It is another Nor-Shipping year and a lot has happened since the last gathering in 2015. Although it was already clear at the time of the last event that the offshore sector was facing a serious downturn, the full extent of that recession and its impact on Norwegian offshore support vessel operators, shipbuilders and equipment suppliers is now apparent.
There are glimmers of hope for some modest improvement over the next two years, but there is no realistic prospect of a full recovery any time soon. This means that the ramifications for Norwegian maritime companies still have some way to go as these businesses try to adapt to the changed circumstances and prospects. The three-way merger of leading offshore support vessel operators Solstad Offshore, Farstad Shipping and Deep Sea Supply was a firm response to the financial pressures facing the sector. There are almost certain to be further consolidations and restructurings.
It is therefore appropriate that the main theme of Nor-Shipping 2017 is ‘catalyst for change’ and the impact of disruptive sustainability. As Birgit Liodden prepares for the first Nor-Shipping event under her direction, she is clear in her contribution to this publication that companies need to look to the future and to new markets, such as Africa and Asia, and make use of new digital technologies to develop new innovations and business models. She comments: “We believe our industry can either disrupt or be disrupted. We have to embrace change, not resist it.”
The opportunities that are available for Norwegian companies in new markets are also stressed by Jeffrey Lai, representative of Innovation Norway in Singapore, who says: “There are good opportunities for Norwegian maritime companies that have the relevant technology and solutions.”
Innovation and flexibility are vital for Norwegian companies to succeed in new markets. There are already some good examples that are outlined in this issue of Norwegian Solutions. The lack of new orders for offshore support vessels has resulted in several Norwegian shipyards successfully diversifying into building expedition cruise ships, large yachts, specialised fishing vessels, patrol vessels and other specialist tonnage where their design and construction expertise gives them a competitive advantage.
Equipment suppliers are responding to the shift towards hybrid propulsion systems and embracing digital solutions including concepts such as autonomous shipping. Companies that operate in Norway such as Rolls-Royce and ABB are leading the way in these developments. Other companies such as Norwegian Electric Systems are also innovating new electrical systems that will improve safety and increase efficiency.
There are many other examples of Norwegian maritime technology companies leading the way that are described in Norwegian Solutions 2017. They include coatings supplier Jotun promoting the new ISO global standard for marine coatings enabling shipowners to assess clearly the impact of hull coatings on vessel efficiency. Optimarin and OceanSaver are among the leading suppliers of ballast water treatment systems with the new international Ballast Water Management Convention coming into force in September. Yara Marine Technologies has won several major contracts for its innovative exhaust gas scrubber systems. The list is extensive and too long to mention them all.
Norwegian shipowners and technology suppliers continue to develop innovative solutions for existing and new challenges. So, while the global maritime markets are still difficult, there is every reason to be optimistic that by continuing to innovate and be flexible, Norwegian companies can retain a leading role on a global scale.
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