and other handling infrastructure, in place. This could be vital taking the pressure off of green fuel supply, so this should be a prioritised area of focus.” Carbon capture corridors He’s sees ‘carbon capture corridors’ as a means of facilitating greater development, with agreements between key hubs to create the required infrastructure, thus opening up major green routes and showcasing potential to the rest of the industry. “We have to invest in these first steps for the sake of wider future progress,” he stresses, “and for that we need stronger headline collaborations.” Nor-Shipping partnership One of the key reasons DNV continues to play such a prominent role in Nor-Shipping With multiple pathways of opportunity ahead of them, continuing uncertainty (both energy-wise and geopolitically) and the pressing need for collaboration, Ørbeck-Nilssen says they need to turn to the industry’s greatest asset – it’s people. This, he says, is one of the key reasons DNV continues to play such a prominent role in Nor-Shipping, where it is one of the two main partners (along with DNB) for the 2025 programme. Future with confidence “Firstly, I have to say Nor-Shipping has a knack of staying relevant,” he states, “and I think that is kind of summed up by the theme of the 2025 show (#future-proof). That sits perfectly with what I’ve been discussing today – the solutions that can help our industry navigate the future with confidence." “But I think one of its prime strengths is its capacity to bring such a broad range of international stakeholders together in the same place, to discuss the issues that really matter. When facing the challenges we do today, knowledge sharing, partnerships and accessing innovation are absolutely critical to progress. I mean, shipping moves the world forwards – look at our spirit of discovery and innovation – and platforms like Nor-Shipping are essential for enabling that.” Important challenges Finishing on the future-proof focus, Ørbeck-Nilssen also stresses the need to attract the right new people to the industry to make good on the potential he so clearly identifies. “Recruiting talent from the next generation is perhaps one of the most important challenges ahead,” he says. “Young people will be essential to finding solutions, both on vessels and on shore, that will, I hope, allow us to accelerate towards those all-important goals.” And, given the competition from other industries, does he believe this is possible? “Absolutely,” he says, “this is a fascinating career, with huge opportunities. And, of course, I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy.”

Nor-Shipping has announced that the main theme for its 60th-anniversary exhibition and activity programme will be FUTURE-PROOF. Taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, Norway, 2-6 June 2025, Nor-Shipping is now working with key stakeholders to tailor content and deliver opportunities that support decision-makers as they face a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Organisers have also confirmed that the exhibition space is already 85% sold out for what promises to be 'both a memorable and critically important Nor-Shipping.' Universal ambitions Sidsel Norvik, Director, Nor-Shipping, comments: “In discussions with our advisory board and other leading industry players it quickly became apparent that the desire to find a degree of ‘certainty in an uncertain world’ was top of almost everyone’s agenda. Together we saw that as an obvious area where Nor-Shipping could leverage its global position, audience and influence to deliver value.” Norvik continues: “The FUTURE-PROOF concept spoke to everybody. It’s not a promise to provide future-proof solutions, but rather a commitment to give people the foundations they need to make optimal decisions for what lies ahead. That means Nor-Shipping 2025 will be primed to supply the knowledge, the innovations, the partners, and the opportunities our global industry desires to maximise potential, and mitigate risk, in the years to come.” Pioneering developments Nor-Shipping confirmed that a range of special events saved to developing different drive parts In a reflection of the future focus, Nor-Shipping has confirmed that a range of special events dedicated to developing different industry segments have been confirmed. These include the Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind Conference, the Offshore Aquaculture Conference, The International Ship Autonomy and Sustainability Summit, the Nor-Shipping Hydrogen Conference, and the Ocean Campus education-industry initiative, amongst others. In addition, the Ocean Leadership Conference 2025 will gather globally renowned participants from the industry and beyond, while a huge array of social and networking activities will help build relationships in this people-oriented business. And, of course, the exhibition in Lillestrøm, featuring the most ambitious companies in the ocean space, is always a main attraction. In 2023, Nor-Shipping welcomed over 50,000 visitors, with the 2025 anniversary occasion promising even greater global interest. Informed choices DNV, the world’s largest classification society, and DNB, the number one ocean industries bank DNV, the world’s largest classification society, and DNB, the number one ocean industries bank, have confirmed they will once again take the positions of Main Partners, with the full list of Pioneering Partners to be revealed soon. