With just two weeks to go until Nor-Shipping 2019 opens its doors, ‘Your Arena for Ocean Solutions’ claims its exhibition will be “bigger and better” than ever. Organisers have revealed that the entire 22,500m2 of space sold out earlier this year, with close to 1,000 exhibitors, numerous new features and activities, and a swathe of companies making their Nor-Shipping debuts, including several Chinese shipbuilders.

Nor-Shipping 2019 takes place from 04 to 07 June 2019 across a series of venues in Oslo and Lillestrøm, Norway. The exhibition is seen as the heart of a programme that also includes high level conferences, knowledge sharing and networking events, and activities to engage future maritime and ocean industry decision makers. In all, over 30,000 delegates are expected to descend on the Norwegian capital and its neighbouring town (linked by a 10 minute train ride, free for attendees).

Something for everyone

“Delegates strolling the exhibition floor can expect a unique experience,” comments Nor-Shipping Director Per Martin Tanggaard. “With the Blue Economy Hall - focusing on responsible, profitable use of the ocean space – some 20 national pavilions (including the first Portuguese pavilion at Nor-Shipping), free technical seminars, high level presentations on the DNB Ocean Stage, and a host of exhibitors that are here for the very first time, the atmosphere, and offering, will be both eclectic and electric. There is something for everyone with an interest in ocean business.”

Tanggaard notes that the new exhibitors come in many shapes and sizes. The Blue Economy Hall’s special ‘Start-up Lounge’ will feature 16 companies looking to make a mark in the industry, with specialisms spanning digital innovation, maritime solutions, and ocean space stewardship and management, amongst other disciplines. At the same time Hall D will play host to some of the biggest names in shipbuilding, featuring Chinese exhibition debutants such as COSCO SHIPPING HEAVY INDUSTRY CO, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, China Shipbuilding Ind. Equipment & Materials Co, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (Hall C).

Unlocking potential

“This is the first time Nor-Shipping has filled its entire exhibition floor,” Tanggaard states, adding; “and I think that can be seen both as a positive indicator for the industry, and for the huge business potential inherent within the ocean space.

“It also demonstrates that businesses still see the immense value in exhibitions themselves - in the power of meeting face to face and shaking hands. This is the best way to build productive relationships and initiate the collaborations that we need to unlock value from the ocean, in new, productive and sustainable ways. Nor-Shipping 2019 will, we hope, be an excellent platform for our industry to chart a profitable path forwards into the future.”

Key attractions beyond the exhibition halls include the Ocean Leadership Conference on 4 June, the Ocean Now festival in Oslo (building bridges between start-ups, students and established industry players), and Festival Street, where the industry can meet to relax, eat, drink and build excellent business contacts.