The Fortress Quay in Bergen and Trans Sol were bustling with activity when One Ocean Week hosted a Family Sunday with activities for everyone.
“This is a concept that has really taken off, and interest has been enormous. We need to show what the maritime industry is all about and why it’s important both locally and globally. That’s why raising awareness and visibility are so important,” says Sigvald Sveinbjørnsson, who has played a key role in the planning through Maritime Bergen.
From a tent to a floating exhibition
In previous years, Maritime Bergen has set up tents and booths on the quay alongside member companies, shipping lines, and suppliers. This year, the concept has taken a major step forward.
“We’ve been holding an event called ‘A Sea of Opportunities’ for several years. This year, we’re moving it to Monday and organizing a large gathering on the ship, while Family Sunday has taken on a clearer focus on the general public. We have a massive exhibition area on deck,” explains Sveinbjørnsson.
“We’ve simply never done this on this scale before, and it’s incredibly exciting to see how it’s being received,” he says.
The purpose of Family Sunday is to raise awareness of the maritime industry and make it accessible to the general public.
“We want to showcase the maritime companies in the region, what they do, and the role they play. At the same time, the public will have the opportunity to come aboard a modern ship owned and operated from Bergen,” says Sveinbjørnsson.
The SeaCargo shipping company is fielding the Trans Sol, named after one of the company’s very first vessels.
“These ships transport, among other things, aluminum produced in Norway to Europe. This is a vital industry and provides important jobs that many people may not think about in their daily lives,” he adds.
Working hard to reduce emissions
On board the Trans Sol, we meet Gisle Kårbø Rong, Deputy Managing Director of the shipping company Sea Cargo.
“I am incredibly proud of this ship. We want to show what we’re doing and that we’re working hard to reduce emissions and meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements,” says Rong.
He says that the response from the audience has been overwhelming and that many people are asking about the large cylinders on the deck.
“When we explain that these sails reduce fuel consumption and emissions, people are both surprised and excited. Many people also didn’t realize that Bergen is still a major shipping and maritime hub,” says Rong.
Several of SeaCargo’s partners will also be exhibiting, including technology providers, design firms, aluminum manufacturers, banks, insurance companies, and shipping suppliers.
Testing strengths and dreams for the future
The Navy has set up a large booth out on Festningskaien where visitors can test their physical fitness.
“We’re here to recruit. Our staff is set to double, so we need more people,” says Vegard Sandvik, a diving instructor at the Norwegian Armed Forces Diving and Frogman School.
Visitors of all ages have taken up the challenge.
Among them is Evangelos Kalant, who rowed an impressive 374 meters in one minute. PHOTO: Morten Sæle
– It’s fun to be here. I’m from Greece and grew up by the sea. The sea is my “happy place.”
Piotr Chimicz and his son Jan have tried their hand at sailing, while many others have chosen to board the ships. PHOTO: Vibeke Blich
On Sunday, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl was also open to the public. Among the visitors were Beate Cseressie and her son Teodor, who took the opportunity to see the sailing ship up close. PHOTO: Morten Sæle
