The conference deliberated on the future of maritime industry including digitalization, green shipping, technological developments and much more
A Norwegian business delegation led by Ann Ollestad, Norway’s Consul General in Mumbai, visited Ahmedabad on 28 June to explore business and investment opportunities in Gujarat’s maritime sector and connect with potential partners.
The conference, hosted by the Norwegian Consulate General along with other Norwegian agencies, brought together companies, academics and policy makers from two countries to deliberate on the future of maritime industry including digitalization, green shipping, technological developments and much more. The conference had several dignitaries from the Indian side including Dr. Jagdish Narayan Singh, Gujarat’s Chief Secretary and Chairman of Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), Ajay Bhadoo, Vice Chairman and CEO of GMB and Dr. Malini Shankar, Director General – Directorate General of Shipping.
Dr Singh, who was also the Chief Guest at the conference, hoped Gujarat’s maritime sector to benefit from Norway’s engineering and technological capabilities. Mr. Ajay Bhadoo, a keynote speaker, invited Norway to invest in ports and LNG infrastructure projects and provide skilled professionals for sustained development of Gujarat’s maritime industry. Dr Malini Shankar, Director General – Directorate General of Shipping, spoke about emerging opportunities in India’s shipping and the need to make maritime logistics more sustainable. GCCI President Dr Jaimin Vasa, President- Gujarat Chambers of Commerce, spoke about opportunities for small and medium enterprises in maritime sector and scope of tie-ups between the two countries.
Norwegian speakers presented their assessments on the future of shipping including development of autonomous vessels, green and clean shipping and vessel tracking systems for ships. Notable speakers included Helge Tryti-Commercial Counsellor- Innovation Norway, Svein Michelson, Special Advisor- Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tor Christian Sletner, Director-Environment, research and Innovation- Norwegian Ship owner’s Association among others
Speaking at the Conference Ollestad said: “Norway’s maritime sector is among most global, innovative and forward-looking industries. The opportunities which India’s maritime sector, particularly Gujarat, has to offer requires long-term efforts from the various players including companies, authorities and researchers in the industry. One of the ways is to keep interaction going on a sustained basis among stakeholders of both the countries.”
Capt. Navin Passey, Chairman of Norwegian Business Association (India) and Wallem Shipping, presented the vote of thanks.
