As a part of the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2024, the Singapore-Norway Maritime Business Forum 2024 focused on maritime business opportunities and the development of the future workforce for the industry.
Organized by Team Norway in collaboration with key partners from both nations and with contributors from Odfjell, the forum aimed to build upon the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on maritime transport signed last year. It also emphasized the joint business opportunities for Singapore and Norway in the follow-up of the Bilateral Maritime MOU, the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy, and Green Voyage 2050
The event, graced by Singapore's Minister for Transport, Hong Tat Chee, and Norwegian Deputy Minister, Even Tronstad Sagebakken, commenced with a keynote speech by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, providing a comprehensive update on international maritime affairs.
Minister Chee underscored the robust partnership between Singapore and Norway, emphasizing a shared vision for the maritime industry, while Deputy Minister Sagebakken highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two nations in international fora.
A panel discussion moderated by Chief Negotiator for Green Shipping in the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, Sveinung Oftedal, shed light on the importance of international collaboration for maritime decarbonization, workforce development, and gender equality in the industry. Notably, among the panelists was Agnes Sulit Enesio, President of Odfjell Philippines, Inc. (OPI), contributing valuable insights to the discourse.
Ms. Sulit-Enesio elaborated on Odfjell's three main pillars of decarbonization, emphasizing fleet renewal, technical improvement, and operational enhancement. In addressing gender equality and workforce development, she emphasized the need for preparing for younger captains and Chief Engineers, with a shortened seagoing expectation. She stressed that female seafarers would greatly contribute to the marine industry and emphasized the importance of providing a conducive work environment, including safe maternity leave arrangements and adjusted sailing shifts.
In summary, the Singapore-Norway Maritime Business Forum served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, and strengthening ties between two maritime powerhouses. It reinforced the commitment to sustainable, secure, and technologically advanced maritime practices.
The One Ocean Week in Bergen was packed with exhibitions and sessions. Many Odfjell’ers attended, and on deck of Statsraad Lehmkuhl, VP Corporate IT Alena Pedersen joined with companies such as Grieg Maritime and Microsoft and shared her experiences with radical innovation, and what it takes to succeed:
“Technology innovation is not enough on its own; it has to be accompanied by a focus on people/the users and the way they work with technology.” Participants discussed how organizational culture can be both a hindrance and a support and concluded with a science fiction discussion about the future of maritime.
Last week, Alena also took part in a webinar focusing on security within satellite systems with Norma Cyber and Marlink. The webinar had more than 100 member representatives joining.
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) held its annual member meeting late April, bringing together over 230 members spanning the value chain of the shipping industry. Among the participants were CSO Øistein Jensen, Senior Claims Handler Kathinka Aksdal and Senior Advisor Corporate QHSE, Heike Beerbaum. Odfjell has been a member of MACN since 2013 and Øistein Jensen is currently serving on the board.
The conference focused on anti-corruption strategies, port state controls, ESG reporting, and how to leverage data to monitor and prevent corruption risk. The program also included testimonies from whistleblowers.
Jensen praised the courage and professionalism of the captains who shared their experiences and the initiatives taken by some port states to combat corruption and improve efficiency.
“These stories not only shed light on the challenges faced but also highlighted the bravery and integrity needed to stand against corruption,” Øistein said.
Øistein was leading a panel on ESG reporting and the challenges and opportunities related to increased reporting requirements. He also highlighted the importance of engaging with local authorities and civil society to create a level playing field and foster a culture of integrity through collective actions.
The importance of collective action against corruption in the shipping sector is the backbone of MACN. The meeting showcased MACN’s achievements and challenges, and underscored the essential role of collaboration and transparency to drive meaningful change on a global scale.
The meeting included several plenary and breakout sessions for industry segments such as tankers and containers, as well as country-specific sessions for Egypt, Argentina, and India, in which members shared their experiences and challenges operating in these countries.
“The commitment to eradicating corruption was palpable and inspiring throughout the event,” Øistein summarizes.
Odfjell had an impactful presence at the recent Hamburg Maritime Forum, a gathering that drew over 450 industry leaders and experts from around the globe. This two-day event in Hamburg provided a vital platform for discussions on the future of maritime industries, focusing on innovative solutions for climate change and the green transition.
Øistein Jensen represented Odfjell and engaged in several high-profile activities, among them a keynote presentation that offered insights into Odfjell’s strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Additionally, he joined forces with KPMG for a fireside chat that explored the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities within our industry. This discussion highlighted the critical areas where maritime sectors can evolve, emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainable practices in navigating future challenges.
A highlight of the forum was the prestigious Sustainable Shipowner Award presented to Odfjell.
