Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg has said the world’s oceans hold the key to addressing some of the planet’s major problems after her government made green shipping a cornerstone of its maritime policy.
Speaking at Nor-Shipping in Oslo today, Solberg said we are all living in uncertain times and facing uncertain challenges, from hunger and poverty to climate change.
“I believe many of the solutions to these challenges can be found in the ocean,” she said in her opening address at the biennial conference.
“From job creation to energy, heath and nutrition, the potential of the ocean is tremendous.
“At the same time, we will not be able to unleash the potential of the oceans if we fail to keep them clean.”
Solberg said Norway’s updated ocean strategy, presented yesterday, would focus on skills, value creation along the Norwegian coast and green shipping, and climate change.
“The maritime industry is undergoing rapid change,” she said.
“It has every opportunity to be at the forefront of new technology and development, and to become a key player in reducing emissions.
“More than 80% of the goods in global trade are transported by sea.
“Reducing the environmental burden from shipping will therefore also strengthen the role of shipping in trade.”
Norway is seeking to cut greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 50% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
“Our experience is investments in green shipping pay off,” she said. “These investments are not just good for the environment but also for employment and the economy.”
Noting Norway was already a leader in first and second-generation technology, Solberg said now was the time to start working on third and fourth-generation solutions.
“We will promote the introduction of low- and zero-emissions policy in all shipping segments,” she said.
"We are confident our pioneering policy will inspire similar policy in other countries."
Solberg concluded: “I hope we can all find inspiration in what parts of the maritime industry has achieved so far, and remember one thing: if you are looking at business models of the future, regulation will be tougher, especially on climate change, so you just have to start acting.”
Click here to keep up to date with TradeWinds' coverage of Nor-Shipping 2019.
