A vision for sustainable growth in the maritime industry

Mr. Dag Terje Andersen Minister of Trade and Industry

The maritime industry is in its nature a truly global business, and Norway has a long tradition as one of the world’s major maritime nations. Based on experience, tradition, hard work and new solutions, the Norwegian maritime cluster has fostered world-leading players within every important segment of the maritime industry.

Facing tomorrow’s markets, Norway’s unique and highly competitive maritime cluster constitutes the best possible starting point. We know that competition will be even more intense, technological solutions more complex, and, perhaps more important, the global maritime industry must take into account the environmental challenges that we are all facing.

The Government’s vision is that Norway will continue to be a world leading maritime nation, and that our maritime industry will supply the most innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for the future. This vision was put forward in the Government’s Maritime Strategy, presented in October 2007.

We are not alone in wishing to play a part in the strong growth of the global maritime industry. Several countries in Europe and Asia are developing ambitious strategies aimed at boosting their maritime industries and attracting foreign companies by creating favourable business environments. We have to fine-tune our efforts in order to succeed.

Our greatest advantage is a fully developed maritime cluster constituted by shipping, shipbuilding, maritime equipment manufacturers and maritime service suppliers. The high level of skills and expertise in this cluster, and the innovative environment that has been formed between the different actors, provides us with every possibility of mastering the competitive nature of the global maritime markets.

As for the environmental issues that have to be encountered, the Government’s strategy has laid down an offensive approach. Emissions from commercial shipping, as well as local environmental hazards of industrial activity, have to be reduced. As this is increasingly important for the consumers, it is also increasingly important for the industry. I believe that international regulations, paired with national incentives for research and innovation, will not only stimulate sustainable growth, but open new opportunities to gain market shares.

I am convinced that the Norwegian maritime industry, of which this publication offers a range of fascinating examples, has the expertise and technological skills that is required to attain the position as a world leading provider of sustainable solutions for the maritime industry. This is what our maritime strategy is all about: environmentally friendly growth in the maritime industry.

I hope you will enjoy this publication. We are looking forward to continue developing relations with our maritime partners all over the world, and together create environmentally friendly growth in the maritime industry.

Mr. Dag Terje Andersen
Minister of Trade and Industry