Nor-Shipping 2015 passes the test

The success of Nor-Shipping 2015 is proof of concept.

“We have established an event with a brand and total concept that has proved its value to the maritime community as shown by its success in spite of a difficult market,” says Nor-Shipping Director Vidar Pederstad.

“Nor-Shipping is unquestionably the leading maritime event week. For 50 years, we have been proud to provide an arena that helps position the industry for the future,” adds Pederstad.

Nor-Shipping 2015 expanded to include a number of forward-thinking initiatives that were well received by delegates this week.

New forum

The major new offering for the 2015 event was Ocean Industry Podium, an arena for those who work in maritime technology, finance, insurance and law. Located on the second floor of the exhibition hall, Podium was made up of 24 fast-paced, one-hour sessions among which delegates could choose from and more easily combine with a busy event week schedule than conferences.

“The Nor-Shipping growth philosophy has been to become increasingly relevant to ever more of the maritime value chain,” explains Pederstad. “By including sessions targeted at professionals from these maritime services, we naturally increased the amount of potential business, knowledge exchange and, of course, valuable networking that took place at Nor-Shipping.”

Focus on Brazil

Also new at the 2015 event week was a program of activities to further the connection between the Norwegian and Brazilian business communities. Called Brazil@Nor-Shipping, its Brazil-based presentations, industry sessions, legal seminar and social activities spread throughout the week gave delegates valuable insight into the risks and rewards of doing business in the country.

A more prominent stage for women

Building on Nor-Shipping 2013’s Maritime Women seminar, the Waves of Change conference, which took place on the same stage as the main Nor-Shipping conferences, presented a more prominent platform for women in the industry. However, while women set the agenda for the event, men were also on stage and in the audience for the presentation and discussion of topics relevant to all – leadership, the environment and the future.

Social responsibility

In honor of the 50th anniversary, Norges Varemesse, the foundation that owns and operates Nor-Shipping, donated a rescue vessel to the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (NSSR). To be named Nor-Shipping, it will be NSSR’s second rescue vessel of a brand new speedboat class, developed by Norwegian design firm Eker Design.

In addition, a portion of every Delegate Pass and party ticket sold for Nor-Shipping 2015, as well as the proceeds from the newly established Nor-Shipping Fun Run, went to the welfare charity The Mission to Seafarers, which serves merchant sailors around the world. “This is our small way of saying thank you for the valuable contribution seafarers make to the industry,” says Pederstad.

New heights

Together with the exhibition and the established conferences and programs, these new initiatives ensured that Nor-Shipping 2015 reached new heights in its 50^th anniversary year.

“Without a doubt, the event week made an impression on our delegates,” says Pederstad. “And not just with the spectacular fireworks at last night’s anniversary party,” he adds with a smile.

Nor-Shipping 2015 in numbers:

Visitor entries at exhibition – 15,400 (4.5% increase over 2013)

Delegate entries at exhibition, including visitors – 32,300 (4.5% increase over 2013)

Approximate number of delegates who attended event week activities – 35,000

Number of exhibiting companies – 972

Number of national pavilions – 20

Exhibiting area – 45,000 gross and 22,500 net

Opening Conference attendees – 800

Agenda Offshore attendees – 550

Waves of Change (Women@Nor-Shipping) conference attendees – 230

Ocean Industry Podium – 1,950

Brazil@Nor-Shipping – 300

Nor-Shipping BBQ guests – 2,500

50th Anniversary Party guests – 1,200

Number of seminars and conferences – 58

Approximate number of receptions and social events – more than 210

Students and teachers who attended Ocean Talent Camp – 10,250