Oslo, Norway—Norway and China are charting a new course in maritime cooperation, one that promises to drive innovation and tackle global climate challenges. At the 2nd China-Norway Green Cooperation Seminar held in Oslo, officials and industry leaders from both countries pledged to work together towards a sustainable future.
Under the theme “Sailing Together to a Greener Future,” the seminar brought together policymakers, business executives, and experts to explore how their complementary strengths can advance green technologies in the maritime sector.
Building on Strong Ties
Even Tronstad Sagebakken, State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, highlighted the longstanding ties between Norway and China in ocean industries like shipping and maritime technology. “If we are to solve the big challenges of our time and accelerate the green transition, we need to work together,” he said. “Norwegian experience in green shipping, combined with strong Chinese industry players, makes for a fruitful partnership.”
Mutual Growth and Innovation
Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, emphasized the critical role of shipping in sustainable development. He welcomed the growing cooperation between Norway and China, noting their joint efforts in advancing green technologies within the sector. “Chinese shipyards are producing some of the world’s most advanced vessels today. Our members greatly value this collaboration,” he said.
Sidsel Norvik, Director of Nor-Shipping, reported that many Chinese companies are participating in this year’s event, showcasing innovative green solutions. “It is extremely inspiring to see new initiatives from China in areas such as wind-assisted propulsion, carbon capture, battery hybridization, and digitalization,” she added.
Tackling Global Challenges Together
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Chief Operating Officer of DNV Maritime, stressed that achieving net-zero emissions in shipping by 2050 is a global challenge that requires close international cooperation. “China is a global leader in shipbuilding and will be a critical partner in this transition,” she said.
Brynjulv Standal, Senior Vice President for Asia and Pacific at Kongsberg Maritime, shared similar sentiments. “We believe in mutual growth and shared responsibility with our Chinese partners,” he stated, highlighting the company’s latest innovations in emission monitoring systems and green propulsion technologies.
The Road Ahead
Jo Friedmann, Senior Vice President at Rystad Energy, pointed out that over 50 percent of alternative-fuel vessels are being built by Chinese shipyards. “The maritime transition is highly dependent on China’s shipbuilding capacity and innovation,” he said. “Regulations and incentives will help accelerate the adoption of greener fuels and technologies.”
Earlier this year, Norway and China signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in sustainable ocean management. Chinese ambassador to Norway Hou Yue emphasized the synergy between green and blue sectors as a defining feature of their cooperation. “China excels in renewable technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities, while Norway leads the world in ship design and marine equipment,” she said.
As Norway and China set sail on this collaborative journey, their partnership not only promises mutual economic benefits but also a significant contribution to global efforts against climate change.
