The unique character of the Norwegian shipping industry may be under threat but activity on the world stage goes from strength to strength, delegates learned at DNV’s recent Nordic Committee for Safety at Sea meeting.
Addressing delegates, Tor E Svensen, chief operating officer of DNV Maritime said: “While there may be dilution of Norwegian influence at home, there is undoubtedly strengthening of it abroad. Bergesen, Høegh and Wilhelmsen are just three examples of how innovative, quality-focused owners are securing a future.”
In his presentation Svensen said that Norwegian owners characteristically evaluate new markets with a shrewd business sense based on experience and an entrepreneurial spirit. “A number of owners are looking to new markets, and current areas of interest include developments in LNG and ice-class operations, in line with expanding markets.”
Losing ground
On a not-so-positive note, the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s head, Marianne Lie, stated that Norwegian shipowners are steadily losing ground due to the negative fiscal framework at home.
“Norwegian shipowners are enjoying good economic times, but they’re fed up with their government’s indifference to the industry. Companies need to do what’s best for the bottom line, and increasingly that means relocating elsewhere of flagging out,” said Lie.
According to NSA figures, the decline has been evident since 2001. Despite the phenomenal increase in international contracting activity in 2003 and 2004, there has been a reduction in ordering by Norwegian companies.
“There was a time when Norwegian companies accounted for about 10 per cent of the global merchant tonnage on order. That figure is now only 2.7 per cent,” said a concerned Lie. “It’s time Norway took a stand: shall we or shall we not take action to retain current business and attract new maritime business to Norway?”
The head of the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, Rune Teisrud, is in no doubt: “Norway should have everything it takes to remain among the select group of leading shipping nations, as we have for generations already. To this end, the Norwegian flag must be competitive, and this depends on such things as the economic framework conditions and the maritime administration’s skill and ability to adapt.”
He added: “Norway must also ensure it has international influence in the future by collaborating with the Nordic countries and other important partners and – not least – being an active driving force internationally speaking.”
Nordic collaboration
Echoing Teisrud’s words, Christian Breinholt, director of the Danish Maritime Authority said: “The Nordic countries are important shipping nations and the area has a huge value-
creation potential. Expertise and an ability to adapt and look forwards are future challenges for us all.”
Breinholt also commented on the EU and the effect it has had on the industry. “Much of our time is spent on dealing with EU directives and we do not expect this to change in the future. Building shipping awareness into the commission takes time, but overall things are progressing,” he said.
The committee meeting attracted significant interest from the Nordic maritime industry and, according to committee secretary Wilhelm Magelssen, was well received by the attending delegates. “There is an increasing awareness of the challenges facing the Nordic maritime industry. We must sharpen ourselves through increased competence at home if we are to compete at international level.”
Magelssen emphasised that the various players in the Nordic shipping industry must keep up with market development, being at the forefront of technology, research and development, and education.
Key people
The event included presentations from key personnel covering various subjects. Bjørn Haugland, DNV Maritime’s new regional manager in China, shared his views and experiences on the booming market in China, while technical director Olav Nortun highlighted DNV technology developments, projects, products and services.
Terje Staalstrøm, senior vice president and head of classification policy in DNV, informed the delegates about the current status of the Joint Tanker and Joint Bulker Projects.
The group work sessions focused on three issues:
• IACS’ Joint Tanker and Joint Bulker Projects
• Changes in IMO requirements relating to Annex II and VI
• Nordic flag and technology advantages for the Nordic shipping industry
“DNV is committed to the Nordic shipping industry and, as this committee shows, efforts are being made to advise and make important contributions aimed at securing the Nordic companies’ position in international shipping,” said Magelssen. “Granted there are challenges ahead, but we are still optimistic about our future maritime role.”