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime DNV, says of the new theme: “We are in the middle of a decisive decade for shipping and if we take the right steps now, we could lay the foundation for great progress in our industry over the coming decades. To achieve the level of commitment, inspiration and understanding needed to enable future-proof solutions we need to come together. Nor-Shipping’s unique ability to identify, and build upon, the very latest industry developments in concert with a switched-on, high-level audience, provides the perfect arena to do that.” Inspiration ahead Jan Ole Huseby, EVP Global Head of Ocean Industries at DNB, adds: “Expertise lies at the heart of making optimal decisions. DNB, through its role supporting and enabling the whole spectrum of ocean industries, knows this only too well. Nor-Shipping operates as a physical, and hugely inspiring, hub of expertise – bringing together thought leaders from across this global industry as we look to plot pathways to the future that result in long-term value and benefits to society." “I can think of no better place to future-proof ocean businesses than Nor-Shipping. The fact that this theme looks to the future while building on the successes of the past 60 years makes it doubly impactful. I know that I, and I think a great many others, will be looking forward to a very special Nor-Shipping in 2025.”

Nor-Shipping 2023 proved to be one of those 'you had to be there' moments. From the second the bell rang at Oslo Stock Exchange on Monday morning, announcing the beginning of 2023's packed programme, through to the final delegates leaving the Lillestrøm exhibition centre on Friday afternoon, Nor-Shipping 2023 delivered on every expectation. A record turnout at the exhibition, big names at the conferences, and a social scene that basked in unbroken sunshine created, in the words of Sidsel Norvik, Director, Nor-Shipping, “The perfect arena to support our great global industry.” Defining enthusiasm “It’s been an unforgettable week,” said Sidsel Norvik, adding “The numbers speak for themselves, but what you can’t quantify is the incredible enthusiasm and sense of opportunity, the real desire to connect and do business that defined the whole week." Sidsel Norvik continues, “It’s been a joy to watch so many diverse industry stakeholders, from right around the world, seizing this chance to learn from, partner with, and inspire one another. From our perspective, it’s been hectic, but I don’t think I’m alone in saying I didn’t want it to end!” Nor-Shipping 2023 Nor-Shipping has always focused on addressing key issues, showcasing breakthrough knowledge Nor-Shipping has always focused on quality over quantity; addressing key issues, showcasing breakthrough knowledge and innovations, appealing to global decision-makers, and helping set the industry agenda for future developments.  However, 2023 also saw the event week expand its reach, with new conferences including the Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind and Offshore Aquaculture Conferences, an enhanced social scene, and increased partner activity. This impacted positively on participant numbers. Mass appeal Initial analysis shows a total of 30 000 entries into the exhibition halls, where visitors experienced around 892 exhibiting companies, and total participant numbers of over 50,000, including those at conferences, networking events, and official social gatherings. These figures do not include those attending the huge array of partner and exhibitor events in Oslo. In terms of knowledge sharing activity, the level of speakers, including US diplomat John F. Kerry, Dr. Andrew Forrest of Fortescue Metals Group, Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz, and IMO’s Kitack Lim, all of whom appeared at the Ocean Leadership conference, definitely raised the bar. Benefits of the event We do feel we’ve been able to offer something for everyone with ambitions within the ocean space" “We do feel we’ve been able to offer something for everyone with ambitions within the ocean space,” notes Sidsel Norvik, adding “We’ve tried to span the entire world of ocean business, joining the dots between sustainability and commercial development, to give our unique global audience real value. And, of course, they have been the star attraction, creating an atmosphere, sense of engagement, and new partnerships that should deliver benefits far into the future." Save the date Sidsel Norvik continues, “We’d like to thank everyone that came to Nor-Shipping 2023 and made it so special. We can’t wait to see you all again in 2025.” The next Nor-Shipping will take place in Lillestrøm and Oslo, Norway on 2-6 June 2025.