Maritime Match Making

Western Norway is in the midst of major transitions related to oceans, energy and preparedness. To meet future challenges, we need new solutions, stronger collaboration and a shared understanding of opportunities and risks. This event brings together stakeholders from industry, research, public administration and politics to explore how we can jointly develop a sustainable and competitive maritime region.

Through three main thematic tracks – ocean resources, maritime transport and maritime preparedness -, we highlight both the potential and the complexity of developments in the ocean space – ranging from resource utilisation and technology development to green logistics systems and future security and preparedness.

To advance these themes, we invite contributors who can present relevant challenges, promising solutions, cutting-edge research and potential project ideas to the audience.

This event requires registration, please see above.

Programme

09:30  Registration and coffee

10:00  Welcome and introduction to the day

10:10  Key note speaker – Ocean resources

10:20  Pitching – Round 1

10:50  Break

11:05  Key note speaker – Maritime Transport

11:15  Pitching – Round 2

11:45  Break

12:00  Introduction by key note speaker – Maritime Preparedness

12:10  Pitching – Round 3

12:40  Feedback on pitches from all three note speakers

13:00  Lunch, networking and match making

14:00  Closing remarks

Detailed info on the themes of the day

Resources from the Ocean (seafood, minerals, energy)

The ocean is one of Western Norway’s most important resources – now and in the future. This session takes a close look at how the region can further develop ocean-based industries in ways that strengthen value creation while safeguarding the environment.

• Seafood: How can we ensure sustainable production, better utilisation of marine raw materials, and innovation in aquaculture and fisheries?
• Seabed minerals: What role can deep-sea minerals play in the green transition – and how do we address knowledge gaps, environmental considerations and technological development?
• Offshore wind and ocean energy: With increasing investment in offshore wind and other ocean-based energy sources, we explore how Western Norway can take a leading position through industrial expertise, supply chains and infrastructure.

This theme highlights concrete opportunities, barriers and the need for coordinated action in the years ahead.

Maritime transport (energy efficiency, zero-emission solutions, safety and future logistics in the maritime value chain)

Maritime transport is undergoing a profound energy transition, requiring coordinated development across the entire value chain. Shipping companies, shipyards, equipment suppliers and ports all play key roles in the move towards a more efficient, safe and zero-emission maritime sector. This session explores how green technology, operations and collaboration can be advanced collectively.

• Energy efficiency in design and operations

Energy efficiency begins during the ship design phase at shipyards and continues throughout a vessel’s lifecycle. Digitalisation, automation and partially autonomous solutions provide shipping companies with improved tools for optimised operations, route planning and energy use. At the same time, data sharing between vessels and shore-based systems enables reduced energy consumption without compromising safety and reliability.

• Zero-emission propulsion solutions

The transition to zero emissions requires close interaction between shipping companies, shipyards and ports. Battery systems are already well established in several markets, while propulsion solutions based on alternative fuels are under development. We discuss how these systems can be integrated into new and existing vessels, applicable safety requirements, and how ports can evolve into energy hubs for charging and bunkering.

• Future logistics and ports

This segment examines how logistics and ports can be developed through digitalisation, automation and improved coordination. Topics include how data sharing and joint planning among shipping companies, ports and logistics operators can reduce waiting times and energy consumption, while strengthening safety, robustness and reliability across the transport chain.

Together, this theme provides a holistic picture of how the entire maritime value chain can evolve through collaboration, technology and targeted transformation.

Maritime preparedness

Security in maritime areas is under increasing pressure. Safe maritime domains are essential for societal security, economic development and international trade. The final session focuses on how maritime preparedness can be strengthened in the face of a changing international risk landscape.

Key questions include:

• What capacity and coordination are required between public and private actors?
• How can technology, data sharing and surveillance enhance prevention and response capabilities?
• What will the future demand from Norwegian maritime preparedness?

This session facilitates dialogue on how we can jointly develop a more robust and effective maritime preparedness system.

This theme is particularly relevant for those seeking insight into how lives and critical infrastructure can be protected, as well as for those who want to learn from pioneers in the field and contribute to shaping a safer and more resilient coastline for the future.