Wuhan, China: Norway’s model as a maritime cluster has important lessons for the fast-growing Chinese shipbuilding industry, particularly for the further development of marine equipment in Wuhan, said DNV’s Vice President and Regional Manager for Greater China Bjørn K Haugland, addressing a high-level conference held September 22, 2007 in Wuhan, capital city of Central China’s Hubei Province.
“Norway is justifiably proud of its maritime cluster, which as a winning formula is not least due to the proximity of its players – an advantage that Wuhan and Hubei-based companies could take note of when building their own local cluster. Excellent communications and industry platforms for discussion, research, and lobbying government policy support have also been vital for Norway,” said Mr Haugland.
He was addressing the China (Wuhan) International Marine Equipment Industry Development Forum, which was attended by high level delegates from Commission of Science Technology & Industry for National Defense (COSTIND), Chinese Association of National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), the Ministry of Commerce and the city and Hubei provincial governments. Representing the local businesses were top leaders from Changjiang Shipping Group (CSC), and many other shipyards and ship gear manufacturers in the region.
“Today, the Chinese leadership has prioritised developing inland locations. The scale of this event in Wuhan demonstrates such a policy focus. It is also clear that shipbuilding and inland development intersect in Wuhan,” said Mr Haugland.
He cited a March 2007 report by COSTIND pointing out that the risks to the Chinese shipbuilding industry mainly come from currency appreciation and the shortcomings of marine equipment industry.
“Technology and service will be the two key elements that decide the development trend of China’s marine equipment industry,” said Mr Haugland.
In addition to CSIC’s Wuchang Shipyard and CSC’s Qingshan Shipyard, Wuhan can claim pride to being the home to Wuhan Marine Machinery Plant Co Ltd., which is the largest and most powerful manufacturer of marine machinery in China. Wuhan Marine Equipment Industrial Park, jointly developed by Norway’s I.M. Skaugen and Changjiang National Shipping Corp, has recently been put into operation.
“Judging from the scale and high level of participation in this year’s forum and the strong focus and interest on marine equipment, it is clear that Wuhan has a bright future as a hub for marine equipment construction,” concluded Mr Haugland.
DNV opened its office in Wuhan in 1996 and now has a staff of 15 focused on maritime services and industrial certification. Mr Haugland is very optimistic about the development of Wuhan as a maritime cluster thanks to its strategic location and solid industrial foundation.