MARITIME
Powered by Nature

Norway has one of the largest and most comprehensive maritime clusters in the world.  Powered by Nature, the maritime industry here maximizes cost-effectiveness and quality while all the time keeping the environment in focus.

With the fifth largest fleet in the world, Norway is well positioned for continued success with a strong industry that encompasses everything from one of the world’s largest fleets to shipbuilding that is redefining design, functionality, and commitment to the environment. A world leader within ship financing, broking and insurance – coverage insuring 20% of the entire world fleet.

 

Steady as She Goes
The Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry leads the way with the cooperative development and management of the national maritime strategy. The maritime strategy “Steady as She Goes” describes the vision that “The Norwegian maritime industry will supply the most innovative and environmental solutions for the future”. This encompasses maritime research and innovation, short-sea shipping, facilitating the globalization and strengthening of the national maritime framework, and increasing maritime expertise on all levels.

Maritim21 – Innovation in Practice
The Ministry has also guided the Maritim21 project – a research and innovation strategy developed by the Research Council of Norway’s MAROFF (maritime activities and offshore operations) and Innovation Norway. With a focus on seven innovation areas, Maritim21 is well positioned to power the continued surge of the Norwegian maritime industry into the future. These seven areas include:

• An infrastructure and knowledge hub
• Maritime policy and framework
• Maritime innovation and business development
• Effective, environment and sustainable use of energy
• Distribution and use of LNG
• Demanding activities that include ship design, equipment, production and operation
• Transportation and operational activities in the High North (Barents Region)

 

Energy Management In Practice
Norwegian Maritime is powerful and innovative – and dedicated to a cleaner environment. One excellent example of this is the breakthrough collaborative working group named “WG 5”, allying 5 major Norwegian ship owning companies, namely – Klaveness Maritime Logistics, Wilhelmsen Lines, BW Gas, Høegh Autoliners and Grieg Shipping Group.

Under the hat of the WG 5 cooperation, current main focus is on execution of the  Energy Management In Practice (EMIP) project. The main purpose is to establish a common platform and ability among the 5 companies to cooperate in the field of improving energy efficiency on ships. The project entails installation of state of the art performance monitoring systems on nominated test ships, establishment of energy efficiency procedures and programs for crew training.

Finally, a coordinated test program of energy efficiency measures will be allocated to each of the test ships enabling systematic evaluation of effects in real life application. Upon completion of the project the companies will use the established platform and ability in the project to ascertain how to improve technology, routines and policy – all dedicated to increasing energy effectiveness and reducing emissions to air in the years to come.

The Norwegian press has already shown considerable interest in the EMIP project, and the progress will be presented to an international audience at the Green Ship Technology conference in 2011. Follow the ongoing progress of Energy Management in Practice or contact the Project Group for more information regarding this ambitious project here.

MARITIME EXCELLENCE
Norway combines entrepreneurship and innovation with the solid support of the government and a wealth of national organizations dedicated to maritime excellence. Click on the respective organization’s name below to go directly to their English website to see how Norway Communicates the Maritime Industry and what it can mean to you.

Norwegian Shipowners Association www.rederi.no
Communicating Norway’s view of shipping policy and international shipping regulations, this powerful organization has deep traditional roots providing the solid base for a successful future.

Federation of Norwegian Industries www.norskindustri.no
Representing the industry within areas that include construction and supply consultancy, ship’s gear producers and shipbuilding yards.

Association of Norwegian Maritime Exporters www.shipbuilding-industry.eu
The member organization dedicated to building maritime networks at home and abroad and bringing companies together in the Norwegian Shipping Cluster.

Norwegian Maritime Directorate www.sjofartsdir.no
Committed to promoting the highest standards of safety at sea – of utmost importance in the increasingly global maritime environment.

Norwegian Ship Registers (NIS/NOR) www.nis-nor.no
The governmental agency that works with public and private organizations public to ensure the
highest level ofquality ship register for both Norwegian and foreign owners.