For six decades, Nor-Shipping has been at the heart of the global maritime and ocean industries, serving as a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and business growth. As the event marks its 60th anniversary in 2025, it’s clear its evolution is far from over. With an expanded international presence, a revamped conference programme, and a main theme of #future-proofing the industry, Nor-Shipping 2025 looks set to be bigger and better than ever.
Sidsel Norvik, Director of Nor-Shipping, gives us an exclusive look at what’s in store, how the event is adapting to an increasingly complex industry landscape, and why industry professionals from around the world should book their tickets for Norway this June.
Bigger, bolder, better
Nor-Shipping has never been an event to stand still. Each edition brings new features, fresh perspectives, and an expanded global reach. Norvik is particularly excited about how the 2025 programme is evolving to reflect the industry’s ever-changing needs.
“For the first time, we’re introducing a dedicated LNG event, the Ocean Invest finance conference, and one of the industry’s very first Seabed Minerals conferences,” she reveals. “These additions complement our established favourites, including the Ocean Leadership Conference, Blue Talks, and the International Ship Autonomy & Sustainability Conference, amongst others, alongside more recent initiatives such as The Nor-Shipping Hydrogen Conference and Offshore Wind Conference.
“I believe there’s nowhere quite like Nor-Shipping for this breadth of ocean business knowledge sharing.”
The exhibition itself is also seeing significant growth, with China and India hosting major national pavilions, while the overall floor space has been extended to accommodate increased international demand.
“This underscores Nor-Shipping’s position as a true global meeting place,” Norvik stresses. “We’re welcoming more international pavilions, visitors, and exhibitors than ever, ensuring attendees have access to the latest insights and innovations from across the world.”
Flying the flag for national pavilions
Norvik is keen to underscore the role national pavilions have to play. They are, she says, “more than just exhibition spaces.”. She emphasizes the fact that they serve as vital focal points for the different maritime markets they represent, providing both valuable networking and partnering opportunities, alongside a tangible sense of community for international visitors.
“Our feedback tells us that attendees from these regions really appreciate having a ‘home away from home’ where they can connect with their national clusters,” comments Norvik. “But beyond that, these pavilions offer visitors a direct insight into the innovations, products, and services that are shaping key maritime markets worldwide. “In this respect, they create a direct bridge for international collaboration and investment.”
Enabling tomorrow: The Startup Area and Ocean Campus
Innovation is central to the maritime industry, and to Nor-Shipping. As such, Norvik says giving new ideas and emerging talent a global stage is “crucial” to supporting future success. She notes: “The Startup Area is absolutely vital. It’s a space where small, agile companies—often working with limited budgets—can present their breakthrough ideas to a global audience.” She smiles: “The next big thing in ocean business could very well be discovered at Nor-Shipping 2025. That’s why I always encourage our visitors to spend time in the Startup Area.”
Beyond established players and startups, the future of the industry depends on talent. That’s where the Ocean Campus comes in—a dedicated space led by the World Maritime University and key educational institutions.
“Ocean Campus is all about fostering the next generation of maritime professionals,” Norvik explains. “With daily presentations and insights into cutting-edge training programmes, it’s a chance to see how education is evolving to meet the industry’s changing demands. We’re helping bridge the gap between academia and real-world maritime business.”. A new addition to this year’s programme is Career Port – a dedicated platform that directly connects companies with students and young professionals. This initiative enables businesses to showcase career opportunities within their organizations and engage with emerging talent. As Sidsel explains, ‘One of the most important investments we can make in creating a future-proof industry is recruiting the right talent, fostering innovation, and inspiring young people to explore careers within the field.
The social side
Although its business that often steals the spotlight at Nor-Shipping, it’s the people that make the magic. Thankfully, networking and socialising sits at the heart of this summer week in Oslo and Lillestrøm. “This year, we’re bringing together a broader range of industry segments and a more diverse international community than ever before,” Norvik says. “And that’s not just great for business—it’s great for fun!
“Our networking calendar is as full as our conference schedule.” This includes the ever-popular garden BBQ at DNV’s headquarters on Tuesday evening, a packed activity and venue plan all week at Aker Brygge in city centre Oslo, Nor-Shipping’s grand 60th anniversary party on Thursday night, and much more. “It’s going to be a week to remember!” Norvik smiles.
Empowering progress
With Nor-Shipping’s award scheme, the arrival of Career Port – “connecting aspiring maritime professionals and the companies looking to hire them”- the exciting Blue Talks programme, specialist Technical Seminars, a new Sailing Cup, and dedicated events for Brazil, Singapore and India, there’s almost too much to mention in one interview.
But despite the diverse line-up, Norvik concludes that all activity is united by clear goals and ambition. “We’re here to support business, enable opportunity and, in an unpredictable world, address challenges. “We bring together experts, innovators, and global business leaders to share insights and collaborate on practical, profitable, and sustainable solutions,” she states. “This isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a catalyst for industry progress.”
Experience the Nor-Shipping effect yourself at this year’s event, taking place 2-6 June in Oslo and Lillestrøm.
For further details please see Nor-Shipping
