The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) is an authority with ambition. It is the administrative and supervisory authority in matters related to safety of life, health, material values and the environment on vessels flying the Norwegian flag and foreign ships in Norwegian waters.
Acting as the administrative and supervisory body for both Norwegian flagged ships and foreign vessels in Norwegian waters, it’s the job of the NMA to enforce national and international legislation, agreements and political decisions, while safeguarding maritime people, assets and the environment.
NMA has been an active partner to Nor-Shipping for many years and sees huge value in participation. To find out more about NMA’s experience from Nor-Shipping 2019 we spoke to Caroline Whittle, Head of Marketing, Norwegian Maritime Authority .
How was your Nor-Shipping 2019 experience?
Nor-Shipping 2019 was a great success for the Norwegian Maritime Authority. We increased our focus in terms of size, spend and content and invested in the sponsor role as a Leading partner for the first time. All in all we were extremely satisfied with the response! We take part at several national and international exhibitions, conferences and events and we can safely say that Nor-Shipping is a true highlight in the shipping calender.
Marketing the Quality Flag of Norway is a key goal for us. Delegates at Nor-Shipping were met by a giant Norwegian flag at our stand in the entrance to the exhibition and the opportunity to take a selfie together with our staff dressed in national costume “on board ” the groundbreaking vessel, the Future of the Fjords. Our main stand was located in the Norwegian pavilion, and was well visited throughout the Nor-Shipping week. Everyone who took a selfie at the flag booth had to stop by the main booth to print their picture, which created steady traffic. We also invited partners to have lunchtime lectures on our main stand which we called “Food for thought”, with themes ranging from global sustainable shipping to turning emissions into fuel.
Fun facts:
· We handed out approximately 4.500 flag chocolate bars!
· There are over 2.000 shopping bags with «The Quality Flag» design being used all over the world!
· Our “selfie” machine took over 1.000 pictures during Nor-Shipping 2019!
What was your own personal highlight from the week?
For the first time in the history of Nor-Shipping, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association had the pleasure of inviting top executives, partners and politicians to celebrate the Norwegian maritime cluster. The reception was entitled “The Quality Flag Reception” and was held at the Bølgen & Moi restaurant at Tjuvholmen. We received wonderful feedback and we were especially pleased that the Minister of Trade and Industry, Torbjørn Røe Isaksen visited us both at our stand at Nor-Shipping and also at the “Quality Flag Reception”, where he delivered a keynote address.
Why is Nor-Shipping important to you and your business?
Our vision is to become the preferred maritime authority. Increasing the number of vessels sailing under the Norwegian flag and positioning Norway as a world leader in green shipping technology are key goals for us which makes Nor-Shipping an ideal arena for us as it is a global shop window for Norwegian maritime technology and expertise. As one of the worlds largest and most well known maritime events, Nor-Shipping attracts all the key people and organisations we want to meet and talk to.
Why did you feel it was important to sign up for Nor-Shipping 2021 as early as possible?
We signed up early for Nor-Shipping 2021 as we are very keen to signal our strong support for the event. We are committed to building upon the good cooperation we have with the maritime cluster and Nor-shipping enables us to do that. We are also extremely pleased to have secured the role as conference partner for next year’s event.
What are you most looking forward to at the next Nor-Shipping?
It’s been a real shame that other trade fairs have had to be cancelled or postponed this year, and we hope that Nor-Shipping will be the event that gathers the global maritime industry back together! We look forward to seeing everyone again and we are particularly excited about how the key theme, #action will impact the industry
Nor-Shipping 2021 – Your Arena for Ocean Solutions – takes place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, 1-4 June 2021. Find out more at nor-shipping.com and book your stand now
