Leading up to the grand dinner on Thursday evening, Odfjell hosted a series of exclusive seminars, social gatherings, and recreational activities for our guests. This year’s program continued the tradition of offering a mix of insightful sessions and social events:
In total, nearly 160 of Odfjell’s contacts participated in one or more of these events, representing a wide array of companies, including Sumitomo, Tricon Energy, Nexo, Braskem, Brazilship, Thommesen and many others. This impressive turnout underscored the event’s significance and the strong relationships Odfjell maintains within the industry.
During the Seminars at the HQ, speakers were greeted by a curious and engaged audience, eager to share best practices within the industry.
One attendee remarked,
"Collaboration is really important in shipping. All the information we have received here today gives us a better understanding of Odfjell’s assets management philosophy, both hardware and software, referring to your ships and people.” – Leong Chee Wai, General Manager /Supply Chain Management & Procurement, Sumitomo Chemical Asia
He continued, “We have just heard how you recruit and retain talents. Knowing that you have competent employees helps us build a high trust level. We are very happy so far with our collaborations with Odfjell. You are doing a great job in sharing best practices and delivering information in a understandable and professional manner."
The positive feedback from attendees, including customers, colleagues, and even competitors, reinforces the significance of these gatherings in fostering industry-wide progress and innovation. This collective spirit and mutual support form the foundation of the strong sense of community within the maritime industry.
Later that day, customers, brokers, and Odfjell employees gathered in Frescohallen for dinner and networking. The event also marked Odfjell's 110-year anniversary as Chair Laurence Odfjell sat down with NHH Professor Stig Tenold to discuss the company's history and future, moderated by Finance Manager Henriette Kästel Bergesen.
During the session, Laurence highlighted the importance of the maritime city of Bergen as a crucial factor in Odfjell's past success. He reaffirmed Odfjell's strong connection to this maritime hub, stating:
“Odfjell has always had its roots in Bergen, and will continue to do so in all foreseeable future!"
In his speech held in Frescohallen, CEO Harald Fotland reaffirmed Odfjells commitment to sustainability, stating “Global warming is a fact, and in Odfjell we are determined to contribute our share to improve the situation”. He went on to emphasize the importance of collaboration and strong relationships in order to reach our objectives of a greener industry:
“We are beyond the point where we can improve solely on our own. We need constructive dialogues with each and every one of you on how to achieve even greener transportation of your products. My hope is that 2024 is the turning point and that going forward you will actively engage in such discussions.”
Fotland acknowledged the great efforts made by the BSD planning committee, ensuring that the Bergen Shipping Dinner could serve as a good platform for these discussions:
“Our various events have been planned for more than six months, and I am very happy to see that both today’s seminar and our various social events are all fully booked. The purpose of our events is partly to refresh relations and partly to discuss matters of common interest in a friendly atmosphere, and we are very glad to have you with us.”
The Bergen Shipping Dinner 2024 once again demonstrated the importance of collaboration, innovation, and community within the maritime industry. For Odfjell, the event was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and celebrate the progress and resilience of the company and the industry. As the curtains close on this year’s event, the anticipation for future gatherings and continued collaboration remains.
