Nor-Shipping 2009 Defies Economic Downturn

Nor-Shipping 2009 was the largest in the event’s history, dating back to 1967. 1105 exhibitors from 52 countries participated. By comparison, Nor-Shipping 2007, which took place in the midst of a market boom, had 830 exhibitors from 42 countries.

The Leading Voices conference that opened Nor-Shipping 2009 on Tuesday, June 9 got the show off to a favorable start. Attended by Norway’s King Harald V, the conference featured leaders of global stature, including IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos, and Richard Fain and Wilh. Wilhelmsen of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ASA CEO Ingar Skaug discussed shipping’s role in the fight against climate change. CNN’s Todd Benjamin led round-table discussions about the industry’s and regulators’ efforts to contain greenhouse gas emissions.

At the conference, Farstad Shipping ASA was announced as the winner of the Heyerdahl Award. Farstad was recognized for its latest newbuildings, the construction support vessel Far Samson and the platform supply vessel Far Serenade. RCCL’s Save the Waves program, Teekay Corporation’s Amundsen Spirit and Stena Bulk’s EMAXair concept were all honored at the first annual Clean Shipping Awards.