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After striking a satisfying balance for this year, Nor-Shipping director Birgit M. Liodden reveals the theme for the next edition of one of the leading maritime trade shows

Liodden sees many highlights from the week, with the decision to dedicate the whole of Hall A to the new[ds_preview] industry concept of Disruptive Sustainability as a standout. »The exhibition in Hall A, supported by a programme of Disruptive Talks, was like nothing else we’ve seen in this sector,« she comments. »By inviting innovative players from outside the industry – such as Siemens, HTT and Crowdstrike – to mix with shipping’s sharpest minds we saw a collision of ideas and potential that can help define our collective future.«

For Liodden, the scene demonstrated a new way of working together, pulling in inspiration and talent from wherever it resides and »seeing how we can adopt and adapt it to benefit maritime.« In a fast changing world, shipping needs to keep pace and this was our way of helping the industry accelerate, she added.

On that note, Liodden revealed that »accelerate« is set to be the theme for Nor-Shipping 2019, taking place from 4–7 June 2019, following on from this year’s »catalyst for change«. It is, she notes, a natural focus for an industry looking to retain its position at the vanguard of world trade.

»We have the platform and position to build future success,« Liodden concludes, »and, as I saw over the course of the week, the industry is already changing fast. But we need to find the right partners to switch our development into overdrive – to finally rid ourselves of the historical, cyclical problems that plague us and access new potential. This isn’t just a pipedream; I believe we can really transform our prospects if we work together.«

According to the organizers, this year’s Nor-Shipping, which took place across a series of venues in Oslo and Lillestrøm from 30 May to 2 June, held more events than ever (220), gathered a greater number of speakers than past programmes (150), and welcomed exhibitors from some 48 countries. Despite on-going tough market conditions, overall visitor numbers were maintained, with people from some 75 nations making the trip to Norway.

However, as Liodden explains, the figures only tell part of the story. »It goes without saying that we’re happy to attract strong visitor, delegate and exhibitor numbers, but what we’re most proud of is the depth of content, insight and innovation on show throughout the week.«