News
Successful Norway Maritime
Conference in Cebu
The inauguaral Norway Maritime Conference
concluded on 29 January 2016 in Cebu, Philippines,
leaving more than 200 delegates, amongst them several
leaders in the maritime industry, with valuable insights
on the future of the industry as a whole, reports the
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Manila.
During the welcome reception, Philippines Norway
Business Council Vice-President Jannicke Steen
stressed that Norway and the Philippines share strong
maritime relations.
“It is now time to strengthen this bond. With the
many complex challenges, many shipping companies
need to think differently and innovatively, and to meet
and exchange ideas and thoughts – that’s the purpose
why we are gathered here today,” said Ms. Steen.
Norway Maritime Conference was a unique
opportunity to gather high-level industry practitioners
to dig deeper into the increasingly complex maritime
challenges while sharing knowledge and developing
strategies to address them. Discussions revolved around
issues on the training and competence of Filipino
seafarers and position of the Philippines as the manning
capital of the world.
“The Philippines shall maintain its position as the
manning capital of the world – not only to promote our
country’s own self-interest, but also to do our share in
ensuring continued efficiency, safety, and environmental
sustainability while moving global commerce. A
commitment to work strictly within globally set and
agreed parameters of quality comes with this,” said
Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Dr.
Maximo Mejia, Jr.
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Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik
Førner in his remarks said that the maritime sector
remains the cornerstone of the bilateral relations
between the Philippines and Norway. He noted that
there are challenges facing the industry and Filipino
seafarers as competition from other states are clearly
taking up. Ambassador Førner, however, expressed
optimism that relevant bodies in the Philippines are
addressing these issues as important reforms have been
initiated.
One of the highlights of the Conference was the hard
talk sessions with the moderator and previous BBC
news anchor Ms. Nisha Pillai. Mr. Vidar Andersen,
Head of Asia for DNB, gave his economic perspectives
and business outlook on the maritime industry vis-àvis the largest economies in Asia such as China, India
and the ASEAN. Grieg Star Chair Ms. Elisabeth Grieg
shared some insights during her hard talk on how to
deal with business uncertainties in the industry.
“Don’t lose sight of your integrity and principles
during difficult times,” said Ms. Grieg.
Norway Maritime Conference also had three panel
discussions with topics such as “How Stormy is the
Future”, “Is Technology the Saviour” and “Competent
People makes the Difference”. Notable panel speakers,
such as Norwegian Shipowners’ Association CEO
Sturla Henriksen, Norwegian Maritime Authority
Director General Olav Akselsen, Nor-Shipping Director
Birigit Liodden, Philippine Transmarine Carriers CEO
Gerardo Borromeo, and Thome Group CEO Olav
Nortun, were amongst those sharing their opinions and
views.