Nor-Shipping has disclosed that over 80% of its available exhibition space for 2019 has already been booked.
This figure, which marks a significant improvement on advanced bookings at this stage for 2017, suggests real business optimism within the maritime and ocean industries, states Nor-Shipping Director Per Martin Tanggaard.
“No one needs me to tell them that the maritime industry has been through a difficult few years,” Tanggaard comments. “Traditional cycles appear to have been thrown out the window, as prolonged periods of overcapacity, weak demand and low margins have forced shipowners and suppliers into painful periods of readjustment. However, there is a growing sense that ‘the ship’ is now steering out of the storm.”
Emerging opportunities
The Nor-Shipping chief, who joined the business as Exhibition Director in 2015, before moving up to the lead role this year, has a position that leads him into direct contact with a diverse range of industry leaders on a daily basis. They, he says, appear more optimistic with each passing month.
“Nobody is taking anything for granted,” Tanggaard says, “but there’s an energy I personally haven’t seen for some time.
“The challenges remain, obviously, but there’s a desire to embrace change and seize on emerging opportunities – driven in part by a realization of the possibilities inherent in new technology and innovation, and also by an appreciation of the huge, untapped business potential of the ocean space. Something that is reflected in Nor-Shipping 2019’s positioning as ‘your arena for ocean solutions’.
Tomorrow’s solutions today
“We want to help our core audience access new ocean opportunities, partners and talent, in a way that builds sustainable success – both environmentally and commercially. I think that initiative has struck a real chord.”
Nor-Shipping, taking place across numerous venues in Oslo and Lillestrøm from 04 – 07 June 2019, expects to attract over 35,000 visitors, with around 1000 companies filling approximately 22,000 sq. m of exhibition space. In another move designed to add value for those with growing ocean ambitions, the whole of Hall A has been devoted to the concept of ‘Blue Economy’. This will showcase ‘tomorrow’s business solutions today’ in an interactive landscape focusing on practices and players that balance maritime and ocean activity growth with sustainable resource use and environmental protection.
New audiences
“We are readjusting in line with the business opportunities in front of our core audiences,” Tanggaard concludes. “We are here to serve them and enable business success in whatever way we can.
“Nor-Shipping’s programme of activity will reflect the growing sense of optimism in our industry, while aiming to translate that positivity into tangible results. We believe 2019 will be a year to remember.”
Nor-Shipping 2019 aims to attract new audiences to help boost business for its traditional market. Hall A in particular will welcome exhibitors such as business cluster organisations, start-ups, and venture capitalists, alongside companies from segments including digital and data innovation, smart logistics, alternative fuels, recycling, cyber security, and cross industry collaboration, amongst others.
A renewed programme of events, speakers and networking activities will be released in the months leading up to next June.
Nor-Shipping 2019
Nor-Shipping 2019 takes place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, Norway, from 04 to 07 June 2019.
Alongside Hall A’s focus on Blue Economy, the other halls will feature:
IT & Navigation in Hall B
Safety & Rescue in Hall C
Shipbuilding & Repair in Hall D
Maritime Services & Logistics in Hall E
Propulsion & Machinery in Hall E
