Washington Maritime Blue, the organisation charged with growing sustainability-focused maritime business in the key US state, has confirmed a large, multi-exhibitor pavilion at Nor-Shipping 2022.

The not-for-profit group is the latest international name to commit to ‘Your Arena for Ocean Solutions’, taking place between 10-13 January, after Norway dropped coronavirus restrictions and reopened fully for international travellers in late September. “We have an acute sense that momentum and positivity is building ahead of the event,” says Nor-Shipping Director Sidsel Norvik. “It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere for the ocean business community come January!”

(Re)open for business

Nor-Shipping is expecting up to 30,000 participants to flock to activities in Oslo and the 20,000 sq m exhibition complex in Lillestrøm, where around 700 companies will showcase their latest innovations, services and expertise to international decision makers.

“We’d be lying if we pretended it’s been a straightforward run-up to the event week,” Norvik comments. “Like everyone else, we’ve been concerned that the pandemic would, once again, derail plans. However, vaccination levels are very high here and Norway is a safe place for visitors, so we’re looking forward with great optimism now that restrictions have ceased.”

Ocean of excitement

“What we’re seeing in response to that is a wave of support and enthusiasm from both local and international exhibitors, participants and delegates. We’ve all been waiting such a long time for an event that encompasses the whole of the ocean space – gathering our entire business community – and Nor-Shipping has consolidated its position as the ‘place to be’. Washington Maritime Blue’s commitment is a clear indication of the way things are moving, and we’re delighted to welcome them back on board.”

Washington Maritime Blue represents a broad spectrum of businesses and expects many of its biggest names to make the trip to Nor-Shipping’s “Winter Wonderland” exhibition. The fact that the reopening of borders comes on the back of the signing of a recent MoU between the state and the Norwegian government makes the timing even more fortuitous.

Building a bridge for business

“State representatives and Innovation Norway have cooperated on working together to support one another’s maritime communities, build partnerships, and grow environmentally sustainable business opportunities over the past two years,” comments Maritime Blue’s President and CEO Joshua Berger. “A new agreement has just been inked and shows our commitment to, and firm belief in, enabling a collaboration bridge that allows us to use our unique clusters to help industry on the path to a green transition. Nor-Shipping is a central pillar of that bridge.

“This is the place where the entire community comes together, and determines how they can work together, in an arena that showcases both the very latest knowledge and developments, and the established expertise of exhibitors. It’s a crucial platform for our members and, personally speaking, I can’t wait to experience, utilise and enjoy it once again.”

Time for #ACTION

Other key international exhibitors that have confirmed participation include names such as ClassNK, Sterling PBES Energy Solutions, Vikand, Tersan Shipyard, and Hyundai, as well as a “who’s who” of industry leading names from the Nordics and Europe.

Nor-Shipping 2022 will feature five themed exhibition halls at the NOVA Spektrum facility in Lillestrøm, Norway. A range of knowledge sharing and networking activities – including the high-profile Ocean Leadership Conference – take place across the week. The theme of this Nor-Shipping is taking positive business #ACTION within the ocean space; creating both commercial value and sustainable solutions.